LIntel Beams and Header Beams: Your Guide to Structural Confidence
Let’s talk lintels. No, not lentils, lintels!
If you’ve landed here, you may be feeling a bit overwhelmed by the ideal of a major structural modification to your home. Maybe you’re considering a renovation, adding a new door or window, or tackling a structural repair. Don’t worry—you’re in the right place. At Yellow Weld, we specialize in custom metal solutions, and we’re here to guide you through the process from start to finish.
When it comes to structural work on your home, failure is not an option. Together, we’ll ensure your project is rock-solid, stress-free, and exactly what you envisioned.
Before we go too far, let’s talk a little about language. Structural beams go by a variety of names depending on who you’re talking to - engineers, designers, tradespeople, and construction professionals all have their own lingo. This can be confusing, so here are just a few of the terms you may encounter:
Lintel Beam
Header Beam
Support Beam
Load-Bearing Beam
Structural Header
Steel Angle Beam
No matter what you call them, these beams all serve a similar purpose: they support the weight above openings like doors, windows, fireplaces, basement spans, garage doors, or large spans in walls. They can be decorative, or both decorative and structural. They can be referred to as “beams” in beam and block slabs, or ribs in rib block slabs. 1
The word lintel comes “from Old French lintel "threshold" (13c., Modern French linteau), a word of uncertain origin, probably a variant of lintier, from Vulgar Latin *limitalis "threshold," or a similar unrecorded word.” 7 Just in case you, like our creative director, were curious about what the word means.
Now that we’ve got some nomenclature out of the way, and you’re truly looking for information on lintel beams, let's talk more about their purpose and why you may or may not need one.
Lintel Beams
So, let’s get this out of the way first: all lintels are beams, but not all beams are lintels. What does this mean exactly? Lintels are a very specific type of beam. Merritt and Ricketts (Authors of Building Design and Construction Handbook) define a beam as
“the horizontal members used to support vertically applied loads. In a more general sense, they are structural components that external loads tend to bend or curve.”
While a lintel is a “horizontal member used to support masonry over windows, doors, and other openings in a wall.” 2 Basically, both are beams, but lintels are a beam with a specific purpose and location. Even more specifically: the lintel carries the load of the wall above the openings/door/window and transfers it to the walls only.
HEader Beams
You may have noticed that Lintel Beams most specifically refer to beams that support masonry along an exterior wall of a home or building. A header beam is a more flexible term that covers similar beams used in wood-framed construction that support loads that are not necessarily masonry related. These beams commonly support the weight of the roof or floor, or any heavy structure above them. These two types of beams are referenced interchangeably with some, but they may mean different things to different people, so it is useful to know the difference.
Common Applications for Lintel and Header Beams
Now that we’ve trudged through the language and the semantics, at last we can talk more about what types of applications may require one of these beams. Here are some of the most common situations where these beams play a crucial role:
Supporting new doorways, windows, or arches during remodeling
Reinforcing existing openings in older homes
Installing bay windows or patio doors
Expanding spaces by removing load-bearing walls
Adding structural support for garage doors or shop entrances
Securing foundations for brick or masonry walls
Supporting rooftop decks or cantilevered extensions
Repairing or replacing beams compromised by rust, rot, or structural damage
Did you know?
Our team produces beams like this here in Columbus, Ohio? We can deliver, install, or ship your beams to wherever they are needed. For more information about our service, pricing, and timeline, please visit our Lintel Beam services page.
Extra Credit Reading
Commonly Used Materials for Lintels
More often than not, your choice of material will come almost exclusively down to looks. Lintels were historically made of timber and used to support a brick framework. This is not always the case, but it’s where you’ll see them most often. As previously stated, lintels are either: moving the load to the walls, and therefore don’t require the intense loads necessary to be choosy with materials, or are solely for aesthetic purposes. If you have a rotting or damaged timber lintel, it can be very dangerous if left in place. With all that boring stuff behind us, let’s talk aesthetics! Here are some commonly found materials used in the construction of lintel beams:
Wood Lintel
You’ve definitely seen this type of lintel in a farm style house, or in some old buildings. As previously stated, lintels have been historically made from dense, hard wood timber. In non ideal conditions, or a fire, these can be damaged, and cause structural failure above windows and especially doorways. Despite this, timber is a completely suitable material for a lintel, but it’s better if it’s visible and you can keep tabs on it in case of water or termite damage.
Steel Lintel
Typically you won’t see a steel lintel because it’ll be behind the brickwork or finish work. Exposed beams can provide a more industrial look. Going with a steel lintel may be more costly than some of the other materials listed, however their capacity to support weight makes them a clear winner for high loads and long spans. Beams come in a wide variety of sizes and strengths to suit your needs.
Brick Lintel
These types of lintels aren’t the strongest but are suitable for light loads. A certain type of brick must be used, and they are put into place with the use of temporary timber framing. If you’re looking for something purely for looks, and like the brick, this could be a suitable option.
Concrete Lintel
These types of lintel are precast concrete or large stone slabs. They offer both pleasing looks and good structural support for all your lintel needs. Stone/cast concrete is a very specific look though, and may not be a good fit for the style of your home.
In closing
Consulting with an architect or engineer is a key step, whether you are servicing an existing home, or building a new one. Your contractor may be able to facilitate these needs for you, or would know who to put you in touch with. Structural work can sound scary, but working with a knowledgeable partner can make all the difference.
Works Cited
Merritt, Frederick S. Building Design and Construction Handbook. Knovel, 2002.
