Guides & advice
Steel Fabrication Guides
Straight answers on structural and architectural steelwork — from beams for extensions to standards, building regulations and costs — written by our team.
What Size Steel Beam Do I Need?
There is no safe rule of thumb. Beam size depends on the span, the load above it and how it bears onto the walls — and only a structural engineer can specify it properly.
Read guideDo I Need a Structural Engineer for a Steel Beam?
Almost always, yes. Building control needs calculations before it will sign off structural work, and the engineer's design is what your fabricator actually builds from.
Read guideWhat Are Padstones? Steel Beam Bearings Explained
A padstone spreads the weight from the end of a steel beam into the wall below it. Here's what they are, why building control asks for them, and who decides the size.
Read guideHow Long Does a Steel Beam Take to Make and Fit?
The steel itself is usually the quick part — most domestic beams are fabricated in days. Here's the realistic timeline from engineer's drawing to installed beam, and what actually causes delays.
Read guideRemoving a Chimney Breast: What Steel Support You Need
Take out a chimney breast and whatever sits above it still has to be held up. Here's how that's supported, what building control expects, and the party wall point people miss.
Read guideDo I Need Building Regulations for a Steel Beam?
In almost every case, yes. Removing a load-bearing wall or fitting a steel beam is structural work that needs building regulations approval. Here's what that involves.
Read guideHow Much Does a Steel Beam Cost? A UK Guide
The steel itself is often a small part of the total. Here's what drives the price of a steel beam for an extension or wall removal, and what to budget for.
Read guideRSJ vs Universal Beam: What's the Difference?
"RSJ" and "universal beam" are often used to mean the same thing, but strictly they're different sections. Here's what the terms really mean.
Read guideEN1090 and CE / UKCA Marking Explained
Structural steel for buildings must be fabricated to EN1090 and CE or UKCA marked. Here's what that means, what Execution Classes are, and why it matters.
Read guideWhat Is a Goalpost Frame? Wall Removals & Extensions
A goalpost frame is two steel posts and a beam, used to hold up the structure when you remove a large section of load-bearing wall. Here's how they work.
Read guideMezzanine Floor Building Regulations: What to Know
A mezzanine floor adds space, but it triggers building regulations — structure, fire protection and access all come into play. Here's a practical overview.
Read guideGot a project in mind?
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