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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)

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.

A steel beam is stronger than a wood beam and requires fewer vertical supports underneath, which means it’s a better option for larger structures or if you want an open space under your home that doesn’t have posts as obstructions. However, steel I-beams cost more than wood ones, and they can be difficult to install retroactively, as getting them into the basement area can be challenging, if not impossible.

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.