Why A Truss?

     The Wood Truss Council of America, in cooperation with the Building Systems Council of NAHB, sponsored the 'Framing the American Dream' TM project to better understand wood framing. It was the first time two identical house plans were completely framed using two different methods; one stick built and the other with wood trusses and wall panels.

Here's what the project taught us:

Construction Cost Comparison	Prefabricated Components	Stick Frame	Savings
Jobsite Man Hours	148	401	253
@ $20/hour	$3,460	$8,020	$4,560
Board Feet of Lumber	15,1000	20,400	5,300
Total Cost of Lumber and Components	$14,457	$12,928	($1,529)
Jobsite Waste	4 yards	17 yards	13 yards
$15/yard plus man-hour	$100	$425	$325
Total Framing Cost for 2,600sq house	$18,017	$21,373	$3,356
Prefabricated Components Relative Savings 16%
Source: Wood Truss Council of America, 1996