Steel lintel replacement cost typically ranges from $800 to $3,500 for a standard window or door opening, with an average near $1,800. The final price depends on opening width, masonry damage, temporary wall support, labor rates, and whether engineering or permits are needed.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small window lintel | $800 | $1,400 | $2,500 | Usually a narrow opening with limited brick repair |
| Door or wide window | $1,500 | $2,700 | $4,500 | May require more shoring and masonry work |
| Large opening or extensive damage | $3,000 | $5,500 | $9,000+ | Complex access, structural design, or substantial rebuild |
| Steel lintel material | $75 | $250 | $700 | Material-only price varies by size and corrosion protection |
| Installed cost per opening | $800 | $1,800 | $5,500+ | Includes typical labor and localized brickwork |
Typical steel lintel replacement prices by opening size
For a single small window, homeowners commonly pay $800-$2,500 to remove a deteriorated lintel, install a replacement, and restore a limited area of brick or mortar. A typical 3- to 5-foot window opening often lands around $1,200-$2,200 when access is straightforward and surrounding masonry remains sound.
Replacing a lintel over a standard exterior door or a wider 5- to 8-foot opening often costs $1,500-$4,500. A wide garage or patio opening can reach $3,000-$9,000 or more if the crew must support a large wall section, install a heavy structural member, or rebuild cracked masonry across a broad area.
A practical budget for a normal residential opening is about $1,200-$3,000, not just the price of the steel. The installed estimate usually includes demolition, temporary support, fitting, and brick repair. Assumptions: U.S. home, standard steel section, ordinary access, and localized masonry restoration.
Per-opening pricing is more useful than a simple per-foot figure because the work includes setup and restoration regardless of lintel length. As a rough comparison, a basic replacement may equal $150-$400 per linear foot of opening, while complicated structural work can exceed $500 per foot. That figure should not be treated as a material rate.
What labor and brickwork add to the lintel quote
A contractor’s quote typically combines several tasks. Steel itself may account for only a modest share; labor, shoring, masonry removal, and restoration often drive the total. Ask whether the estimate includes disposal, corrosion protection, matching brick, interior patching, and cleanup, since these items can otherwise appear as separate charges.
| Quote component | Typical range | Pricing basis | What it covers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steel lintel | $75-$700 | $20-$90 per linear foot | Steel angle or specified structural section |
| Masonry demolition and reset | $250-$1,200 | $8-$25 per sq ft | Removing brick above the opening and rebuilding it |
| Shoring and installation labor | $500-$2,000 | $75-$150 per worker-hour | Supporting the wall, fitting, anchoring, and installation |
| Engineering or permit fees | $300-$1,500 | Per project | Design review, calculations, application, or inspection |
| Disposal and site protection | $100-$500 | Per job | Debris hauling, coverings, and basic cleanup |
The table ranges overlap because contractors bundle tasks differently. A small job may carry a minimum service charge, while a larger masonry contract spreads setup costs across more work. Compare the included scope, not only the quoted lintel price.
Restoration can change the quote significantly. Reusing sound brick and matching existing mortar may cost $200-$700, while replacing a wider band of brick, repairing a cavity, or blending a distinctive facade can add $800-$2,500. Interior plaster or drywall repair may add another $150-$600 if the work disturbs the inside finish.
How opening width and wall load change the price
Width is a major cost driver because a longer span generally needs a larger or stronger member and more careful temporary support. A lintel over a 3-foot window is not automatically suitable for a 7-foot opening. The required section depends on the masonry and other loads above it, not solely on the visible opening width.
At roughly 6 feet and wider, a project may require heavier steel, more shoring, and engineering review. For openings around 8-10 feet, the contractor may need a deeper structural member or a different support arrangement, potentially adding $1,000-$4,000 compared with a straightforward small-window replacement. These are planning ranges, not a substitute for structural sizing.
