Engineered & Premade Porch Roof Trusses
If you are building a porch, you may want to consider using engineered roof trusses. These preassembled trusses can be specially designed and ordered for your porch project. To get a quote, you can contact your local lumber yard. They will usually need a plan for the deck or room the roof will be covering. You need to specify the pitch and if you want scissor trusses for a vaulted ceiling or common trusses, and if you need a gable end truss. Roof trusses are generally designed to be installed 16” on center. The advantage is that you will save time in building the roof and can ensure the roof is properly designed. The disadvantage is that trusses are heavy to lift and more expensive than hand framing the rafters yourself. Roof trusses are heavy, large and awkward to carry especially from the tops of ladders. A professional deck crew can save some time and money by installing engineered trusses, but it is hard work. Keep in mind that many house roof trusses are installed with the help of an overhead crane.
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Explore Articles by Topic

Footings
Information related to installing frost footings for decks

Framing
Learn structural framing methods

Decking
Learn about wood and composite decking materials

Stairs
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Railings
How to install guardrails and handrails to meet IRC code

Features
An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights

Design
The basics of deck design

Planning
Learn about permits and working with contractors

Porches & Patios
Build a covered deck to enjoy all seasons

Ledger
Proper attachment techniques

Care
Maintain your deck to maintain your investment

Materials
An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights
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6 Best Alternatives to Wooden Decking
While wood decking was previously considered the standard material for building a deck, that’s changed. Homeowners have been exploring and embracing different types of materials, and the availability of alternative decking materials has grown significantly.
Explore Articles by Topic

Footings
Information related to installing frost footings for decks

Framing
Learn structural framing methods

Decking
Learn about wood and composite decking materials

Stairs
An in-depth look at the complex issue of how to build stairs

Railings
How to install guardrails and handrails to meet IRC code

Features
An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights

Design
The basics of deck design

Planning
Learn about permits and working with contractors

Porches & Patios
Build a covered deck to enjoy all seasons

Ledger
Proper attachment techniques

Care
Maintain your deck to maintain your investment

Materials
An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights