King post truss

A central post carries the ridge, struts walk the load down to the walls.

The king post is the oldest trick in the book: one vertical post at the peak, running from the ridge down to the tie beam, with two struts kicking the load out to the walls.

How it works

king post   central, carries the ridge
struts      pair, walk the load down to the tie beam
tie beam    resists the roof's outward push
span        up to ~24 ft without center support

When to use it

Barns, chapels, and any room with a simple gable you want to keep light and open. The triangle is unbeatable for stiffness per pound of oak.