Floor Trusses vs. Floor Joists:  A Cost Breakdown Comparison

Many wood truss manufacturers in San Diego manufacture not only roof truss products but also floor trusses.  Builders searching for “Wood Truss Manufacturers Near Me” or “truss builders near me” may not be searching only for roofing products but flooring products as well.  The growing popularity of floor truss systems, as opposed to the standard I-joist system, is easily explained when you examine the advantages of trusses versus the cost increase.  While it is true that floor trusses are initially more expensive than building standard floor joists, the benefits of a truss system far outweigh the increase in cost and may, in fact, ultimately save you money.

The True Cost of Truss vs. Joist

It is undeniable that truss products are initially more expensive than traditional floor joists.  However, this cost may hide a few facts that can change the overall picture of which is the better investment:

  • Floor trusses require less material than floor joists.  Most floor trusses are built to exact specifications and use the smallest amount of material possible.  Because they are so light and strong, they require far less material to build, and fewer trusses can serve in the place of a large number of floor joists.  Trusses are, without a doubt, much stronger than similar I-joists, so using trusses means that builders will save a great deal overall on material costs.
  • Floor trusses require less labor than floor joists.  One of the biggest savings builders make when choosing floor trusses over joists is in labor.  When you consider purchasing, hauling, handling, cutting and assembling floor joists, the time and effort it takes to build them usually far outweighs the cost associated with floor trusses.  By ordering prefabricated trusses, builders save hours of labor and guarantee that their products will be built correctly and delivered on time, virtually eliminating waste and possible delays in building.
  • Floor trusses require less modification than floor joists.  Floor trusses are often customized at the factory for various applications such as HVAC, plumbing and electrical wiring.  Because they are so easy to build to unique specifications, floor trusses are often ordered for large, custom jobs; however, these same benefits can be applied to buildings of any size and type.  By using custom-built floor trusses, builders can avoid the problem of having to alter existing floor joists or try to build them to difficult specifications, and instead have the truss manufacturer take care of all the problems at the factory.  Once the floor trusses are installed, all the other trades can do their work with no problem!

At Stone Truss, we have been providing the very best in truss roof systems in San Diego for many years.  Our quality products are built to last, and we stand behind our materials and workmanship.  Our talented professionals can help you design the right truss solutions for your needs for both roofing and flooring applications.  Give us a call today to discuss your next building project, and see what Stone Truss can do for you!

Factors That Affect Truss Cost

Purchasing from truss manufacturers in San Diego is a great way for builders to save money on construction projects, which is probably why truss roofing has soared in popularity in the past fifty years.  While most Roof Truss Manufacturers in San Diego can save builders money, it is important to remember that there are several factors that go into how much roofing will cost.  Not all trusses will save the same percentage on each job compared to stick-built rafters due to the complexity of the roofing project.

Factors That Can Impact Truss Cost

There are several factors that can impact roof truss costs.  Furthermore, these factors do not affect truss cost equally.  Below are a few of these factors and their relative impact on the overall cost of roof trusses.

  • Size.  Obviously, the bigger a truss is, the more material is required and the more it will ultimately cost.  However, a bigger truss does not necessarily equate to a huge increase in price; in many cases, a difference of a few feet does not mean that the trusses will increase greatly in cost.  Generally speaking, trusses become more expensive when they reach very long lengths that require special setups to produce.
  • Type.  The type of truss you order has a bigger impact on cost than its size, in most cases.  It takes much more time, setup and material to produce certain types of trusses, so those will cost more.  Scissor trusses and trusses with built-in attic space tend to cost more than typical king or queen trusses; in some cases, the cost for these types of specialty trusses can be twice as much as a comparably sized “average” truss.
  • Material.  Using higher-quality lumber, framing screws or nails and metal plates will increase the price of trusses over the cost of using materials of lesser quality.  However, this may be a case where spending a bit more is well worth the cost.  Low-quality materials in trusses can translate to problems down the road that may cost a great deal to repair.  In general, high-quality truss material translates into better building and safer structures, even if the trusses are a bit pricier.
  • New construction or renovation.  Renovations can actually be more expensive in terms of roofing than new construction with prefabricated trusses.  This is because renovation or repair often requires removing existing roofing and disposing of the waste which can increase the cost of labor and overhead.  By ordering prefabricated trusses to be delivered on demand, builders cut out both waste removal costs and labor expenses.