Wall construction matters too. A single-wythe brick veneer, a cavity wall, and a load-bearing masonry wall do not use identical details. If the lintel supports only exterior brick veneer, the repair may be relatively contained. If it carries structural masonry or building loads, a licensed structural engineer may specify the section, bearing length, and installation sequence.
Cracked brick, inadequate bearing, and corrosion extending into the wall can turn a lintel swap into a masonry repair. Rust jacking that has displaced several courses may require more rebuilding than a lintel with surface corrosion and intact surrounding brick. A quote should identify the visible damage and state how hidden deterioration will be priced if discovered.
Height and access also affect labor. A ground-floor opening with clear access may need only basic staging, whereas a second-story facade or a narrow side passage may call for scaffolding or a lift. Rental and setup can add $300-$1,500, especially when equipment must remain on site for multiple days.
How many labor hours does a residential replacement take
A simple ground-floor window replacement often takes a two-person masonry crew about 6-10 hours on site. The work may include protecting the area, shoring the wall, removing a few courses, fitting the steel, rebuilding the brick, and cleaning up. A contractor may schedule a return visit because mortar needs time to cure before some finishing work.
A door lintel or a wider opening can take 1-2 working days, with 12-24 combined crew hours. Large openings, difficult access, or extensive brick replacement may take 2-4 days and require additional workers. The schedule can stretch if the crew must wait for an engineer’s direction, an inspection, or delivery of a specified steel section.
Labor rates commonly fall around $75-$150 per worker-hour when estimating skilled masonry and installation work, though many firms quote a fixed project price instead. A crew rate may include insurance, tools, travel, supervision, and overhead. Ask how many workers and workdays the fixed quote assumes. This makes bids easier to compare when one includes more restoration or site protection than another.
Temporary support is not an optional shortcut where the wall needs it. Shoring must hold the masonry safely while the old member is removed and the new one is seated. The method depends on wall construction and load; a contractor should explain the support plan rather than treating the steel-installation step as an isolated task.
Regional labor rates shift the installed price
Local wages, material delivery, contractor demand, and permitting practices create meaningful regional differences. A straightforward replacement in a lower-cost rural market may fall 10%-20% below the national planning range. Dense metro markets in the Northeast, West Coast, or major urban centers can run 15%-35% higher, particularly when scaffolding, parking restrictions, or historic masonry skills are involved.
For example, a $1,800 standard window project in a moderate-cost market might price around $1,500-$1,650 in a less expensive area or $2,100-$2,450 in a high-cost city. These comparisons assume the same opening, brick repair, and access. Local bids can depart from these percentages when a small contractor has a minimum charge or when specialist labor is scarce.
Weather and season can influence availability more than the steel price. In regions with cold winters, exterior mortar work may require temperature controls or may be postponed, increasing labor or scheduling costs. In busy spring and summer periods, contractors may book several weeks ahead, while emergency work can carry a premium.
Use local written quotes for the final budget because national ranges cannot reflect neighborhood labor and access conditions. When comparing prices, confirm whether taxes, delivery, equipment, permit charges, and brick matching are included. A low bid that excludes those costs may not be cheaper after the project is complete.
Repairing rusted steel versus replacing the whole lintel
Not every rust stain requires immediate full replacement, but paint alone does not correct a lintel that has lost section strength or caused masonry movement. A masonry contractor can assess whether the steel is merely surface-rusted, whether the brick has lifted, and whether the member still has adequate bearing. A site inspection commonly costs $100-$300 if it is not credited toward the work.
Minor pointing or replacement of a few damaged bricks may cost $300-$900 when the lintel remains structurally sound and the cause of water entry can be corrected. Cleaning and coating exposed steel may add $150-$500, but it is appropriate only when the metal is sound and the repair detail permits access. These measures should not be used to conceal significant corrosion or a sagging opening.
Full replacement becomes more likely when rust has expanded behind the brick, the opening has sagged, the lintel is badly pitted, or cracks radiate from the corners. Replacement costs more initially, but repeated patching can leave the underlying support problem unresolved. Choose repair only after the contractor identifies why the masonry is failing and confirms the steel remains adequate.
