How Much Does Steel Beam Installation Cost in 2025?

This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

Installing steel beams costs an average of $3,346, with most homeowners spending between $1,253 and $5,440. Factors like beam size, material, type, and installation complexity influence the overall cost. Whether you're enhancing your home's structural integrity or creating an open floor plan, understanding these costs helps you budget effectively. Hiring a professional ensures the job is done safely and complies with building codes.

Steel Beam Installation Cost Factors

There are several key cost factors that will determine the cost of installing steel beams in your home. These are the main factors to consider. 

Cost of Steel Beams per Foot

Installing steel beams typically costs between $6 and $20 per linear foot for materials and an additional $60 to $400 per linear foot for labor. Here’s a closer look at steel beam installation costs by length.

Materials

Steel beams' linear-foot prices are on par with those of other materials used in structural support, except for aluminum I-beams, which are more costly than steel. Let’s take a closer look at the average cost of materials for different types of beams.

Support Beam Replacement

Beam replacement costs an average of $3,400 and can reach $25,000 or more in complex situations.

Note that because steel beams are so durable, you might never need to replace them. A properly installed beam can easily last 200 years or more. Other materials (such as wood) don’t last nearly as long.

Replacing a Load-Bearing Wall With a Steel Beam

Replacing a load-bearing wall with a steel beam and a support structure to create an open-floor plan costs $4,000 to $10,000 on average and is often part of a large home remodeling project. Removing a load-bearing wall in a single-story home typically costs $1,200 to $3,000, plus any associated beam installation costs. You’ll also need wall and ceiling finishing after the steel beam installation.

Types of Steel Beams

Steel structural beams are available in different shapes. They’re all considered I-beams, but they each get their name based on the design and which letter the shape resembles.

I-Beam

I-beams are the standard for structural support steel beams. They consist of two parallel pieces that sandwich a perpendicular piece between them to create a structural unit that’s often installed horizontally for load-bearing support. There are several other names for variations of I-beams. The most common variables are H-beams and S-beams. Standard I-beams can span up to 20 feet.

Although “steel I-beams are more common in commercial and industrial construction as they allow for large open areas and larger rooms needed for production, showrooms, or warehousing,” says Ezra Laniado, Angi Expert Review Board member and owner of Landmark Construction & Development Group, Inc., “they’ve grown increasingly popular in residential construction since large open floor plans become more popular.”

H-Beam

H-beams are also called W-beams. They lack any sort of tapered flange at the top and base, thus resembling the letter "H" when laid on its side. H-beams are generally wider than I-beams and are much heavier. Because they’re stronger, H-beams can bear weight at longer lengths of up to 330 feet.

S-Beam

S-beams, also known as junior beams, are notable for their tapered flanges at the top and base, which supply greater strength at lighter densities. This mix works well for smaller buildings where the structural support to the wall doesn’t need to be as strong. S-beams are usually available in lengths up to 100 feet.

DIY Steel Beam Installation vs. Hiring a Professional

Installing steel beams is a job for professionals due to the complex structural engineering involved. A certified structural engineer will accurately size your beams and ensure proper placement for safety and compliance with building codes. Attempting this as a DIY project can compromise your home's structural integrity. 

Since your project may require extra components like replacing a load-bearing wall, it's a good idea to talk to a general contractor near you. They will provide you with project details and an estimate.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.