Stone Truss has been a leading roof truss company in San Diego for decades.  We offer our clients unparalleled service and support and deliver quality goods on time as ordered.  Our trusses are well-built and can save you money on your next building project.  Our just-in-time delivery allows you to order trusses and have them on hand when you need them, building a timeline that works for your projects.  Give us a call today to discuss your plans and learn how Stone Truss can help you cut your building costs with pre-made, reliable, sturdy truss construction.

Roofing 101:  Roofing Choices:  Which Style Is Right For You?

Many builders searching for a “truss company near me” are examining truss roofing for economic reasons.  What they may not realize is that trusses also offer a wide range of styles to suit any architectural needs as well!  In fact, purchasing Roof or Floor Trusses in San Diego is not only a way to save money, but also to create beautiful architectural elements in any building.

How Trusses Lend Style To Roofing

At its heart, a roofing truss is a fairly simple structure.  An outer frame contains members or chords that deflect force and allow for very strong roofs which are also lightweight and flexible, standing up well to all types of weather and stresses.

However, the traditional idea of trusses as being boring triangles is long gone!  Trusses are manufactured today in every imaginable shape and size.  Trusses can be created for roofs of any pitch or length and add beauty as well as durability to a building project.

Some of the possibilities for truss roofing include:

  • Gable styles.  The traditional gable shape is the most popular truss style, but that does not mean that it has to be boring!  Instead, gables can be created in all sorts of styles, from closed to open, and from nearly flat angles to steep pitches that accommodate dormers and even built-in living space beneath them.
  • Hip styles.  The hip roof is another common type of truss that allows builders to create soaring rooflines with trusses.  Hip styles are common in both newer and retro architecture, as they lend a large, flat plane to be dressed up with smaller bumpouts, lending interest to the overall roofline.
  • Flat styles.  In California in particular, the modern look of a flat roofline is very common.  While no flat roof is truly “flat,” requiring a certain pitch to drain water, trusses can be made to mimic the appearance of the mid-century modern flat roof that will hold up well, no matter what the weather.
  • Other styles.  Mansard roofs, barn roofs, and even specialty roofs can all be built with trusses.  Custom truss orders allow builders to be as creative as their clients wish, creating a unique roofline that fits the family’s style and budget.

Clearly, truss roofing offers a number of options to change the style of a home without changing the structural integrity and function trusses bring to the job.  By using truss roofing, builders are able to deliver not only well-built, sturdy projects but also beautiful ones with variety to their clients!

As one of the leading roof trusses manufacturers in San Diego for many years, Stone Truss has a reputation for quality products at fair prices.  Our professionals will help you to choose the right trusses for any need, from commercial to residential properties.  We stand behind our company’s products and guarantee well-built, reliable trusses made to your specifications.  Give us a call today to discuss your next construction project–no matter what size!

Why Can’t I Just Build My Own Roof Trusses?

    If you are searching for a Roof Truss Company in San Diego, it is probably because you have decided that using trusses will save you money and time on your building project.  It may also be because the idea of creating a rafter roof without the requisite knowledge or skill is a daunting prospect.  You want a strong, sturdy and beautiful roof and you understand that trusses are one of the easiest ways to achieve that goal.

    There are a small group of builders, however, who wonder why they should not just build their own truss roofing onsite and install it.  After all, once you have a template for a truss, it is simply a matter of reproducing it, right?  This is often a very bad plan, for a number of reasons.

