The most common type of truss used in homes today is the

• A. King post truss.
• B. Queen post truss.
• C. W-truss (Fink).
• D. Coffin truss.

Answer: (C)

Think about how a roof carries loads: a truss uses many triangles because triangles hold shape and transfer forces efficiently. The W-truss, known as the Fink truss, uses multiple web members arranged in a W shape. This creates lots of small triangles along the span, which distributes the roof load from the ridge down to the walls very effectively. The top chord works mainly in compression while the bottom chord handles tension, and the angled webs help transfer forces between chords with minimal material. That combination makes long spans possible with less lumber, keeps attic space usable, and suits mass production and installation on typical homes. Because of its efficiency, versatility for common roof sizes, and ease of manufacturing, it became the standard choice for residential roofs. Simpler designs like king post or queen post are better for shorter spans, and coffin trusses are used less often in standard houses.