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Structuralaka: stone lintelaka: steel lintel

Lintel

In Plain English

A horizontal support above a door or window in a masonry wall that carries the weight of the wall above the opening.

Definition

A horizontal structural member placed above a door, window, or other opening in a masonry or concrete wall to span the opening and carry loads from above. Lintels are typically steel angles, precast concrete sections, or reinforced masonry beams. The term is commonly used in masonry construction, while 'header' is more common in wood-framed construction.

Why It Matters in Bidding

Lintels are an easy line item to miss because they sit inside the masonry scope yet often involve steel supplied or detailed by others, creating a scope gap between the mason and steel sub. Estimators must count every opening and confirm lintel type, length, and bearing so the cost lands in someone's bid and the schedule reflects fabrication lead time.

Example

Reviewing the elevations, a masonry estimator counts 18 window openings, sizes loose steel angle lintels with 8-inch bearing each end, and clarifies in an RFI whether the GC or the steel sub is furnishing them before pricing the wall.

Related Terms

HeaderBearing WallBeamSpan

Frequently Asked Questions

Both span an opening and carry the load above, but lintel typically refers to masonry or concrete construction, while header refers to wood framing. The distinction matters in estimating because it determines which trade carries the cost and which material and labor rates apply to the opening.
It varies by project and must be confirmed during bidding. Loose steel angle lintels are often furnished by the steel supplier and set by the mason, while precast and reinforced masonry lintels usually fall to the mason. Ambiguous specs warrant an RFI so the cost is not double-carried or dropped entirely.
Each opening requires a lintel sized for the span and load, so estimators tally openings from the elevations and schedules. Steel lintels add tonnage, shop drawings, and lead time; precast adds crane or hoisting needs. Missing them understates both material and the labor to set and grout the units.

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