    • Truss manufacturers use the latest technology to cut and assemble truss members precisely.  It is very difficult, if not impossible, to reproduce what truss manufacturers do in the field.  In fact, one of the biggest reasons truss manufacturers invest thousands of dollars in the latest equipment is because of the tremendous increase in strength, flexibility and accuracy provided by computer-driven cutting machines.  There is simply no comparison between a recently manufactured truss and one created thirty years ago, much less one assembled in the field with regular building tools.
    • Building trusses won’t save you much money.  A huge attraction in using truss roofing is the fact that you save money by building with trusses.  In many cases, you can save up to 50 percent of the cost over framing your own rafters.  However, those savings quickly evaporate if you must take time to buy the material, haul it to the site, cut it, assemble it, and install it.  Much of the savings of trusses comes from the fact that truss manufacturers have the power of producing millions of trusses each year and can therefore keep overhead low.  Utilizing the power of a truss manufacturer will almost always save you more than trying to build your own rafters.
    • Trusses built on site produce massive waste.  When you order trusses delivered to your job site, you are ordering more than just a product.  You are giving yourself more time and less waste and cleanup.  When you build your own rafters, you are going to produce a good amount of waste that, besides costing you money, is going to have to be disposed of.  In many areas, disposal costs have skyrocketed, making this an expensive proposition even before you factor in the time to clean up and dispose of the waste.

    Ordering from roof truss manufacturers in San Diego does not have to be time-consuming or expensive.  Stone Truss, one of the leading truss manufacturers in San Diego, can help you choose the right trusses for your job.  We will manufacture your trusses and deliver them on-site and on-demand, saving you time and money.  Give us a call today to see how we can help you!

    What are MITEK Connector Plates?

    All wood truss manufacturers in San Diego use metal connector plates to join the members of their trusses.  However, it is important for any builder to answer a different question:  which of the wood truss manufacturers near me use the highest quality materials?  Using the best materials results in the best final products, so looking for companies that create truss roof systems in San Diego should not focus solely on price, but instead consider all aspects of the manufacturing process.  This is especially true when considering how durable and reliable a truss product is; after all, you want your roof and floor to last for many years to come!

    MITEK Connector Plates–Quality and Durability

    MITEK connector plates are the world’s leading choice for truss connectors.  The company manufactures a wide range of products that consistently outperform competitors and keep builders returning for more.  MITEK has been in business for years and understands what is needed for Strong Truss Construction.  The company is a leader in the industry for several good reasons:

    • Wide variety of product choices.  MITEK offers more choices than almost any other manufacturer to ensure that builders have the right fasteners and connectors for any job. When it comes to building trusses, MITEK offers a range of materials and sizes to fit any type of truss, including both steel and stainless.  The company also produces specialty connectors such as t-plates and bevel plates in addition to regular truss plates.  With such a selection, any builder can find what is needed for almost any job.
    • Multiple manufacturing streams.  In this time of supply chain issues and shortages, it is good to know that MITEK offers products from multiple manufacturing venues and shipping lanes.  Because MITEK does not rely on a single manufacturer or location to ship connectors, the company can often keep up with demand better than other manufacturers.
    • Quality products that last.  Most importantly, MITEK products stand the test of time.  Because they are manufactured with strong, durable materials, these connectors do not fail over time.  Dependability is a hallmark of MITEK connectors, and it is one of the many reasons builders continue to choose these truss connectors year after year.

    Whether you are building roof or floor trusses, the connectors you use are important.  If you are supplying trusses to builders for use in homes and businesses, it is even more important to be sure that you always choose the very best components for your trusses to ensure that your customers receive well-built products that will deliver beautiful results.

    Finding “Truss Builders Near Me” in San Diego is easy when you choose Stone Truss.  For many years, Stone Truss has been helping San Diego homeowners and builders choose quality products at reasonable prices.  With our fast, friendly service and guaranteed floor and roof trusses, you can make at least one aspect of your building project easier!  Give Stone Truss a call today to learn more about how we can help you with your next home, office or business construction job.

