Heavy Timber Trusses: What Wood to Use and Where to Find Them

For centuries, heavy timber trusses have been the backbone of architectural design, supporting roofs and massive structures with strength and elegance. 

While it’s one of the oldest ways of building a structure, wooden trusses haven’t lost their touch in the modern construction world.  

Whether enhancing the rustic charm of a restaurant or adding grandeur to wedding venues, timber trusses continue to be a popular option for designers and builders.

Heavy Timber Construction

Heavy timber construction is a traditional building technique that uses large, rugged beams and can be connected by classic mortise-and-tenon joinery. However, most modern buildings use modern galvanized steel joinery to get the job done.

These impressive timbers remain exposed in the finished structure, showcasing the traditional build style while also looking dang good.

Why Choose Heavy Timber Construction?

Resilience: Heavy timber structures are built to last, often standing strong for generations with minimal maintenance.

Structural Integrity: Timber has a unique ability to char rather than burn in a fire, meaning heavy timber buildings are more likely to retain their structural integrity in such events, offering an extra layer of safety.

Heavy Timber construction is also called heavy timber framing as well. These two terms are interchangeable and refer to the same method of construction. 

Ridge Beam vs Truss

When deciding between a ridge beam and a truss for roof support, it's essential to understand the key differences in terms of structure, flexibility, and functionality.

Ridge Beam
A ridge beam is a structural component that supports the peak of the roof. It’s used in traditional roof framing with rafters, which are sloped wooden beams that extend from the ridge beam down to the exterior walls. 

Ridge beams are ideal when creating vaulted ceilings or open, expansive interior spaces since the rafters attach to the beam without additional horizontal framing members. 

This option provides flexibility in terms of design, making it easier to create unique spaces, add attic areas, or even convert attics into living spaces. Ridge beams are especially suited for custom builds and projects requiring more design freedom.

However, ridge beam framing, which relies on rafters, can be more labor-intensive and expensive, as the framing is done on-site. 

This process can take more time and require skilled labor to execute correctly. If you're building on a challenging or remote site, the versatility of ridge beams and rafters is a significant advantage, as they are custom-fitted on location, without the need for prefabrication.

Trusses

Roof trusses are prefabricated, triangular structures often assembled off-site and delivered ready for installation. 

They distribute weight through a webbed pattern that spans a wide distance, offering excellent structural support and cost-effectiveness. Trusses are faster to install, making them an efficient choice for projects where time and budget are concerns.

Trusses excel in their ability to cover larger spans (up to 60 feet), making them ideal for wide, open areas like commercial buildings or large homes. 

However, their prefabrication means they are less flexible in terms of design. Once installed, trusses offer little room for modifications or future changes like converting attic space or creating vaulted ceilings. 

Additionally, trusses may require crane or boom lift equipment for installation, which can add to costs, especially if the build site is remote or difficult to access.

Choosing Between Ridge Beams and Trusses
If your project prioritizes design flexibility, vaulted ceilings, or future attic conversions, a ridge beam with rafters is the better choice. For those focused on speed, budget, and structural efficiency, trusses offer a quicker solution. 

Plus, you can do a heavy timber truss, which has a “stand out” look you can’t get with a ridge beam and rafters.

What Wood is Used for Roofing Beams

Some woods, like cedar and cypress, resist moisture and decay, making them ideal for wet climates. Hardwoods like oak excel in areas with heavy snowfall or strong winds due to their density.

Wood prices vary. Premium woods like redwood are durable but costly, while affordable options like pine or fir may require more maintenance.

Hardwoods like oak are extremely durable, while softwoods like pine are more prone to warping. Naturally rot-resistant woods like cedar offer long-lasting value with minimal upkeep.

Cedar and fir generally need less maintenance, while woods like pine and redwood may require regular sealing or staining for longevity.

Cedar is prized for its beauty and variety of finishes, while redwood offers a rich, appealing color. Appearance plays a key role in complementing the overall design.

Common Types of Wood for Roofing Beams

• Cedar: Lightweight, rot-resistant, and visually appealing, cedar is ideal for wet climates, though it may require periodic staining.
• Redwood: Durable and decay-resistant, redwood thrives in damp environments but is more expensive and less widely available.
• Pine: Affordable but less durable, pine is prone to warping, making it less suitable for long-term roofing applications.
• Cypress: Known for its water and decay resistance, cypress performs well in humid climates but can be pricier.
• Fir: Durable and cost-effective, fir offers good strength and resistance to decay, making it a reliable choice for roofing.
• Spruce: Lightweight and easy to shape, spruce is suited for unique roof designs but may lack durability in extreme weather.
• Oak: Strong and durable, oak is ideal for harsh conditions with heavy wind or snow, though it comes at a higher cost.

