← Glossary
Roof trusses

Cathedral truss

A cathedral truss creates a high, vaulted ceiling, with the bottom chord following the roof slope for all or part of its length.

Also known as cathedral truss, cathedral ceiling truss, vaulted ceiling truss, vault truss

The ceiling rises towards the ridge in a steep slope, giving the open, high room known as a cathedral ceiling. Compared with a scissor truss, the ceiling slope is often steeper and closer to the roof pitch, sometimes with a short flat section at the top.

Usage differs between regions and manufacturers: some call scissor trusses cathedral trusses, and in Québec the name can also be used for trusses with a cambered bottom chord.

Related terms
Scissor trussA scissor truss has a sloping bottom chord, so the ceiling underneath can follow the roof and form a vaulted room. Coffered trussA coffered (tray) truss has a bottom chord that slopes up at the sides and runs flat in the middle, creating a raised tray ceiling. Cambered trussA cambered truss has a bottom chord that is slightly raised in the middle, giving a little extra ceiling height and a gently sloped ceiling.
From term to production line

Talk to Randek

Building this at scale? Tell us what you produce and we’ll point you to the right system.

Talk to your team Back to the glossary
Talk to your team