Structural Wood Components

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Tupelo Pavilion: Multi-ply Truss with Cupola Profile on top       view project > Navasota Residence: King Post with Southern Yellow Pine       view project > Saltgrass Steakhouse: Multi-ply King Post with Western Red Cedar       view project > Extreme Makeover: Home Edition: Multi-ply King Post       view project > Bender's Landing Residence: Arched Truss with Douglas Fir       view project > Carlton Woods Country Club: Arched Truss with Western Red Cedar       view project > Dayton Community Center and Library: Multi-ply, Alternating Layer Trusses       view project > Salvation Army Texas Pavilion: Scissor Truss with Douglas Fir Glulams       view project > Zedler Mill Pavilion: Howe Truss with Douglas Fir       view project > Angelo State Residence Hall: King Post with Southern Yellow Pine       view project >
Home / Knowledge Base: Trusses / External Plate & Bolting

External Plate & Bolting

External plating and bolting is the most economical way to join truss members. Gusset plates and bolts are required for all Structural trusses (except Multi-ply or Embedded Tensioner Trusses) and most Decorative trusses. Most of our trusses are constructed with externally placed, 1/4-inch, A36 gusset plates. The plates are custom-shaped by our designer to coincide with the members of the truss using our in-house CAD system. Plate thickness may increase for larger trusses to 3/8” or 1/2” thicknesses. Bolt sizing may vary according to truss proportions, but we normally utilize 3/4-inch bolting.

Our designer produces a CAD file that is downloaded to our shop’s Plasma Cutter, where the plates are cut from sheets of steel. Plate is most frequently painted with a general purpose alkyd-based, black paint. Galvanized gusset plates and fabrications can be supplied for exterior applications at the customer’s request. The galvanized finish can be left as-is or painted over-coated with the standard black paint described above. Powder coating in a variety of colors and finishes is also available. If special circumstances require it, higher strength or stainless steel plate can be supplied.

Learn more about hidden plates >

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17919 Kickapoo Road
Waller, Texas 77484

888-SWC-WOOD
281-259-0668

M&M Lumber logo
P.O. Box 35420
Houston, Texas 77235

713-433-6483



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