Prices for lintels vary by material, span, installation complexity, and regional labor rates. This article presents actual cost ranges in USD, with per-unit and project-wide estimates to help buyers budget accurately for a lintel replacement or installation. The keyword cost appears early to match search intent for Bing users budgeting a lintel project.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lintel material (steel, concrete, composite) | $150 | $450 | $1,200 | Steel is common; concrete is cheaper upfront but heavier |
| Span length (per linear foot) | $15 | $30 | $60 | Standard spans 4–8 ft typical |
| Labor for installation | $300 | $900 | $2,000 | Includes prep and sealing |
| Permits and inspections | $0 | $150 | $600 | Depends on local code and project size |
| Delivery and handling | $50 | $150 | $300 | Transport for longer spans can raise cost |
| Disposal of old lintel | $0 | $75 | $300 | Depends on material and debris rules |
Typical Lintel Costs by Material and Size
Common lintel choices include steel, reinforced concrete, and wood or timber variants. The price will shift with span length, the need for corrosion protection, and any required reinforcement. For a standard 4–6 ft opening, expect a total project price around $1,000–$2,200, with steel lintels often at the higher end due to material strength and fabrication. Assumptions: typical residential construction, standard access, Midwest or similar market.
The following ranges reflect typical installations that replace or install a lintel above an opening. Concrete lintels are usually cheaper per linear foot than steel but require curing time and precise sizing. Steel lintels provide high load capacity with faster installation but add material costs. For openings longer than 8 ft, budgets usually move into the mid- to high-range territory.
Major Price Components In A Lintel Quote
Materials, labor, and permits are the core drivers in most lintel quotes. A typical breakdown shows Materials around 40–60% of the total, Labor around 30–45%, and Permits/Delivery/Disposal making up the remainder. The table below models a mid-range project for a 6 ft opening in a standard single-story home.
| Component | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $200 | $500 | $1,000 | Lintel, supports, flashings |
| Labor | $350 | $900 | $1,800 | Demolition of old lintel may add time |
| Permits | $0 | $150 | $600 | Code compliance may require inspection fee |
| Delivery/Handling | $50 | $120 | $250 | Distance from supplier to site |
| Disposal | $0 | $75 | $300 | Debris and packaging |
| Estimated total | $600 | $1,745 | $3,950 | Includes materials, labor, and extras |
How Size And Span Drive Lintel Pricing
Span length and height drive most of the price swing. Per-foot costs typically rise with longer spans due to greater material weight and reinforcement requirements. A 4 ft opening may cost as little as $600–$1,000, while a 12 ft span can exceed $2,500–$4,500 when heavy steel or reinforced concrete is used. For multi-story homes or garages, additional structural work and permit complexity push up the estimate.
Size-related assumptions include standard masonry openings, normal wood framing, and no unusual seismic or wind load requirements. In higher wind or seismic zones, expect more robust lintel types and higher prices.
Regional Variations In Lintel Pricing Across The United States
Regional labor markets and material availability create meaningful price differences. In the Southeast, installed lintels might run lower due to lower labor rates, whereas coastal regions with higher shipping costs can push up final prices. The midwest often presents a balance of material options and moderate labor. A 6 ft lintel install can range roughly from $1,000 in lower-cost markets to $2,500 in higher-cost urban areas including delivery surcharges.
Assumptions cover typical single-family homes, standard opening widths, and normal access. Regions with strict permitting can see higher inspection fees that add to the total.
Labor Rates And Installation Time For A Lintel
Labor hours depend on existing opening condition and access. Typical DIY-to-pro installs range from 4–12 hours of labor for a straightforward job, with professional crews often completing within 6–10 hours. Labor cost ranges from $75 to $125 per hour depending on region and contractor experience. For a standard 6 ft span, expect 6–10 labor hours in a typical job, with longer spans or tricky masonry adding hours.
Assumptions include a single opening, no major masonry repair beyond the lintel fit, and standard access for equipment and scaffolding.
Cost-Saving Moves When Planning A Lintel Project
Scope control and material choice are the strongest levers for price reduction. Consider using a standard steel lintel over a custom fabrication if code permits, or choose reinforced concrete to reduce material costs. If the opening is non-load bearing or can be reconfigured, a smaller span or alternative framing approach may save thousands. Scheduling work during off-peak periods or bundling with nearby repairs can lower labor and delivery costs.
Assumptions include no emergency timeline and no structural retrofits beyond the lintel replacement.
Per-Unit Pricing For Lintel Lengths And Side Details
Pricing per linear foot helps during design phases and bid comparisons. Typical per-foot costs range from $15–$60 for materials alone, with installation adding $30–$60 per foot depending on access and labor. For a 6 ft opening, a per-foot approach might yield a total of $1,000–$2,500 depending on material and complexity. For very short spans under 4 ft, some shops offer fixed package prices around $600–$1,000.
Assumptions apply to standard single-story residential openings with no exotic materials or seismic upgrades.
Quote Comparison Tactics For Lintel Projects
Compare quotes with a consistent scope to avoid price apples and oranges. Ask contractors to itemize Materials, Labor, Permits, Delivery, and Disposal. Use the same span length, same material specification, and identical inspection expectations when evaluating bids. A side-by-side table helps spotlight hidden charges or optional add-ons that inflate the total.
