Wood beams typically cost $5-$50 per linear foot for the beam alone, while installed projects often run $25-$200 per linear foot or more. The final wood beam cost depends on whether the beam is decorative or structural, its material and span, delivery access, and the work needed to support the structure.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard dimensional lumber beam | $5 per linear ft | $12 per linear ft | $25 per linear ft | Beam material only; size and species affect price |
| LVL engineered beam | $3 per linear ft | $8 per linear ft | $15 per linear ft | Per ply or beam pricing varies by dimensions and supplier |
| Glued laminated timber beam | $8 per linear ft | $20 per linear ft | $40 per linear ft | Stock or custom glulam; large sections cost more |
| Reclaimed or decorative timber | $15 per linear ft | $35 per linear ft | $75+ per linear ft | Appearance, condition, and sourcing drive price |
| Installed structural beam project | $1,000 | $4,500 | $15,000+ | Typical opening or beam replacement; excludes unusual reconstruction |
Wood beam prices by type, size, and length
Beam-only pricing changes substantially with material, width, depth, grade, and length. A basic built-up beam made from dimensional lumber may cost $5-$25 per linear foot in materials. LVL often costs about $3-$15 per linear foot per ply; a beam assembled from multiple plies costs more than one ply. Glulam commonly falls around $8-$40 per linear foot, with custom sizes and long spans at the upper end.
For a common 10- to 16-foot interior span, beam material often totals $100-$800 before installation. A reclaimed timber selected for visible grain may cost $300-$1,200 or more for the same length. These estimates assume standard stock sizes and ordinary delivery; unusual species, oversized sections, custom milling, and freight can raise the quote.
Price per linear foot is useful for comparing similar products, but it does not establish that a beam is adequate for a particular load. A structural beam must be sized for the span, supported loads, and applicable building requirements. An engineer or qualified building professional may specify a different material or built-up configuration than a shopper initially expects.
Assumptions: U.S. supplier pricing, standard stock products, and no engineering, tax, or delivery charge included in beam-only figures.
What lumber, hardware, and labor add to a beam quote
A complete structural installation quote can include more than the beam itself. Labor to shore the ceiling, remove framing, set the beam, and connect it to posts or walls can exceed the material cost. Hardware, disposal, delivery, permits, and finish repairs may appear as separate line items or be bundled into a project price.
| Quote component | Typical price | What changes the amount | Common billing basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beam materials | $5-$50 per linear ft | Species, grade, depth, plies, and finish | Per linear ft or per beam |
| Installation labor | $75-$150 per worker-hour | Crew size, lifting difficulty, and structural work | Hourly or project total |
| Posts, hangers, and connectors | $50-$600 per project | Connector type, quantity, and load requirements | Per item or allowance |
| Temporary shoring and removal | $300-$2,000 | Wall length, access, and debris volume | Per project |
| Delivery and disposal | $100-$800 | Beam length, distance, and equipment needed | Per trip or project |
| Permit or engineering | $200-$2,000 | Local rules, calculations, and inspection scope | Per application or service |
A straightforward decorative beam installation may require only fastening and finish work, while a load-bearing beam replacement may need temporary supports and new posts. For example, 24-40 labor hours at $75-$150 per worker-hour represent $1,800-$6,000 in labor before materials and other charges.
Ask whether the quote includes shoring, connectors, disposal, delivery, permits, and drywall or trim repair. Comparing totals without those details can make a lower bid appear cheaper even when it excludes necessary work.
How span, load, and beam depth change the price
Span is a major cost driver because longer distances usually require a deeper, stronger, or multi-ply beam. A 10-foot opening may use a readily available stock beam, while a 20-foot span can call for a larger engineered product, special delivery, or additional support planning. A change from 10 feet to 20 feet does not simply double the cost; the required capacity and installation method may change too.
Load matters alongside length. A beam carrying only a roof may have different requirements from one supporting a second floor, a masonry feature, or multiple concentrated loads. Existing posts, foundation capacity, and the direction of floor joists can affect whether the project needs new supports or reinforcement.
Beam dimensions also affect handling. A deeper or heavier section may need a larger crew or lifting equipment, and long beams can incur oversized delivery charges. As a practical budgeting marker, spans above roughly 16 feet or projects supporting two or more floors deserve an early structural assessment rather than a price estimate based only on linear footage.
Do not choose a structural beam from a price-per-foot chart alone. The right size depends on the actual load path and local code requirements; undersizing can create safety and inspection problems, while oversizing can waste money and complicate installation.
Installation time and crew size for structural beams
A decorative beam attached to an existing ceiling may take one or two workers about 4-10 hours, depending on its weight, finish, and mounting method. A structural beam replacing part of a load-bearing wall commonly takes a crew of 2-4 workers one to three days for shoring, removal, placement, and connections. Projects with limited access or extensive finish repair can take longer.
