What Does Structural Steelwork Cost?
Quick Answer
Beam supply £200–800. Fabrication + installation £500–2,000
Based on: Typical domestic steel beam for wall removal/opening, including padstones and fire protection
Important: All structural steelwork must be designed by a qualified structural engineer and approved under Building Regulations before installation.
Full Cost Breakdown
- Structural engineer (calculations + drawings): £200–500
- Building Regulations application: £200–400
- Steel beam supply: £200–800
- Fabrication (cutting, drilling, welding plates): £100–300
- Padstones (concrete bearing pads): £30–80 each (×2)
- Installation (builder, 1–2 days): £500–1,500
- Temporary support (Acrow props): £100–200
- Fire protection (intumescent paint): £100–300
- Making good (plastering, decorating): £200–500
Total Project Costs (Typical)
- Single beam, internal wall removal: £1,500–3,500
- Two beams + column (open-plan conversion): £3,000–6,000
- Structural frame (extension steels): £4,000–10,000
Steel Pricing
Steel is typically priced per kg or per tonne. Domestic beams range from 16–40 kg/m depending on section size. A 3m beam at 25 kg/m weighs 75kg.
- Supply price: £1.50–2.50/kg (varies with market)
- Cut and drilled: Add 20–30%
- Galvanised or painted: Add 30–50%
The Installation Process
- Install temporary support (Acrow props and needles)
- Form padstone pockets in the walls at each end
- Install concrete padstones
- Lift and position the steel beam
- Pack and wedge to level
- Remove wall below (if opening up)
- Apply fire protection
- Remove temporary support once mortar has set
Last updated: April 2026