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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.

Professional metal fabricators usually charge around $70 per hour. Three of the largest cost factors are the size and complexity of the project and the price of materials. The type of metal can impact the cost as much as the intricacy of the metal fabrication you want done. Another cost factor is your geographic location, as labor and materials can vary widely depending on the cost of living where you live.

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.

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.