Is LVL more affordable than steel I-beams?

• <div><p>Yes, an LVL beam is more affordable than the <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-steel-i-beam-cost.htm">cost of a steel I-beam</a>, totaling between $50 and $200 per linear foot as opposed to the $100 to $400 per linear foot you’d pay for a steel I-beam. Not only is the wood material more affordable than steel, but it’s also more similar to traditional wooden beams and doesn’t require as much retrofitting to connect joists. </p></div>

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Q: Can I cut or drill LVL beams?

• <div><p>It is not recommended to cut or drill into LVL (laminated veneer lumber) beams. As major structural components of a home, their composite structure can be compromised by alterations, which can weaken them and lead to cracking over time. If you must make modifications to an LVL beam, it is crucial to consult a structural engineer or general contractor first. A professional can advise on whether it's safe and provide specifics on the appropriate bit size, depth, and directionality for any necessary drilling.</p></div>

Q: What qualifications should a structural engineer have?

• <div><p>Proper licensing and experience in residential and commercial structural projects.</p></div>

Q: Where are most load-bearing walls located?

• <div><p>Most load-bearing walls are exterior, though they can also be interior.</p></div>

Q: How thick are LVL beams?

• <div><p>The standard thickness for an LVL beam is between <b>1.75 inches and 7 inches</b>. However, you can order LVL beams in non-standard sizes as well. When you work with a contractor, they can source beams that are the appropriate size for your project for you after assessing your blueprints.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Oak Hill, FL

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Oak Hill, FL is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Structural Engineering needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Structural Engineering companies in Oak Hill, FL is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Structural Engineering needs.

Last update on December 28, 2025

Reviewed in December 2025
Elite Engineering is outstanding. Very professional, reasonably priced, very easy to work with and very knowledgeable. You will not find a better Progressional Engineer in central Florida than Nick Turnbull PE the owner. His work and designs are the best.
Elite Engineering of DeLand
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Reviewed in February 2023
Steve and his crew scheduled visits and showed up to complete the work. Steve gave us critical advice and enlisted the help of a structural engineer so our project would be completed to building code requirements and most importantly structural sound. We are pleased and thankful for SteveÃ¢Â Â s...
General Contracting & Remodeling, LLC
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Reviewed in October 2021
Demo old tub and installed new Kohler walk-iin-tub and finished the space to blend in with the existing structure. We especially appreciate the extra time you took to solve unexpected issues, encountered during the project. My wife and I are pleased with the completed project. Thankyou! Walter...
West Shore Home Indianapolis
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Reviewed in August 2019
We wanted to replace our sliding glass doors with 8'-0" high doors instead of the standard 6'-8" ones. In order to get a permit we needed a structural engineered drawing for permitting. He came to the house, took measurements and was back with a design and plans in a week. He...
Lotus Engineering and Construction, Inc.
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Reviewed in July 2017
The owner, Shane Miller, designed and built multiple outdoor living areas on our property over the past several years. Each area was created to make the most out of the river views, shade and sun. Low level lighting was installed to illuminate the yard from dusk to dawn. The stone they installed...
Allphases Fence, Pavers and Pools
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Reviewed in March 2017
We've been hiring Sunstate Constructors for 9 years now - they have done approximately 8 different projects for us, including screen enclosure, windows, doors, garage cabinets, kitchen cabinets, structural work, office remodeling and laundry remodeling. They are excellent!!! We are always...
Sunstate Metal Buildings, LLC
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Reviewed in November 2015
I searched and called 6 structural engineers and was blessed to find Bruce Crowder and Sevier County Construction....All I can say is you get what you pay for....quality and hard work topped off with INTEGRITY!!!!!!!! This company took a persons worst nightmare in buying a house that was...
Sevier County Construction Co
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Reviewed in September 2014
Watt was very personable over the phone explaining the process of the inspection and the required paperwork he has available for my builder. He and Albert were punctual (actually early) for our appointment and gave us an overview of the inspection. We talked about a few of the concerns we had...
Integrity Home Inspection Services, LLC
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Reviewed in July 2013
Engineers were very knowledgible and helpful. They explained the basic workings of the system to me so that I could perform routine maintenance myself in future and gave me tips on how to keep this rather old system running for a couple of extra years whilst I save up for a new system <br />
Advanced Air and Heat
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Find Structural engineers in Oak Hill

PJM Structural

4.9(

)

Serving Oak Hill, FL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2023

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"I had an urgent request to get a permit across the line and Pedro was on his A-game and helped me within hours. Very professional, well documented, etc. Other structural engineers I hired only gave me headaches. I'd use Pedro again any day. Thank you very much, and glad to be in business with you!"

+15

Response time4 hrs

Response rate86%

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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HUTH CONSTRUCTION AND CONSULTING LLC

4.9(

)

Serving Oak Hill, FL and surrounding areas

In business since 2023

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"This was a rush request for a structural inspection prior to closing. Ed was very punctual and followed thru with required reports needed on time!"

Response time2 days

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Jaks Design & Project Management, Inc.

3.1(

)

Serving Oak Hill, FL and surrounding areas

In business since 2019

Offers commercial services

"Quick and easy. Very easy to work with. Would hire again!"

+15

Response time3 days

Recommended by71%of homeowners

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VLGV Construction Advisory

New to Angi

Serving Oak Hill, FL and surrounding areas

In business since 2015

Free estimates

At Master Wood Flooring, we pride our company on reliability, great communication, integrity, and quality work. We strongly believe in giving our absolute best in all the work we perform. We are experts and will always keep you educated about the work process. We look forward to earning your business.\n\n

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United Frontiers Venture Holdings

New to Angi

Serving Oak Hill, FL and surrounding areas

In business since 2019

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

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.

Response time5 hrs

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Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

It is not recommended to cut or drill into LVL (laminated veneer lumber) beams. As major structural components of a home, their composite structure can be compromised by alterations, which can weaken them and lead to cracking over time. If you must make modifications to an LVL beam, it is crucial to consult a structural engineer or general contractor first. A professional can advise on whether it's safe and provide specifics on the appropriate bit size, depth, and directionality for any necessary drilling.

Yes, an LVL beam is more affordable than the cost of a steel I-beam, totaling between $50 and $200 per linear foot as opposed to the $100 to $400 per linear foot you’d pay for a steel I-beam. Not only is the wood material more affordable than steel, but it’s also more similar to traditional wooden beams and doesn’t require as much retrofitting to connect joists.

Proper licensing and experience in residential and commercial structural projects.

Most load-bearing walls are exterior, though they can also be interior.

The standard thickness for an LVL beam is between 1.75 inches and 7 inches. However, you can order LVL beams in non-standard sizes as well. When you work with a contractor, they can source beams that are the appropriate size for your project for you after assessing your blueprints.

The Oak Hill, FL homeowners’ guide to structural engineering services

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