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>

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>

Get matched with top structural engineers in Wilbraham, MA

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 5 pros

Need a pro for your structural engineering project in Wilbraham, MA?

Select your specific project to find the pro for you.

TRUSTED BY WILBRAHAM, MA HOMEOWNERS

4.9
Average homeowner rating
12
Verified structural engineering services reviews

Verified Reviews for Structural Engineering pros in Wilbraham, MA

*The Angi rating for Structural Engineering companies in Wilbraham, MA 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 Wilbraham, MA 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 February 24, 2025

Reviewed in February 2025
Had my front steps off my house completely removed and new ones built by archstone innovations Corp. Very good company I dealt with Chris he was amazing he told us all the pros and cons on what has to be done in re building our steps. He talked us threw it step by step I always ask a lot off...
Archstone Innovations Corp.
Request a quote
Reviewed in April 2023
Eli and his crew did a great job. They installed railings on the front and back steps of the house, the back railing they had to build from scratch. They also installed new flooring in the kitchen, bathroom and hallway. They were very courteous and professional and really went out of their way...
EZ Restore
Request a quote
Reviewed in December 2021
Excellent overall experience. Materials used were top shelf. Install of system was done efficiently and with care. I would highly recommend William and his team.
W B Lightning Rods
Request a quote
Reviewed in October 2020
He was very professional, he went up on our attic to make sure that the structure is firm before installing the fan, very knowledgeable, he kept me involved in the project, very polite, and the fan works perfectly.
Tim Grundstrom
Request a quote
Reviewed in June 2018
I hired Roger Rewell and his crew for two major jobs. I am extremely pleased with the outcome of both. The first job was to reconstruct the soffit on the semi-circular portion of the front porch, using PVC material, a complicated project that had been turned down, or over-priced, by several...
Roger Rewel Remodeling Homes
Request a quote
Reviewed in September 2017
He’s installed the entire water, sewer and he’ll be installing my heating in the house. The heating hasn’t been put in yet, but all the water and sewer lines have already been put in and the heating will be put in, the boiler and all that, and he’ll be putting in the A/C as well. All that will...
M&M Comfort Zone
Request a quote
Reviewed in January 2016
<p>During the summer of 2015 we purchased a pre-fabricated natural stone grill island and fireplace for our new patio. We worked with Dan who was very helpful in choosing the stone and options for the island. Dan also put us in touch with Haynes Manufacturing, who were the ones building the...
TED ONDRICK CONSTRUCTION CO
Request a quote
Reviewed in January 2016
<p>In the summer of 2015 we purchased a Victorian carriage house shed and a timber frame pavilion from The Barnyard. As soon as we arrived at their showroom and saw the quality of workmanship of both the shed and pavilion we knew our search was over. We worked with both Lucas and Chris on our...
The Barn Yard & Great Country Garages
Request a quote
Reviewed in November 2015
I had a hard time finding structural engineers that did residential job like this. Mike was referred to me by a larger engineering company. It worked well. He provided us with what we needed on time and at a price that was in line with any kind of professional consult. <br />
Structural Support & Design Services
Request a quote
Reviewed in September 2015
These guys are AMAZING. I cannot state strongly enough how pleased we are. Met Dwayne at a home show, and 2 days later he called to schedule an appointment. The day of the appointment, he called to see if being a bit early would be a problem! Great start. The design insight they gave was...
The Decksperts
Request a quote

Find Structural engineers in Wilbraham

Taddonio Engineering, LLC

4.8(

345

)

Serving Wilbraham, MA and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2016

Small jobs welcome

Credit card accepted

"In renovating our beach cottage in Warwick, RI we found the roof needed structural work. Building inspector required a structural engineered plan. Adam was easy to communicate with. He was timely with his plan and follow up inspection. He was also available by text and phone for questions during the project. He was great to work with!"

Response time1 day

Response rate85%

385 neighbors recently requested a quote

Request Quote

Creative Drives & Patios Masonry

4.4(

)

Serving Wilbraham, MA and surrounding areas

In business since 1970

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"No money up front. Arrived a week after verified references. Took 2 days to finish up. Had drainage issue, these guys remediated and resurfaced complete driveway. Great value, committed to doing the job right and maintaining customer satisfaction."

+95

Recommended by87%of homeowners

Request Quote

C.M. Technical Consulting, Inc.

5.0(

)

Serving Wilbraham, MA and surrounding areas

In business since 1998

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

C.M. Technical Consulting is a full service Civil Engineering firm located in Springfield, Massachusetts. Among the services my company offers are Construction Control Documents with Building Assessments and Code Reviews to Building Departments per 780 CMR, Structural Inspections, and general engineering services. C.M. Technical Consulting performs porch/balcony/fire escape inspection to clients pursuant to 780 CMR 1001.3.2. C.M. Technical Consulting, Inc also performs all manner of structural inspections for residential and commercial clients, insurance companies and real estate management companies.

Response time1 day

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Request Quote

Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts

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:

Fire-resistant
Unaffected by pests
Longer-lasting
Stronger against water damage (when galvanized against rust)

Any issue that affects the structural integrity or soundness of a home is considered a structural issue. In addition to foundation cracks, other signs of structural issues include roof leaks, bowing walls, sloping floors, gaps around windows and doors, and more.

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.

Water can seep into porous materials like wood beams, floor joists, and roof rafters within minutes, but they’ll need to see prolonged exposure before you have structural damage. Mold can start growing within 24 hours, and mold can eat away at the structural components over time. Wood rot is more of a concern, though. Wet and dry rot are fungal infections that set in in moist conditions and rapidly deteriorate wood, causing major structural damage within just a few months in some cases.

The Wilbraham, MA homeowners’ guide to structural engineering services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

See all articles

Dan Simms
•
May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
How Much Does a Structural Engineer Cost to Hire? [2026 Data]
The cost of a structural engineer is easily justifiable given the value they bring to the table. Use this guide to see what hiring your professional will total.
Dan Simms
•
May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
How Much Does Steel I-Beam Installation Cost? [2026 Data]
A new steel I-beam is more durable than a wooden one. Learn what factors can affect steel I-beam installation costs and how to budget for this project.
Haley Nothstein
•
May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Main House Support Beam? [2026 Data]
A damaged main support beam can cause serious structural damage to your house. Learn how much it costs to replace a main house support beam.
Kyle Schurman
•
Mar 19, 2026Mar 19, 2026
Who to Hire to Replace a Sill Plate?
A sill plate needs to be replaced when it starts to rot out. Use this guide to help you know who to hire to replace a sill plate at your home.
Em Norton
•
May 5, 2026May 5, 2026
How to Hire a Structural Engineer: Complete Guide
It can be hard to choose the right pro for any job, but it matters. Learn how to hire a structural engineer who'll get the job done right from start to finish.
Kate Fann
•
Mar 19, 2026Mar 19, 2026
Who Do You Hire to Knock Down a Wall?
Looking to open up your living space and need to remove a wall? Learn who to hire to knock down a wall, whether it's load-bearing or non-load-bearing.