Oak Trusses
A visible oak truss does what no other structural element can do. It gives a room scale and weight without making it feel heavy. The eye is drawn upward, the space feels deliberate, and the building becomes about more than its function.
Every truss we make is hand-cut in our Mortehoe workshop. Mortice-and-tenon joints, oak pegs, no metal fastenings visible. The structural calculations come from our consulting engineer; the visual proportions come from over 25 years of getting it right.
Homeowners or architects with a vaulted roof or open ceiling where the structure should be a feature, not concealed.
Configurations and options
King Post Truss
Single central vertical post connecting tie-beam to apex. Traditional cottage and chapel style.
- Most economical traditional form
- Suits spans up to ~7m
- Common in barn conversions
Queen Post Truss
Twin vertical posts flanking the centre. Broader span and a more open central area.
- Suits spans 7-10m
- Opens up usable space in the loft zone
- Often used over open-plan rooms
Hammerbeam Truss
Exposed bracket detail, dramatic projection from the wall. Originally medieval; visually striking.
- The most decorative traditional form
- Reads as architectural feature
- Higher engineering complexity
Simple Collar Truss
Horizontal collar between rafters. The cleanest, simplest profile.
- Modern minimal reading
- Quick to install
- Pairs well with contemporary interiors
Bespoke Designs
To architect's specification, scissor trusses, asymmetric forms, specialist sections.
- Full design collaboration
- Structural engineering included
- One-off detailing in our workshop
What we use
Green Oak
Most-used. European-sourced, mortice-and-tenon jointed, oak-pegged. Will silver and check naturally.
Seasoned Oak
Air- or kiln-dried before manufacture. More dimensionally stable, less movement post-install. Premium option.
Oak Pegs
Tapered oak pegs draw the joints tight as they shrink. No metal fastenings visible.
Typical pricing
From £4,000 per truss
Subject to specification and site conditions.
Currently quoting
Spring 2027
Lead times updated quarterly.
Examples of our oak trusses
Genuine examples, all our own work.
What we don’t do
We do not laminate, glue, or bolt our trusses. Every joint is cut and pegged the traditional way. It takes longer. It's worth it.
Things people ask us
Do your trusses come with structural certification?
Yes. Every truss is sized and detailed by our consulting structural engineer, with full calculations issued before manufacture. The certification is part of what you receive at handover.
Can a truss be installed in an existing building?
Often, yes, particularly in barn conversions, loft conversions, and renovations where the existing roof structure is being opened up. We need access for craning or hand-raising, and the supporting walls assessed for the new loads.
How much will the oak move and check after installation?
Green oak shrinks and checks (small surface splits) as it dries, this is expected and structural integrity is unaffected. Movement settles within 2-3 years. Seasoned oak moves less but is more expensive.
What finish do you recommend?
Most clients leave the oak untreated and let it age naturally. A wax oil retains some of the gold colour and can be applied annually if you want to slow the silvering. Stains and varnishes are available but rarely look as good as the raw timber.
What are typical lead times?
Single bespoke trusses are usually 6-10 weeks from order to delivery. Sets of trusses for a new build run in parallel with frame manufacture and align with the site programme.
How does an oak truss compare to a glulam beam?
Glulam is engineered, predictable, and cheaper for long spans. Oak is structurally honest, ages beautifully, and is the right choice when the truss is meant to be seen. We will give a frank view on which suits your project before quoting.
Thinking about a project?
Tell us what you have in mind. We aim to respond within one working day.