Prices for concrete lintels vary by size, material grade, and installation requirements. This article presents current cost ranges in USD and breaks down what drives the exact price for typical residential projects.
Assumptions: standard 6×12 inch openings, standard concrete grade, Midwest to Southeast labor, and no unusual site access.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete lintel unit (6×12 in) | $40 | $70 | $110 | Per linear foot or per unit depending on stock size |
| Delivery | $50 | $150 | $400 | Depends on distance |
| Labor to install lintel, 4-6 ft span | $180 | $360 | $640 | Per opening; assumes crew of 2 |
| Reinforcement (rebar) work | $25 | $60 | $120 | Includes tying and placement |
| Formwork/setup | $30 | $80 | $140 | Temporary forms and supports |
| Permits/inspections | $0 | $150 | $600 | Varies by locality |
| Waste disposal | $20 | $60 | $140 | Concrete scrap and soil |
| Warranty/overhead | $15 | $40 | $90 | Contractor overhead |
Concrete Lintel Size Impact on Price per Linear Foot
Size has a direct effect on material costs, reinforcing requirements, and installation time.
The most common residential lintel sizes are 6×12 inches and 8×16 inches. Prices per linear foot increase with width and height due to additional concrete volume and heavier rebar demands. For a 6×12 lintel, expect about $40-$70 per linear foot in materials, with total installed costs typically $180-$360 for a 4-6 ft opening. An 8×16 unit can push material costs to $70-$110 per linear foot, nudging installed totals toward $320-$640 for similar spans. Project scope, whether the opening is load-bearing, and exposure to freeze-thaw cycles can shift these ranges. Assumptions: standard labor rates, midwestern-to-southern regions, typical rebar sizes.
Tip: verify opening height and bearing length before ordering to avoid overpricing or under-sizing.
Material Grade and Width Variations Drive Cost
Different concrete grades and lintel widths alter both upfront material costs and long-term performance.
High-strength concrete or specialty blends add roughly 10-25% to material costs. Width changes from 6 inches to 9 inches or more increase concrete volume and weight, which can raise delivery and installation costs by 15-30%. For standard 6×12 lintels, material costs commonly range $40-$70 per linear foot; for wider 8×16 or 9×18 variants, expect $70-$110 per linear foot. Labor scales with complexity, with simple insert-and-set jobs near the lower end and reinforced, beveled, or coated configurations near the upper end. Assumptions: standard formwork, normal weather, no specialized coatings.
Asking for a coated or fiber-reinforced option will typically add 5-15% to the price.
Regional Pricing Variations Across the United States
Prices differ by region due to labor rates, material availability, and permitting costs.
In the Northeast and West Coast, installed costs can run 10-20% higher than the Midwest for similar lintel specs, driven by labor hours and haul distances. A typical 4-6 ft opening might cost $180-$360 in the Midwest, compared with $210-$420 in the Northeast. In fast-growing markets, crane or heavy-duty equipment may be required for larger openings, pushing costs upward. In rural areas, lower labor rates may reduce totals, but delivery distance can offset savings. Assumptions: standard 4-6 ft spans, typical access, no abnormal site hazards.
Always obtain regional quotes to reflect local constraints and fuel surcharges.
Precast Versus Cast-In-Place Lintels Cost Difference
Material sourcing and on-site work influence total project price differently for precast and cast-in-place lintels.
Precast lintels are sold as ready-to-install units and typically cost $60-$110 per linear foot for standard sizes, with installation labor reduced because no casting is required on-site. Cast-in-place lintels generally cost $40-$70 per linear foot for materials, but installation labor increases due to formwork and curing time. Overall installed costs tend to be similar for comparable spans, yet precast can improve scheduling certainty and reduce site waste. Assumptions: standard 6×12 or 8×16 profiles, no special coatings, normal curing conditions.
Coordinate with structural needs to decide which option best fits the project timeline and budget.
Delivery, Access, and Site Preparation Fees
Delivery distance and on-site prep significantly affect final pricing.
Costs for delivery typically range $50-$400 depending on distance and carrier rules. On-site access issues—narrow driveways, steep approaches, or multi-story locations—may require extra labor or equipment, pushing fees up by 10-40%. Site preparation, including removing debris, temporary shoring, and clean-up, can add $60-$180. If a “spot delivery” is needed or a crane is used, expect additional line items. Assumptions: standard site with easy access; no crane requirement unless specified.
Plan for a contingency in the scope to cover access challenges that may emerge during framing.
Reinforcement Detailing and Coating Costs
Rebar arrangement and surface protection contribute to final pricing.
Typical lintels use #4 or #5 rebar with stirrups as required by load. Detailing adds about $15-$60 per linear foot for additional ties or shear reinforcement. Epoxy-coated or stainless-steel rebar can add 20-40% to material costs but improves corrosion resistance in coastal or high-salinity environments. Surface coatings like sealants may add $2-$6 per linear foot for protection against moisture. Assumptions: standard exposure with moderate environmental risk.
Decide if corrosion protection is warranted based on climate and proximity to salt air.
Quote Comparison Tactics and Common Add-Ons
Smart budgeting includes evaluating multiple quotes and noting common add-ons.
When comparing bids, ensure each quote lists materials, labor, delivery, permits, and disposal as separate line items. Common add-ons include temporary shoring, rework due to misalignment, and extra time for field measurements. Some contractors may include a disposal fee or a nominal equipment charge; others itemize these as separate charges. A well-structured quote helps avoid surprises and supports a fair price discussion. Assumptions: three quotes from reputable regional contractors.
| Cost Component | Typical Range | Per-Unit or Per-Opening | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Materials (lintel) | $40-$110 | Per linear ft | Depends on size and grade |
| Labor to install | $180-$640 | Per opening | Span and complexity drive this |
| Delivery/Haul | $50-$400 | Per delivery | Distance-dependent |
| Permits/Inspections | $0-$600 | Per project | Jurisdiction varies |
| Rebar and reinforcement | $25-$120 | Per linear ft | Based on grade and type |
| Formwork materials | $30-$140 | Per opening | Temporary but required |
| Coatings or corrosion protection | $2-$6 | Per linear ft | Coated or stainless rebar adds cost |
| Waste disposal | $20-$140 | Per project | Debris and spoil |
