Back to Glossary
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.

Example

A pair of L4×4×3/8 steel angles serves as the lintel over the 8-foot masonry opening at the building entry.

Related Terms

Frequently Asked Questions

Need more than definitions?

Get AI-powered bid alerts, automated form filling, and proposal drafting.

Start Free Trial

© 2026 ConstructionBids.ai — A LaderaLabs Product