    Truss Roofing Delivers Stronger Results

    Truss roofing has long been known for its affordability, but what about the quality of the final product?  In many cases, “cheaper” means “lower quality,” but not with truss roofing.  In fact, working with a Roof Truss Company in San Diego may be one of the few ways a builder can not only save money but actually deliver a better, sturdier home to the client than with other methods.

    Many roof truss manufacturers in San Diego work with builders who are concerned with having the best style of roofing for a particular home, but sometimes they overlook the obvious:  trusses are actually stronger than stick-built rafters in many cases.  Here are a few reasons trusses are a better option:

    • Trusses are stronger due to construction methods.  Stick built rafters are built one at a time and are cut, placed and tied together by hand.  This means that there are multiple opportunities for error.  However, trusses take the guesswork out of building, since they are manufactured and delivered to the site ready to install.  This means shorter installation time as well as less chance of mistakes when installing.
    • Trusses are stronger due to materials.  Trusses are built from lightweight, sturdy materials such as pine, spruce or fir.  They are not only lighter than many rafter materials but they are very flexible.  This means that they will give a little when stress is put on them, allowing forces to deflect without harming the structure.  For this reason, trusses are a great choice in areas where there are high winds or violent storms; they often hold up better under adverse weather conditions than many other types of roofing.
    • Trusses are stronger due to design.  By design, a truss is built to break up the forces that act on the roof of a building and move them in different directions.  Due to their design, trusses utilize the many cross members that are part of their shape to deflect load from above as well as stresses from the sides.  This design makes for a sturdy framework that can withstand tremendous force without breaking or cracking.  By contrast, rafters must take all the force on the length of each piece.  This can mean twisting or breaking over time or with unexpected, sudden jolts.  Trusses are better built to withstand these types of stresses and can provide a strong and sturdy framework that will last for many years.

    If you are looking at Truss Manufacturers in San Diego to help with your next build, talk to Stone Truss today.  For decades, we have been one of the leading wood truss manufacturers in San Diego, and we are ready to help you find the right truss solutions for your roofing jobs at a price that keeps you within your budget.  We will help you choose the right trusses for your job to give your client a roof that will not only provide beauty but will also last for years to come.  Give us a call today to learn more about how we can help you build smarter and stronger!

    Why Roof Trusses Are A Better Choice When Material Costs Are High

    There is no doubt that building material costs have risen significantly over the past year.  In fact, it is not an exaggeration to say that choosing materials and methods wisely can mean the difference between an affordable building project and one that goes over budget.  Roof Truss Manufacturers in San Diego understand how important these decisions are, and are eager to help builders find affordable solutions for their building materials cost issues.

    How Do Roof Trusses Save Money on Material Costs?

    It seems strange to some builders that they can cut their roofing costs so significantly by dealing with truss manufacturers in San Diego, but the truth is that trusses can cut as much as half the cost of a roofing project when compared to stick-built raftering.  Trusses cut costs for roofers in several ways:

    • Savings on materials.  Trusses are created from high-quality materials, but the process involves not only bulk purchases of wood and metal connectors but also bulk manufacturing.  This allows truss manufacturers to offer these wooden trusses at a much lower price than if the builder bought the materials.  Further, because trusses are manufactured at the plant and delivered to the job site, builders do not have to worry about waste, which makes up a significant portion of the cost of roofing construction.  There is no waste with trusses for the builder to absorb in terms of material costs; this alone can save a significant sum on any construction project.
    • Savings on labor.  Because trusses can be easily installed by very few people, builders are often able to get a job finished with half or less of the number of workers needed for a traditional roofing job.  While installing trusses does take skill, it is easy to learn compared to traditional rafter roofing, meaning that builders also spend less time training their workforce when they use trusses.
    • Savings on time.  One of the most significant impacts that truss roofing has on building costs is in time savings.  Because trusses can be installed so much quicker and more easily than rafters, builders are able to finish their projects more quickly.  This can mean significant savings on construction loan costs as well as quicker sales for the builder who uses truss roofing.  Many builders are able to expand their production and put more money in their own pockets when they can speed up the construction process through the use of truss roofing.

