Most people don’t give greenhouse trusses a second thought. They’re just a part of the roof, after all. But in retail greenhouses, the right truss design can take your space from forgettable to attention-grabbing.

That’s why style matters as much as strength. 

Truss Styles That Catch the Eye

In retail greenhouses, overhead space is prime real estate, with signs, banners, hanging baskets, and equipment all competing for space.

But pack too much into a low-roof structure, and you risk creating a cave-like atmosphere that turns off shoppers. Tall, high-roof greenhouses solve the problem by giving customers room to breathe and shop comfortably.

Specialty greenhouse trusses also help create an open, airy feel by giving the illusion of a cathedral-style or vaulted ceiling.

The lift of the roofline draws the eye upward. Shoppers look up and see height, light, and openness, which makes the space feel larger.

Different truss styles offer their own combination of strength and style. Just keep in mind that specialty trusses cost more than standard designs:  

Clear-view Trusses

Truss webbing (the cross-bracing between the truss upper/top chord and truss lower/bottom chord can add distracting visual static when shoppers view a retail greenhouse from the outside.

Clear-view trusses used on the endwalls create a cleaner aesthetic because their webbing aligns with the glazing bars. The result is a high-end, polished storefront and an unobstructed view into the greenhouse interior.

Scissor Trusses

This high-clearance truss creates cathedral-style ceilings with ample clearance for equipment and hanging baskets.

The bottom chords angle upwards on both sides, meeting in the middle to create an inverted V-shape for a nice bit of architectural flair. The only limitation is reduced clearance near the sidewalls.

Curved Bottom Chord Trusses

With their arched shape, these trusses add a classic European vibe to retail stores. The rounded or bowed bottom chord provides lots of overhead room in the center of the greenhouse while adding a touch of elegance.

Ladder Trusses

Lightweight but strong, ladder trusses are budget-friendly and great for spanning large areas. They work well as a stylish support for open-sided flat shade structures that shield shoppers and plants from the sun.

For extra impact, try adding some eye-popping color to your trusses with powder-coating. And remember, it’s not just what’s overhead that counts. Retail success also depends on how you use the space below.

Free Up Floor Space

In addition to overhead room, retail greenhouses need every inch of floor space they can get to accommodate nice, wide aisles for maneuvering carts and plenty of display space for plants and products.

You can free up floor space in several ways:

• Clear span and under-gutter trusses reduce the number of columns by carrying the overhead load across greater distances. 
• Post-eliminator beams allow you to remove center columns for spans up to 20 to 36 feet. They’re handy for places where you don’t want a post getting in the way, such as near a connecting doorway or in heavy traffic areas.

• Retail-friendly interior sidewall x-bracing: Interior sidewall x-bracing doesn’t extend from the top of the posts down to the bottom of the posts. It only goes down to a minimum of 6’-9’ above the finished floor. This allows precious square footage to be used as you see fit for shoppable space, displays, aisles, etc. 
  
  X-bracing also adds rigidity to the greenhouse frame, which provides added strength if you live in a windy area.

Keep This in Mind When Choosing Greenhouse Trusses

Sure, appearance counts when choosing the right truss for your retail greenhouse, but other considerations come into play as well:

• Environment: Snow, wind, and seismic activity all affect load requirements
• Span dimensions: Larger open spaces require sturdier, more intricate trusses.
• Clearance: Truss shape impacts vertical space for hanging baskets and equipment.
• Covering material: Your truss must be compatible with the type of covering/glazing you want to use in terms of strength to bear the load.
• Budget: Specialty trusses cost more upfront than standard options, but don’t all pretty things cost a little more?  

Designing with greenhouse trusses for retail is a balance of function and flair. Yes, the numbers matter—load, span, clearance, cost—but so does the impression you leave on shoppers.

The best way to see that balance in action is to see how others are doing it.

Real-World Inspiration

Specialty trusses aren’t just talk. Retailers are putting them to work. See how some of the retailers we’ve worked with have used them to define their look.

Bottom Line

When used creatively, greenhouse trusses can be one of your best architectural assets to kick the look and feel of your store up a notch. They add personality, make the space unforgettable, and help create the atmosphere for a great shopping experience.

Shoppers notice more than you think. Give them a retail greenhouse worth seeing, one they won’t want to leave. We can help!