Concrete vs steel vs brick lintels: Which is best?

If you read our article on the different types of lintel, then you’ll be aware that these horizontal beams can make a vital difference in maintaining the structural integrity and aesthetic appeal of various buildings. Positioned directly above windows, doors, and other openings, they can effectively support the weight of bricks and other structural elements. However, you might wonder about key questions, such as whether concrete lintels are stronger than steel or maybe whether brick lintels are cheaper.

As ever, Catnic is here to support with a detailed comparison of the strengths, weaknesses, and best use cases of different lintel types. Read on and make the right choice of lintels for standard, heavy, and extra-heavy applications.

The strength of concrete can vary depending on factors like the type and age of the cement used. However, it’s widely recognised as a strong material, that is ideally suited to the weight-bearing function of a lintel. It can also be cast into various shapes and sizes according to your architectural needs.

Other advantages of concrete lintels include the relative affordability and high levels of fire resistance (making them a good choice for structures where fire safety is a priority).

Of course, it’s also important to consider downsides, such as the heavy weight of concrete which can make installation a challenge.

Concrete lintels are well-suited to these applications:

• Support for openings in masonry walls
• Support for brickwork and cladding
• Restoration and retrofitting of older buildings

Steel lintels are also a good choice in terms of strength and versatility. With good weight-bearing capacity, they are commonly fitted above windows, doors, and other openings in modern buildings. The slim profile of steel lintels also means that they can be concealed by bricks.

Other advantages of steel lintels include the ease of installation and the ability to span long distances without additional support. The thermal performance can also be enhanced, with thermally broken steel lintels reducing thermal bridging and improving energy efficiency.

That said, steel lintels are typically more expensive than the concrete variety. And, there’s a risk of corrosion where steel isn’t given a protective coating.

Common steel lintel applications include:

• Support for openings in masonry walls
• Preserving an industrial or contemporary aesthetic in modern buildings
• Heavy load-bearing and larger spans.

Brick lintels might be a good choice if you want to maintain a traditional aesthetic appeal. They can blend seamlessly with brickwork surrounds for visual consistency and can also make for cost savings too.

Unfortunately, brick lintels are unlikely to be as strong as their concrete and steel alternatives. This limits their suitable application to smaller openings with reduced weight loads. What’s more, there’s a need for skilled labour to ensure the proper installation and stability of brick lintels.

Common brick lintel applications include:

• Restoration or renovation of historic buildings
• Construction of arched openings (particularly in older or historic buildings)
• Preservation of vernacular architecture.

Now that you know the differences between each of these lintel materials, which one should you choose? Here are some considerations to help.

Strength

Material strength is a particularly important factor when it comes to the suitable choice of lintels. Although brick lintels can be reinforced, this generally comes down to the concrete lintel vs steel lintel debate.

While steel lintels are generally the strongest, this isn’t always the case. For instance, a high-strength prestressed concrete lintel may provide greater support at specific lengths.

It’s worth checking the load span lintel tables or asking us, if there’s any doubt.

Cost

Brick lintels are the most affordable choice, especially where they are available on-site and where the load-bearing needs are quite minimal. However, the prices can rise significantly when there’s a need for reinforcement or complex construction.

Concrete lintels are the next best choice in terms of price. However, steel lintels may be more affordable and provide greater support than the reinforced concrete variety.

Installation

Comparatively high-strength and lightweight steel lintels are also fairly straightforward to install. The same applies to the installation of precast concrete lintels, especially when standardised sizes are used. However, the careful placement bonding of individual bricks is bound to be more labour-intensive.

Aesthetics

As mentioned, brick lintels can be seamlessly integrated with brickwork surrounds for aesthetic consistency. This is particularly true of their use in historic or vernacular architecture, with the potential for the shaping of arches and decorative designs.

Concrete and steel lintels are better suited to modern and industrial applications. However, they can be covered to create a more traditional look.

Of course, the suitability of steel, concrete, and brick lintels will depend on the project that you’re working on. If heavy-duty weight bearing is a priority, then you’ll probably be best off with concrete or steel lintels. However, brick lintels may be a better choice, if you want to maintain a traditional aesthetic. You might also be keen to minimise building costs through the installation of thermally broken steel lintels.

Whatever your priorities, it’s worth getting in touch with us here at Catnic to discuss the best lintel choice. Go ahead and make an online enquiry today.