Get matched with top welders in La Grange, NC

Steel I-beams are an increasingly popular choice for supporting a structure because they support a large amount of weight with a small profile and without the need for load-bearing walls or supports underneath. This allows for more open floor plans, which most people tend to prefer. They also resist fire, pests, and rot and last for the lifetime of your home.

No, beams are the primary load-bearers for flooring or roofing systems, and they distribute the weight of the structure to your foundational supports, while joists bear far less weight and distribute their loads to the beams. Beams are usually thicker and longer, and they have support posts or foundation walls beneath them for support.

Choosing the right metal fabricator for your project begins with research. Find a reputable fabrication company by searching for reputable contractors in your area, and then reviewing photos of their previous work, customer reviews, and photos of the company’s workshop.

Once you’ve narrowed down the list, contact the companies to ask about the types of metal fabrication projects they specialize and inquire about guarantees and warranties on workmanship. You should also ensure the company uses high-quality material, and ask about the schedule and turnaround time for your proposed project.

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.