Cedar is a popular choice for its balance of beauty, durability, and resistance to decay. Fir and cypress are great alternatives for those prioritizing cost and weather resistance. Ultimately, the best wood depends on the specific needs of your project and environment.

You can always call us at (800) 920-0642 to get our expert opinion on what wood would be best suited for your climate and project. 

Where to Find Heavy Timber Beams

Finding a supplier for heavy timber can be difficult. There are very few outfits in the US that carry enough heavy timber to get a full job done. 

However, that’s exactly what we do here at Northern Log Supply. We're more than just a lumber mill—we're a family-owned operation based in Mayville, Michigan, with a passion for quality wood and craftsmanship. We proudly ship our premium pine and cedar products all across the U.S., cutting out the middleman to bring you top-tier materials at unbeatable prices.

From the moment we harvest the timber to the day it arrives at your site, we oversee every step of the process. 

Our skilled team carefully saws, dries, mills, and pre-finishes each piece of wood to your exact specifications. Every board is inspected by hand to ensure it meets our high standards before it becomes part of your project.

Whether you're looking for paneling, log siding, trusses, barn wood siding, or custom wood products, we've got you covered. 

Our wood comes straight from Michigan’s forests and is designed for easy installation, with options to have it pre-finished or pre-stained, saving you both time and money.

4 Reasons People Love Heavy Timber Trusses

1. FLEXIBLE DESIGN OPTIONS

Timber trusses come in a variety of styles (we’ll explore those below), but their real magic is in how easily they blend with other structural elements. Whether paired with glulam or steel beams or connected to additional trusses, their versatility allows for expansive, open spaces that designers love. Plus, walls can be shifted without ever compromising the building’s integrity.

2. COST-EFFECTIVE & SUSTAINABLE

Timber doesn’t just look good—it’s a sustainable, renewable resource that plays a key role in eco-friendly construction. The lower energy required for processing reduces both air and water pollution. Most trusses are built off-site, ready for quick installation without heavy equipment, which means lower costs and a smaller environmental footprint.

3. BUILT FOR ENERGY SAVINGS

When it comes to insulation, timber outperforms many other materials like steel or aluminum. Its natural density provides excellent thermal properties, which helps keep heating and cooling costs down in the long run. It’s an energy-efficient choice that pays off year after year.

4. LIMITLESS AESTHETIC POTENTIAL

From different wood types to countless stains and truss designs, timber opens the door to endless creative possibilities. This flexibility allows architects to craft truly distinctive looks, turning any building into a unique statement. In the commercial sector, some brands even use timber to reinforce their identity, creating spaces as iconic as their logos.

6 Types of Heavy Timber Trusses

Truss designs generally fall into two main categories: open and closed. Closed trusses feature a tie beam, meaning the roof framing is hidden, while open trusses break up the tie beam to create vaulted ceilings or expose the roof’s structure for a more dramatic effect.

At Northern Log Supply, we collaborate with you at every step of your truss project, from selecting the perfect wood to choosing a design and finalizing pre-finishing and staining options. Truss design is a critical part of the process, so let’s explore the key styles we specialize in:

1. King Post Truss — This closed design, often called a turkey track truss, is simple, efficient, and budget-friendly. It features two principal rafters, a tie beam, a central vertical post, and two struts, making it a clean, classic choice.
2. Queen Post Truss — Similar to the King Post, this closed design uses two vertical posts instead of one, allowing it to span larger openings. It's a great option when you need more structural support without sacrificing style.
3. Multiple King Post Truss — A blend of King and Queen Post designs, this hybrid uses diagonal beams between panels for added support and a more intricate appearance.
4. Arch Bottom Truss — An open design that mimics the King Post, but with a curved or arched bottom beam for more visual flair and extra space. This style adds both elegance and impact to any room.
5. Scissor Truss — Also known as a vaulted ceiling truss, this open design is prized for its striking aesthetic. Two bottom beams cross each other, meeting the angled top beams to form an inverted V-shape, much like a pair of scissors in motion.
6. Hammer Beam Truss — In this standout open design, a series of short beams—known as hammer beams—extend from the walls to span the room. Additional posts rest on top to support the rafters, creating a highly decorative and architecturally impressive look.

Each design offers its own blend of practicality and beauty, and we’re here to help you find the perfect match for your project.

As you start to build your log cabin or home, or commercial project, we can offer assistance with installation.