If you’re looking for a way to bring style and interest to your home’s vaulted ceilings, decorative trusses are a great choice. These triangular frames can be made from either real or faux wood beams. With the lumber shortages, and the rising cost of labor, faux wood trusses are an affordable and convenient solution.
How Much Do Wood Trusses Cost?
The cost of installing real wood trusses in your home depends on the square footage, truss design and required labor. Functional trusses, which create and support the roofline of a home, can cost between $7,000 and $12,000 for a 2,000-square-foot home. Decorative trusses can be installed much more affordably.
Factors to consider when estimating the cost of your project include:
- Labor: Because of the anchoring requirements and weight of real wood, you should hire professionals to safely install the trusses. Rates differ by region, so you’ll need to research professionals in your area. A rough estimate is about $20 per hour, per worker.
- Materials: Trussing materials can cost anywhere between $3 and $4.50 per square foot; again, this varies depending on where you live and what type of wood you choose.
- Equipment: Real wood trusses are heavy, and installation requires specialty equipment, such as scaffolding.
- Disposal: Wood scraps, spare nails and adhesives all need to be properly disposed of, which can cost up to $45 per foot of wood.
- Maintenance: You should also consider future maintenance costs. Real wood can crack, fade and fall victim to pests, so repair and possible replacement costs should be included in your estimates.
The Benefits of Faux Wood Trusses
Due to the expense, installation requirements and maintenance costs of real wood trusses, many homeowners are choosing faux wood trusses. These beams are cast from realistic molds, and are hand-painted to mimic the appearance and texture of real wood. But unlike real wood, which can only be installed in certain areas due to its weight, lightweight faux trusses can be installed anywhere you’d like — giving you more creative freedom and control over your vision.
Faux wood trusses are DIY-friendly- shipped as components and assembled onsite, which reduces shipping cost. Installation doesn’t require any special tools or skilled labor. Because you don’t have to worry about factoring in labor costs or equipment rental, they are a much more affordable option. Plus, once installed, durable faux trusses won’t require any maintenance. They are resistant to cracking, fading and pests.
Faux wood has grown in popularity thanks to its impressive appearance, ease of use and affordability. If you’re hoping to get the most out of your design budget without compromising on quality, faux wood trusses are a smart choice.
Choosing the Right Truss for Your Home
Trusses are made up of three parts: the bottom cord, which is a horizontal beam; the rafter beams; and the webbing, which acts as a brace within the triangle.
This basic shape can be customized with different webbing designs. One of the most popular is the king post, with a single vertical beam in the center of the truss. When choosing the design you’d like to feature in your home, consider the style you’re hoping to achieve. If you want to draw attention to your vaulted ceiling, an intricate fan design is an effective choice. If, however, you’re looking for a design that complements the rest of the room, without taking attention away from other elements, a simple king post design is a good choice.
One of the major benefits of faux wood is that you can customize the color and texture, so it’s easy to create a design that works with your home’s existing trim. Dark shades bring a formal, elegant look to your home, while lighter options can promote an airy, breezy feel. You can even add a ridge beam along the trusses to give the appearance of higher ceilings.
While trusses are designed for vaulted ceilings, you can also add them to your home’s exterior for an impressive look. Faux wood trusses are weather-resistant, so they’re a great choice for your entryway or finishing accent to a gable roof. Adding a Faux Wood Truss can increase your curb appeal; simply choose one that works well with your home’s existing design and color scheme.
Compared to the cost, expense and hassle of real wood, decorative faux wood trusses are a smart choice for homeowners who want to increase their home’s value and refresh its design. The forgiving nature of faux wood means you can have fun trying a new look without the anxiety of sinking your entire renovation budget into one project. Faux wood makes it easy to update your home and enjoy the results for years to come.
