Truss Types

Floor trusses can be designed to sit on either their bottom chord or their top chord (below).

Figure: Truss Types
Floor trusses typically have either wood or metal webs. Bottom-chord-bearing trusses (left) sit atop a wall plate or sill like a standard floor joist. Top-chord-bearing trusses (right) hang from the top plate.
Floor trusses typically have either wood or metal webs. Bottom-chord-bearing trusses (left) sit atop a wall plate or sill like a standard floor joist. Top-chord-bearing trusses (right) hang from the top plate.

Caution: Loose Plates

Connector plates should be centered over the joint and firmly embedded in the wood. Never refasten a loose plate: The bond cannot be restored once it’s been broken.

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