    Stone Truss has been one of the leading wood truss manufacturers in San Diego for many years.  Our company offers builders a chance to save money but still obtain high-quality roofing and flooring products for their clients.  By cutting costs on roofing and flooring, builders can ease the strain on their building budgets and deliver finished products to their customers at a time when building material costs continue to skyrocket.  Give Stone Truss a call today to learn more about how we can help you manage increasing costs and still give your clients the homes and businesses they want.  We want to help you expand your construction business and succeed, even in the challenging current climate of high materials costs!

    Truss Roofing Never Goes Out of Style

    Many people assume that roof trusses offer only the same boring, gable-based roofline so prevalent in “cookie cutter” developments.  They believe that using trusses limits their ability to create inventive, architecturally interesting roof lines and give their homes or businesses incredible curb appeal.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  Trusses made from a reliable, professional Roof Truss Company in San Diego can be crafted in almost any style imaginable, and can give homeowners plenty of options when designing their dream homes. 

    How Many Designs Can I Make With Trusses?

    The sky is the limit when it comes to designing with truss roofing.  Instead of limiting your building designs, trusses actually make almost any type of roofing possible and often lower costs over custom built rafters.  Here are a few examples of designs you can make with truss roofing:

    • Traditional gables with dormers.  Many homeowners like the look of dormers rather than a full second story to their houses, which tends to give the home a “boxy” look.  Using roof trusses with a steep pitch, second-floor roofing with doghouse or shed dormers are easy to build and add great curb appeal to homes.  You can even design smaller trusses for the dormers themselves!
    • Gambrel or “barn” roofs.  Gambrel roofs are often chosen not only for their curb appeal but because they are so easy to customize into maximum livable space on a top floor.  Because of this, the “barn” roof look has remained a favorite for builders.  However, the style is not easy to stick-build, so builders often turn to prefabricated trusses to quickly put up these tall, peaked roof styles.
    • Chalet or “A-frame.”  The Chalet roof has an incredibly high peak and steep slope, and is popular in northern areas with lots of snow.  That doesn’t stop southern Californians from enjoying this style as well, however!  With prefabricated trusses, even the highest roof peaks and steepest slopes become easy to construct. 
    • Hip roofs.  Hip roofs are one of the most common styles, featured on styles such as French Country and Farmhouse.  However, like most styles, hip roofs are much easier to assemble using truss construction.  With a small crew, massive hip roofs can be installed quickly and safely using truss construction.  Hip roofing is often used for “mini roof” designs, in which a home has many multi-level roofs.  This style can lead to increased building costs, but it is much easier to keep those costs under control by using truss roofing applications.

    Of course, not all roof truss manufacturers in San Diego are willing to design and build incredible truss options for customers, but a truly professional organization like Stone Truss will work with clients to be sure they get what they want.  As one of the leading truss manufacturers in San Diego for decades, Stone Truss has helped thousands of homeowners design, build and enjoy beautiful homes with truss roofing.  Call today to learn more about how we can help you build the home of your dreams with sturdy, quality-built roof trusses.

    How Roof and Floor Trusses Save Builders Money

    There are several ways that wood truss manufacturers in San Diego save builder’s time and space, but did you know they also save you money?  When a builder searches for “wood truss manufacturers near me” or “Truss Builders Near Me,” he or she may be searching for convenience without realizing how cost-effective truss building can be.

