A ridge post — also called a king post or crown post — is a vertical timber member standing at the center of a roof truss that supports the ridge beam. The king post connects the ridge to the tie beam below and is a fundamental component of traditional timber roof construction.
> Note: This is a structural building term. An estate agent/realtor (Dutch: “makelaar”) is an entirely different profession.
Function of the Ridge Post
The ridge post carries the weight of the ridge and distributes it to:
- The tie beam — the horizontal timber at the base of the truss
- The roof truss — the full triangular frame of the roof
Without a ridge post, the ridge could sag under load (snow, roofing materials).
Ridge Post vs. Other Roof Components
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| **King post** | Vertical central post at the ridge |
| **Ridge beam** | Horizontal beam along the ridge |
| **Rafters** | Sloping timbers forming the roof surface |
| **Tie beam** | Horizontal base beam of the truss |
| **Straining beam / collar** | Horizontal brace connecting two rafters |
| **Queen post** | Two vertical posts either side of center (alternative to king post) |
Checking a Ridge Post When Buying a Property
A sagging or rotten king post is a serious structural problem. Check:
1. Is the post vertical? (use a spirit level)
2. Is the timber dry and free of rot?
3. Are the connections to the tie beam and ridge still secure?
Repair costs for a damaged king post: £/€ 500–2,500 depending on accessibility and extent of damage.
> More guides and building plans: fredsdiyplans.com
Related Terms
- Roof truss — the triangular structural roof unit
- Purlin — horizontal beams supporting the rafters
- Ridge — the highest point of the roof