The use of steel structural support beams is typically in conjunction with other support structures. Listed below are other construction costs related to steel beam installation.
Expect to pay between $1,270 and $4,950 to install a basement support beam for the first time (such as during a new home construction). If you need to replace a basement beam, you could pay anywhere from $6,500 to $25,000, but less complex jobs won’t cost more than $10,000.
Steel columns usually range from $50 to $100 for just the column. They’re often seen in basements as a permanent fixture but are sometimes in place for support (e.g., when removing a load-bearing wall).
Steel girders are a type of structural beam and cost between $6 and $20 per foot, not including installation. While often considered the same thing as a steel beam, girders are typically larger than your average beam and provide horizontal support.
The average cost of replacing a support beam in a home’s living space or basement is $6,500 to $25,000 or more. Replacing a beam in a crawl space will likely cost between $1,500 and $4,000, and the average cost to repair or clean a crawl space is about $6,000. These beams are typically smaller and don’t bear as much weight, making them easier to replace.
Note that because steel beams are so durable, you might never need to replace them. A properly installed beam can easily last 200 years or more. Other materials (such as wood) don’t last nearly as long.
Replacing a load-bearing wall with a steel beam and a support structure to create an open-floor plan costs $4,000 to $10,000 on average and is often part of a large home remodeling project. Removing a load-bearing wall costs $1,200 to $3,000 for a single-story home. You’ll also need wall and ceiling finishing after the steel beam installation.
Steel structural beams are available in different shapes. They’re all considered I-beams, but they each get their name based on the design and which letter the shape resembles.
I-beams are the standard for structural support steel beams. They consist of two parallel pieces that sandwich a perpendicular piece between them to create a structural unit that’s often installed horizontally for load-bearing support. There are several other names for variations of I-beams. The most common variables are H-beams and S-beams. Standard I-beams can span up to 20 feet.
H-beams are also called W-beams. They lack any sort of tapered flange at the top and base, thus resembling the letter "H" when laid on its side. H-beams are generally wider than I-beams and are much heavier. Because they’re stronger, H-beams can bear weight at longer lengths of up to 330 feet.
S-beams, also known as junior beams, are notable for their tapered flanges at the top and base, which supply greater strength at lighter densities. Ideally, this mix works well for smaller buildings where the structural support to the wall doesn’t need to be as strong. S-beams are usually available in lengths up to 100 feet.
Steel beams require professional sizing and installation. This is not a DIY project because you’re dealing with structural engineering. An engineer should size your beams and ensure that the placement is correct for both inspection and security purposes. Contact a residential structural engineer near you for a quote.
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