Get matched with top welders in Boyne Falls, MI

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.

Some welding projects, such as repairing pipes or fences, require travel, whereas others, like furniture repair, do not necessarily require the welder to come to you. Travel and overhead factor into the overall cost of your welding project. Some of the most common welding projects include:

• Metal furniture repair: $35–$100

• Pipe repair: $200–$1,000

• Small gates: $550–$750

• Fencing: $1,200–$1,800

• Fabricated sheet metal welding: $750–$2,500

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)

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.