Labor rates often range from $75-$150 per worker-hour for carpentry or general contracting, with higher rates in expensive metro markets. A crane, lift, or specialized rigging can add roughly $300-$2,000 or more, depending on rental duration and access. Some contractors price the full installation rather than disclose hours and hourly rates.
Schedule time is not always the same as hands-on labor time. Permit review, engineer calculations, beam manufacturing, and inspection appointments can add days or weeks before work begins. Custom glulam and reclaimed beams may also require longer sourcing than stock LVL or lumber.
Get the proposed crew size and work sequence in writing when comparing labor estimates. The estimate should identify how the ceiling will be supported while the old framing is removed and how the new beam will connect to its supports.
Regional wood beam pricing from rural areas to major metros
Labor and delivery can shift a project total even when the beam product is identical. As a broad planning range, rural markets may run 5%-15% below national-average labor pricing, while high-cost metro areas can run 15%-35% above it. These are directional differences, not guaranteed adjustments; local contractor availability, housing age, and permit rules also matter.
Remote locations may have fewer installers and higher travel or freight charges, reducing or reversing a lower labor advantage. In dense cities, parking, narrow hallways, elevator restrictions, and limited staging space can add labor or equipment costs. A long beam that must be carried through a home or brought in through a window may need additional handling.
Get at least two local estimates with the same beam specifications and scope. Ask whether delivery, sales tax, permit fees, and finish restoration are included. A quote that is 20% higher may reflect a larger beam or more complete scope rather than a higher rate for the same work.
Regional comparison assumes similar beam size and project scope; actual contractor rates can vary beyond these ranges.
Three wood beam project budgets with realistic scope
These examples show how finish choices and structural work produce very different totals. They are planning estimates, not engineered specifications. Local rates, taxes, site conditions, and permit requirements can change the final quote.
| Project example | Beam and quantity | Labor and related work | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Decorative living room beam | One 12-ft faux or light timber beam at $20-$45 per linear ft | 6-10 hours; mounting and minor finish work at $75-$125 per hour | $700-$1,800 |
| Opening in a load-bearing wall | One 14-ft LVL assembly at $150-$600, based on plies and dimensions | 24-40 hours; shoring, removal, connectors, and disposal | $3,000-$8,000 |
| Wide opening with custom glulam | One 20-ft glulam beam at $400-$1,200 or more | 40-70 hours; engineered support, delivery, placement, and finish repair | $7,000-$18,000+ |
The decorative example assumes the beam is not supporting the house. The structural examples assume ordinary residential access and no major foundation work. Moving plumbing, electrical, HVAC, or a support post can add $500-$5,000 or more, depending on the trade and extent of rerouting.
Decorative beams cost less than load-bearing replacements
A hollow faux beam or nonstructural wood wrap often costs $10-$50 per linear foot for the product, with installation bringing a typical room project to about $500-$2,500. A solid decorative timber can cost $15-$75 or more per linear foot before mounting and finishing. These options change the appearance of a ceiling but do not replace structural framing.
A load-bearing beam project commonly totals $1,000-$15,000+, because it can include engineering, temporary supports, demolition, posts, connections, inspections, and repairs. If the existing beam is damaged, a contractor may be able to repair a limited area for $500-$3,000, but rot, insect damage, or sagging across a long span may make replacement more appropriate.
Before comparing a decorative price with a structural quote, confirm whether the beam carries a load. A boxed-in steel beam or engineered wood product can also be a practical substitute when the design and structural requirements permit it. The cheapest material is not automatically the lowest-cost installed solution if it requires extra labor or finish work.
Lower the wood beam bill by controlling scope
Keep the opening and finish scope stable while collecting estimates. Moving a wall opening, changing ceiling height, or adding built-in trim can add design, framing, and repair work. For structural changes, request a written beam specification so competing contractors price the same span, beam type, support locations, and finish restoration.
Where engineering permits, compare stock LVL or dimensional lumber with custom glulam or reclaimed timber. A visible feature may justify a premium finish, but hidden framing usually does not need an appearance upgrade. If reclaimed wood is chosen, confirm grading, condition, dimensions, and whether the material is suitable for the intended load.
Prepare access by clearing furniture and identifying existing wiring or pipes before work begins. Do not remove walls or install temporary supports without qualified direction. Ask contractors whether a permit or engineer is required, and compare the cost of repair with replacement when damage is limited and the beam remains structurally sound.
The safest savings usually come from avoiding unnecessary scope and comparing complete, equivalent bids. Do not cut required supports, engineering, inspections, or properly sized materials to reduce an estimate; those omissions can create expensive correction work later.