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Using a steel frame may raise the value of your home. Steel is more heat resistant, has better longevity, and doesn’t need any upkeep compared to traditional wood. You can also customize a steel build a little easier than other materials like brick, concrete, and vinyl—which have trouble bending and adapting to renovations.

The difference between a lintel and a beam is what loads each is responsible for supporting. A lintel is a type of beam that is responsible only for supporting the load above an opening, such as a window or door, and transfers the weight to the side walls around an opening. A beam supports the slab and transfers the load to nearby columns, which then disperse the load to the ground.

Steel I-beams are an increasingly popular choice for supporting a structure because they support a large amount of weight with a small profile and without the need for load-bearing walls or supports underneath. This allows for more open floor plans, which most people tend to prefer. They also resist fire, pests, and rot and last for the lifetime of your home.

A steel beam is stronger than a wood beam and requires fewer vertical supports underneath, which means it’s a better option for larger structures or if you want an open space under your home that doesn’t have posts as obstructions. However, steel I-beams cost more than wood ones, and they can be difficult to install retroactively, as getting them into the basement area can be challenging, if not impossible.