How to install decorative timber truss brackets
Dry-fit, mark, drill, fasten. Two sets per truss.
Decorative brackets. These plates are not engineered or rated to carry load. Build and connect your truss so it stands on its own first. Then the brackets go on for looks.
What you'll need
- The bracket set(s): two per truss, one for each face.
- Your own fasteners. We don't sell hardware. Match them to the hole size you chose: 3/8" for about 5/16" lag screws, 7/16" for about 3/8" lag screws or bolts, 9/16" for about 1/2" lag screws or bolts.
- Drill with a bit sized for your lag's pilot hole (or a bit the bolt diameter for through-bolts), socket driver, clamps, level, pencil.
- If finishing: degreaser, and clear coat, oil or paint rated for outdoor metal.
Steps
- Finish first if you can. Raw steel is easier to clean and paint on the bench than on the frame. See finishing raw steel.
- Dry-fit. Lay the plates on one face of the assembled truss and check the angles match your pitch and the plates sit flat.
- Clamp and mark. Clamp each plate in place, check it with a level, and mark every hole.
- Drill pilot holes. Drill square to the face. For lag screws, use the pilot size your lag maker lists for your wood species. For through-bolts, drill clean through and repeat on the other face.
- Fasten. Snug lags by hand or at low speed so you don't strip the wood. With through-bolts, the plates on both faces share the bolts; use washers under nuts.
- Repeat on the other face with the second set.
- Touch up any scratches in your finish.
Lags or through-bolts?
Through-bolts look cleaner when both faces have plates, and they let both sets share the same holes. Lags are simpler where you can only reach one side. Either way, choose fasteners for your timber and conditions; ask your builder if unsure.
Measure before you order
Check your timber's real size: see the size guide. Check your pitch: see pitch to angle.