How Much Do Roof Trusses Cost? [2026 Data]

In 2026, the national average cost for roof trusses is $16,500, though your total will depend on the type of trusses you need, your roof's square footage, and other project-specific factors. The average range runs $7,500 to $35,000, with labor costs for installation generally falling between $25 and $75 per hour.

Roof Truss Cost Factors: What Affects the Price?

Roof truss prices vary by location, size, and roof complexity. The sections below break down how each cost factor contributes to your final price.

Roof Truss Size

Roof truss materials cost $3.50 to $9.25 per linear foot of span, which works out to $70 to $190 for a 20-foot truss and $210 to $560 for a 60-foot truss. Trusses are typically spaced 24 inches apart, so you can estimate your total by dividing your home's length in feet by two and multiplying by the per-truss cost. Overhangs may require additional trusses, which adds to that total.

The table below compares average material costs per truss across five spans, from 20 to 60 feet:

Roof Truss Type

Roof truss costs range from $60 to $800 per truss, depending on type, with price driven mainly by how much lumber and how many ties the design requires. Simpler designs like King Post, Flat, Fink, and Mono trusses use less lumber and fewer ties, while more complex designs like cathedral, vaulted, and gambrel trusses run $100 to $700. Gable trusses have the widest range because they require more lumber and ties as the design increases in size.

The table below compares average costs per truss across 13 truss types, from the most affordable to the most expensive:

Building Type

The type of building you’re constructing directly affects your total roof truss cost, with new home trusses ranging from $7,500 to $35,000 and garage trusses running $3,500 to $9,000. Heavy roofing materials like concrete tiles, clay tiles, or slate, as well as solar panel installations, may prompt a structural engineer to recommend tighter truss spacing of 12 or 16 inches on-center rather than the standard 24 inches, increasing both material and labor costs. The table below shows how roof truss costs vary by building type:

Pitch of the Roof 

A steeper roof pitch increases truss costs because each truss requires more lumber, and steep roofs often need additional stabilization to handle heavier horizontal wind loads. Roof pitch is calculated by dividing the number of inches a roof rises vertically for every 12 inches it extends horizontally, with 6:12 being a common benchmark. If your pitch is significantly steeper than 6:12, talk to your contractor or truss manufacturer about how it will affect your final price.

Truss Material 

Roof trusses are made of either wood or steel, and the material you choose significantly affects cost and performance. Wood trusses are the standard choice for residential projects, priced at $60 to $500 per truss, but they are vulnerable to insects, extreme weather, and fire. Steel trusses cost $150 to $700 each and are more expensive partly because welding the components and lifting them with heavy machinery adds labor costs, but they resist mold, insects, warping, and fire far better than wood. 

Labor Cost

Labor to install roof trusses runs $25 to $75 per hour, though contractors working on new construction often charge $4 to $10 per square foot instead. Replacing trusses in a pre-existing structure adds a removal cost of $4 to $5 per square foot in addition to installation labor. Expect to pay toward the higher end of these ranges in urban areas, where labor costs are elevated compared to rural job sites.

Equipment

Lifting heavy roof trusses into place, especially on a second story or higher, often requires a crane, which costs $300 to $1,000 with an operator depending on how long the job takes. Most other equipment costs, including high-powered saws and ladders, are included in the total installation price. If you need to purchase ladders independently, budget $100 to $500.

Waste Removal

You may pay an extra $100 to $200 in waste disposal fees when laying down trusses over new construction, with prefab trusses being your least expensive option. The costs climb much higher when disposing of pre-existing trusses. Demolition costs $4 to $5 per square foot, and disposing of the old trusses costs anywhere from $300 to $1,800.

Weight Load

Roof trusses must support the weight of your roofing materials and insulation while meeting local snow-load requirements. Homes in high-snow regions may need bulkier truss designs or tighter spacing to provide adequate support. Accounting for heavy snow volumes or dense roofing materials like slate can increase truss construction costs by around 25%. Your roofer will be familiar with local load requirements and can advise on the right design for your climate.

Spacing

Most roof trusses are installed 24 inches on center, but buildings requiring greater structural stability may need trusses spaced at 16-inch or 12-inch intervals, which increases the total number of trusses and raises both material and labor costs. Tighter spacing at 16 inches adds roughly 50% to your truss costs, while 12-inch spacing can double them.

Why You Should Hire a Roofer

Roof trusses support the entire roof structure, and installing or replacing one affects load-bearing walls and structural stability. Improper installation can lead to sagging, shifting, and costly roof repairs in the future. By hiring a local roofing pro, you’ll know the job’s done right, protecting your roof’s strength now and in the future.

Here’s why it’s ideal to hire a roofing contractor 

Roofing stability and strength are not to be taken lightly, and here’s why you’ll want a pro to do the job:

• Roof truss experts confirm that your home’s truss design meets the load requirements for your climate and roofing specifications, including snow, attic storage, and solar panels.

• Roofing contractors know how to follow structural plans so the roof’s weight is evenly distributed. 

• They have the right heavy-lifting equipment and experience needed to correctly position trusses.

• They’re prepared to deal with hidden framing issues or damage that may be uncovered during the work.

• Roofers know how to fasten and brace trusses to prevent them from shifting or failing.

• Contractors can coordinate with engineers if your roof design needs modifications.

• They will ensure your roof’s sheathing and tie-downs are installed correctly.

How to Save on Roof Trusses 

Roof trusses can be quite expensive, but there are a few things you can do to keep costs down:

• Find the best company to work with. Contact at least three different companies and get estimates. Look at their reviews, read customer testimonials, and review their estimates before making a decision.

• Find a reliable manufacturer. Ensuring you have a reliable truss manufacturer will reduce the risk of broken trusses or misaligned components, which would require truss repair. Ultimately, you might pay a bit more for work from a good manufacturer, but you could save time and money in the long run.

• Choose your truss type carefully. Some truss designs are more involved and more expensive than others. If you’re building new construction, keep the design simple to keep your costs down, and forgo vaulted or cathedral ceilings or ornate roof designs.

• Use pre-fabricated trusses. Pre-fabricated trusses are likely more affordable than custom ones, even if it means paying more for delivery to the job site.

• Finish the interior yourself. Installing a roofing system isn’t a job suitable for DIYers, but you can save hundreds or even thousands on your total project costs by hanging drywall on the underside of your trusses and tackling other finishes, like spackle, paint, and trim.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

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