When comparing repair and replacement, include the expected extent of brickwork in each option. A small repair may preserve most of the facade, while replacement can require removing and resetting multiple courses. If the lintel is near the end of its useful life and access costs are already being paid, completing the full replacement may avoid paying for a second setup later.
Permits and hidden masonry repairs that raise the bill
Permit requirements vary by city and by whether the lintel supports a load-bearing wall. A cosmetic repair may not need a permit, while structural alteration can require a building permit, engineering documents, or inspection. Budget approximately $50-$500 for ordinary permit and inspection charges, with engineering commonly adding $300-$1,000 for a residential opening. Complex or historic projects can cost more.
Older homes may contain concealed deterioration, unusual brick dimensions, or previous repairs that complicate removal. Once the masonry is opened, the crew may find a corroded bearing pocket, loose backup material, or damaged ties. Such repairs can add $300-$2,000 or more, depending on how much wall must be stabilized and rebuilt.
Delivery can also affect the estimate. A common steel angle may be readily available, while a specified section, custom cut, or protective coating can require special ordering. Delivery and handling typically add $50-$300 for a small residential order, but a long member or restricted site can cost more. Disposal of masonry debris often runs $100-$500, depending on volume and hauling distance.
Historic-district approvals or facade requirements can limit replacement brick, mortar color, or visible steel details. These rules may add design time and material expense, even when the opening itself is modest. Before work begins, confirm who obtains approvals and how concealed damage is documented and priced. Written change-order terms help prevent disputes when the actual wall condition differs from what was visible.
Three steel lintel quotes for common home projects
A small first-floor window with a 3-foot opening may have a quote near $1,350. A representative scope could include $180 of steel, 6 combined crew hours at $100 per hour ($600), $350 of brick removal and reset, and $220 for disposal and protection. The price assumes intact surrounding masonry and no permit or engineering requirement.
A 6-foot patio door opening with corrosion and several displaced bricks might total about $3,650. A sample breakdown is $420 for a heavier lintel, 14 combined labor hours at $110 per hour ($1,540), $950 for shoring and masonry restoration, $390 for equipment and debris, and $350 for project overhead and minor finish work. A site visit may change the required support details.
A 9-foot opening on a second story could reach $7,800. An example includes $850 for specified steel, $2,640 for 24 combined crew hours at $110 per hour, $1,700 for scaffolding and shoring, $1,500 for engineering and permits, and $1,110 for brick rebuilding and disposal. This scenario assumes meaningful access difficulty but not a full facade rebuild.
These examples show how the same basic repair can vary with span, labor, access, and restoration scope. They are planning illustrations, not standardized bids; regional rates and actual structural requirements can move totals substantially. Request itemized estimates from at least two qualified masonry contractors and compare the same opening, finish, and support work.
How to lower the replacement price without cutting safety
Keep the scope precise. Ask the contractor to separate the lintel replacement from optional facade-wide repointing, decorative upgrades, and unrelated window work. If other masonry repairs are needed nearby, bundling them may reduce mobilization cost, but adding work that is not currently necessary can increase the bill without improving lintel performance.
Prepare access where practical by moving patio furniture, clearing shrubs, and arranging permission for the crew to reach the exterior wall. This will not eliminate professional shoring or equipment, but it may avoid added labor for basic site preparation. Confirm that the contractor, not the homeowner, handles structural support and steel installation.
Compare two or three written quotes with matching details: opening width, steel type or engineer’s specification, bearing, brick quantity, mortar finish, disposal, permit responsibility, and warranty. A bid that is $500 lower may omit scaffolding or interior patching. Ask whether a standard available steel section meets the design requirements before paying a premium for a custom product.
Schedule non-emergency work before loose masonry or water entry causes more damage. Avoid delaying a visibly sagging opening, but do not accept an urgent replacement recommendation without a clear explanation of the condition and support plan. The safest savings come from controlling restoration scope and comparing complete bids, not from using undersized steel or skipping shoring.