    How Roof and Floor Trusses Save Money

    Your budget is always a primary concern, whether you are building a residential home or construction for commercial purposes.  When you can save money on your roofing and flooring, you make it easier to stay on budget and improve your bottom line.  Truss building applications do this very well in a number of ways:

    • Truss roofing and flooring save money on material costs.  Materials are very expensive, and having less waste is one way to save significant amounts of money on your construction job.  With truss roofing and flooring, you do not have to worry about overages or waste of products because all of the manufacturingis done off-site.  Your trusses are delivered when requested, saving you the job of purchasing, hauling, storing and handling the materials.  This can add up to significant savings over the life of a project.
    • Truss roofing and flooring save money on design.  Your construction team is busy, and having to design, measure and install stick-built rafters or floor joists simply takes up more of their time.  With truss roofing and flooring, your workers are free to install the roof or floor then move on to another job, saving time and money.  Further, you can afford to have your highly-skilled workers on other parts of your job, since truss installation is so easy.  With minimal help, a few workers can quickly install an entire floor or roof with no problem.
    • Truss roofing and flooring save money compared to rafters and joists.  When you add up all the costs associated with stick building, it can quickly become a large sum.  Trusses are a one-time investment with a clear price tag, so there are no surprises.  With truss roofing and flooring, you get the best of both worlds:  quality construction and ease of installation that adds up to significant savings on your building budget. 

    With truss roofing and flooring, you are going to save money, build for less, and build more quickly.  What better reasons could there be to invest in truss systems for all of your building projects?

    At Stone Truss, we have built a reputation as one of the best manufacturers of any truss roof system  in San Diego.  This reputation is built not only on hard work but also on our commitment to our clients.  We promise professional service, quality products, fast delivery and support throughout the truss building process.  With Stone Truss, you know that you are getting the very best in roofing and flooring truss products.  Give us a call today to speak with one of our professionals about your building needs, and let Stone Truss take care of the rest!

    Should I Invest In Flooring Trusses?

    While many builders are aware of the benefits of working with a good roof truss company in San Diego, fewer are aware of the benefits of using floor trusses, as well.  Because floor trusses are less widely-used than roof trusses, some roof truss manufacturers in San Diego do not produce them or do not focus their attention on promoting them.  However, there are many benefits to floor trusses that Truss Manufacturers in San Diego can promote to their customers. 

    How Floor Trusses Save You Time and Money

    When you are building a home or office, you already know that many factors can eat into your budget of money and time.  For example, waiting for materials to arrive, then waiting for skilled labor to install rafters or floor joists properly, can cost you weeks of delay.  Fortunately, using floor trusses can save you time and money in much the same way that roof trusses do.

    Floor trusses are manufactured in a similar manner to roof trusses though, of course, they are not triangular in shape.  Instead, floor trusses rely on a system of t-framing to spread floor load across a much wider area.  Floor trusses, when properly designed and manufactured, can support tremendous loads, especially when compared to traditional floor joists.

    However, the real benefit of floor trusses is in how much time and money the builder can save when compared to stick-building a flooring system.  Because floor trusses are manufactured at a plant and delivered on-demand to your building site, they give you a much better final floor in a fraction of the time it would take to build floor joists.

    A builder can take a delivery of floor trusses and install them, in many cases, in the same day.  This means that walls and other major stages of building can go up much faster.  Faster building means less cost, ultimately, particularly if you are using a construction loan to finance your building.  When time is important, floor trusses can help you meet your goals.

    Additionally, floor trusses often cost less overall than building flooring joists.  This is because floor trusses do not involve the wasted materials that inevitably accompany stick building.  Because floor trusses are built off-site, the manufacturer absorbs any waste costs; you pay only for what you need. 

    Ultimately, using floor truss systems can save you time and money on your building project and help you meet your deadlines.

    As one of the premier Wood Truss Manufacturers in San Diego, Stone Truss has spent many years creating truss systems for our clients that are durable and affordable.  As a leader in truss manufacturing, we take our obligations to our clients seriously, and our professionals are always ready to help you design the right truss solutions for your roofing or flooring needs.  Give us a call today to learn how we can help you find the right trusses for your roofs and floors, and save yourself time and money in the bargain!

    Design a site like this with WordPress.com
    Get started