A 20 ft roof truss typically costs $100-$300 for the truss alone, or about $250-$600 per truss with delivery and installation. The 20 ft roof truss price depends on truss design, lumber grade, roof pitch, local labor, engineering requirements, and how many units the project needs.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prefabricated 20 ft truss | $100 | $200 | $300 | Standard wood design, before installation |
| Installed truss | $250 | $400 | $600 | Per truss, including typical setting labor |
| Small roof package | $2,500 | $4,500 | $7,000 | About 10-12 trusses, delivery and setting |
| Engineered or specialty truss | $250 | $400 | $700 | Per truss, depending on design and loads |
What a 20 ft truss costs before and after installation
A standard, factory-built wood truss spanning 20 ft generally costs $100-$300 each before delivery. A straightforward project with normal access may bring the installed rate to $250-$600 per truss, including placement and fastening. These figures assume a common residential roof, standard lumber, and no unusual structural requirements.
For a roof using 10-12 trusses, the trusses alone may total $1,000-$3,600. Including delivery and installation, a planning budget of $2,500-$7,000 is more realistic. For an ordinary 20 ft span, budget around $200 per truss for the unit and $400 per installed truss.
Assumptions: U.S. midrange pricing, standard wood trusses, typical access, and no major roof tear-off or structural redesign.
How lumber, delivery, and setting labor shape the quote
Quotes may bundle several expenses or list them separately. Comparing line items helps reveal whether a low unit price excludes crane time, delivery, or installation. The ranges below are typical planning figures, not fixed national rates.
| Quote component | Typical range | Pricing basis | What changes it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Truss materials | $100-$300 | Per standard truss | Design, lumber grade, and load rating |
| Delivery | $150-$600 | Per local order | Distance, quantity, and truck access |
| Setting labor | $75-$150 | Per crew hour | Crew size and roof access |
| Crane or lifting equipment | $300-$1,000 | Per project | Reach, setup, and time on site |
| Engineering or drawings | $200-$800 | Per project | Local review and design complexity |
Some suppliers include engineering documents in the truss price, while others charge separately. Verify whether the quote includes hardware, bracing, unloading, taxes, and disposal of old materials. A complete installed quote is more useful than a per-truss price without delivery and labor.
Why roof pitch and snow load can raise the 20 ft price
Span alone does not determine the design. A basic roof pitch around 4:12 may cost less than a steep 10:12 design because longer members and different bracing may be needed. Vaulted ceilings, attic storage, and unusual overhangs can also require a specialized truss rather than a standard profile.
Local design loads matter. In areas with heavy snow, high winds, or seismic requirements, plans may call for stronger lumber, closer spacing, or additional connectors. A 20 ft truss designed for storage or a ceiling load can cost 20%-60% more than a basic truss. Ask the supplier to price the actual pitch, spacing, and required roof loads—not just the span.
Changes in spacing also affect quantity: trusses placed 16 in. apart require more units than those placed 24 in. apart along the same roof length. The building plans and local code determine allowable spacing and design.
How many crew hours does installation usually take
For an accessible, prepared roof on a small building, a three- or four-person crew may set 10-12 trusses in about 4-8 hours. Difficult access, uneven bearing walls, wind delays, or a crane setup can extend the job to a full day or longer. Labor commonly works out to $75-$150 per crew hour, although contractors may quote a project rate instead.
For example, 6 crew hours at $100 per hour equals $600 in setting labor, before equipment or delivery. Confirm whether the hourly rate is for the whole crew or each worker, since that difference can substantially change the estimate.
Three 20 ft truss quotes for different roof scopes
A simple comparison shows why installed totals vary even when each truss spans 20 ft. These examples assume local delivery and typical U.S. labor; difficult sites or special engineering can add expense.
| Project example | Scope and labor | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|
| Detached shed | 8 standard trusses at $125 each; 4 crew hours at $90 per hour; $200 delivery | $1,560 |
| Garage roof | 12 standard trusses at $200 each; 6 crew hours at $120 per hour; $350 delivery and lift | $3,470 |
| Steep roof with higher loads | 12 engineered trusses at $400 each; 8 crew hours at $140 per hour; $800 equipment and delivery | $6,720 |
The totals exclude roofing, sheathing, tear-off, and framing repairs. Check that each bid covers the same number of trusses, design requirements, equipment, and installation scope.
Regional delivery and labor differences on truss orders
Prices in major metro areas or regions with high construction demand may run about 10%-25% above a midrange estimate. Rural projects can have lower labor rates but higher delivery charges when the truss plant is far away. Remote sites may add 15%-40% to delivery or equipment charges if access requires extra trips or specialized unloading.
Seasonal workload can also affect scheduling and rates. During busy building months, suppliers and crews may have limited availability; a rush order can carry a fee or require premium freight. Compare delivered quotes from nearby suppliers, not just the listed price per truss.
Ways to control the 20 ft truss budget
Keep the roof design and truss count stable before ordering. Late changes to pitch, spacing, ceiling plans, or load requirements can trigger redraw fees, restocking charges, or a replacement order. Provide accurate measurements and current plans so the supplier can quote the correct design the first time.
Compare standard designs with specialty options, but do not remove required bracing, connectors, or engineering to lower the bid. Ask whether a larger order reduces delivery cost per truss, and coordinate unloading so the crew and equipment are ready on arrival. Save money through clear scope and efficient delivery rather than reducing structural specifications.
If replacing an existing roof, have the bearing walls and framing checked before ordering. A repair may be feasible when damage is limited, but a truss with significant structural damage generally needs professional evaluation. Bundling removal and installation can simplify scheduling, though separate line items make it easier to compare quotes.