Why should I pick steel for my new support beam?

• <div><p>You should pick steel for your new support beam for a few reasons. While steel is more expensive than other materials, such as laminated veneer lumber or glulam, it offers the following benefits:</p><ul><li><p>Fire-resistant</p></li><li><p>Unaffected by pests</p></li><li><p>Longer-lasting</p></li><li><p>Stronger against water damage (when galvanized against rust)</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

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Q: Do welders need to be licensed or certified?

• <div><p>Some states require welders to be licensed and certified, while others don&rsquo;t. However, it&rsquo;s always a good idea to hire a licensed welder, regardless of requirements in your area, especially if you need welding for structural components of your home or gas lines. Licensed welders have gone through training and testing to prove their skills, so they&rsquo;re less likely to make a mistake that could be detrimental to your home. Use Angi&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.angi.com/angi-license-check.htm">state licensing tool</a> to determine whether your potential hire has a welding license.</p></div>

Q: What factors affect fabrication costs?

• <div><p>Costs depend on material type, labor, design complexity, finishing requirements, and installation needs.</p></div>

Q: Why are they called Lally columns?

• <div><p>Lally columns are named after their founder, John Lally, who owned a construction company in the 1800s. He invented the columns as a means of providing temporary support for beams and rafters in homes his company was renovating. The original Lally columns were also made of steel, although the inventory used a thicker gauge metal, which provided additional support for larger projects and long-term structural solutions.</p></div>

Q: Do I need an LVL beam?

• <div><p>Beams made out of traditional lumber can often only span 8 to 12 feet without requiring vertical supports, so if you want a wider opening to create a more open floor plan, you might need an LVL beam. LVL beams can span up to around 30 feet without the need for load-bearing walls or vertical supports underneath, making them a better option for keeping your home as open and airy as possible. </p></div>

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CANTU'S FABRICATION & WELDING SERVICES

5.00(

)

•Approved Pro

CANTU'S FABRICATION & WELDING SERVICES

5.00(

)

•Approved Pro

46 local quotes requested

11 years of experience

We take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality and customer service, that we provide to meet the consumer's needs. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship, and complete customer satisfaction, from start to completion of a project. In order to understand the needs and expectations of our customers, we take great care to work and communicate, with every customer in a professional manner. Our reputation is based on service, safety and quality, regardless of how large, or small the job. Call us today!

"Carlos and his crew were very professional and friendly. They went above and beyond for my custom wrought iron gate and walk through gate on my driveway, as well as the wrought iron fence between myself and the neighbor and along the sidewalk in front of my lawn. I couldn't be happier with the way it all turned out! "

Lisa D on August 2025

"Carlos and his crew were very professional and friendly. They went above and beyond for my custom wrought iron gate and walk through gate on my driveway, as well as the wrought iron fence between myself and the neighbor and along the sidewalk in front of my lawn. I couldn't be happier with the way it all turned out! "

Lisa D on August 2025