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 a wood or steel beam better in a home?

• <div><p>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, <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-steel-i-beam-cost.htm">steel I-beams cost</a> 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.</p></div>

Get matched with top welders in Wauseon, OH

Q: Do welders need to be licensed or certified?

• <div><p>Some states require welders to be licensed and certified, while others don&rsquo;t. However, it&rsquo;s always a good idea to hire a licensed welder, regardless of requirements in your area, especially if you need welding for structural components of your home or gas lines. Licensed welders have gone through training and testing to prove their skills, so they&rsquo;re less likely to make a mistake that could be detrimental to your home. Use Angi&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.angi.com/angi-license-check.htm">state licensing tool</a> to determine whether your potential hire has a welding license.</p></div>

Q: Are beams and joists the same?

• <div><p>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.</p></div>

Q: Do I need an LVL beam?

• <div><p>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. </p></div>

Enter your ZIP and get matched with up to 5 pros

Need a pro for your welding project in Wauseon, OH?

Select your specific project to find the pro for you.

Get matched with top welders in Wauseon, OH

Enter your ZIP and get matched with up to 5 pros

Need a pro for your welding project in Wauseon, OH?

Handyman for Multiple Small Project Service

Faucets, Fixtures and Pipes Repair or Replace

Wood Fence Installation

Find Welders in Wauseon

Juan’s

Juan’s

D-R Welding&Fabrication

D-R Welding&Fabrication

Hoosier Welder

Hoosier Welder

Andy's Mobile Welding

Andy's Mobile Welding

Mark's Services

Mark's Services

Private

Private

Gold Frog Welding

Gold Frog Welding

M.O.C.I Specialty Welding & Fabrication

M.O.C.I Specialty Welding & Fabrication

Rubbit Roofing LLC

Rubbit Roofing LLC

Advantage Welding and Repair, LLC

Advantage Welding and Repair, LLC

The Wauseon, OH homeowners’ guide to welding services

How Much Does Welding Cost? [2025 Data]

Find Welding Pros in other cities near youNot finding what you are looking for in Wauseon? Check surrounding areas for Welders.

Which Welding task are you tackling?Find Wauseon Welding services on Angi who specialize in any of these tasks

Find Pros for other jobs in WauseonIf your Welding services job is complete, use Angi to find quality Pros in Wauseon for any number of jobs.