Steel lintels: 4"x3"x1/4" angle iron, 24" to 240"
A steel lintel is a length of structural steel, most often an angle, that spans the top of a door or window opening and carries the masonry above it. Yankocy stocks 4"x3"x1/4" bare steel angle iron lintels wholesale, every 6" from 24" to 120" plus 20' lengths, sold by the piece, for mason yards across CT, NY and NJ.
Steel lintels: what we stock
| Product | Sizes and options |
|---|---|
| Angle irons (loose lintels) | 4"x3"x1/4", 24" to 240" |
| Lengths stocked | Every 6" from 24" to 120" (10'), then 240" (20') |
| Order unit | Sold by the piece |
| Finish | Bare steel |
What is a loose angle lintel?
In brick veneer and cavity walls, the usual lintel is a single steel angle. The mason sets it in the wall so it bridges the opening, and the brick above sits on its horizontal leg. The Brick Industry Association calls this a loose angle lintel because it is laid in the masonry, not bolted to the frame.
Solid masonry walls usually need more than one angle, set back to back, or a beam with a plate. Brick veneer on a framed building may hang from shelf angles fixed to the structure. Those are designed per job; the loose angle is the stock item.
Reading the size: L4x3x1/4
An angle is named by its two leg lengths and its thickness. A 4"x3"x1/4" angle, written L4x3x1/4 on drawings, has one 4" leg, one 3" leg and 1/4" thick steel. Which leg goes vertical, and which carries the brick, is shown on the plans.
| Item | What the BIA technical note says |
|---|---|
| Steel grade | At least ASTM A 36 |
| Thickness | At least 1/4" |
| Horizontal leg | At least 3-1/2" under nominal 4" brick; 3" under nominal 3" brick |
| Bearing at each end | Set by calculation, and not less than 3" |
| Deflection | No more than 1/600 of the clear span, and no more than 0.3" |
| Span | Most codes allow angle lintels over openings up to 8'0" |
How long should a steel lintel be?
Order the clear opening plus bearing at both ends. With the 3" minimum at each end, a 36" opening needs at least a 42" angle; many plans call for more. We stock 4"x3"x1/4" angle in every 6" length from 24" to 120", then 20' (240") lengths, all sold by the piece. So one rack covers a small basement window up to a long garage or storefront run where the plans allow an angle.
| Clear opening | Shortest stock angle (3" bearing each end) |
|---|---|
| 18" | 24" |
| 30" | 36" |
| 36" | 42" |
| 48" | 54" |
| 72" | 78" |
| 96" (8') | 102" |
We don't size lintels. The engineer or the plans set the angle size, bearing and any combination lintel. We supply the steel to that spec.
Flashing, weeps and corrosion
Water gets into every masonry wall, and the lintel is where it collects. BIA calls for continuous flashing over the angle in cavity and veneer walls, between the steel and the brick, with weepholes at the lintel line to let the water out.
Our angles are bare steel, and bare steel will rust. In harsh climates and exposures BIA says to consider galvanized lintels; otherwise the steel needs periodic maintenance. So a lintel's life comes down to keeping it dry and protected.
Questions about steel lintels
What is a steel lintel?
A steel lintel is a structural steel member, usually an angle, placed over a door or window opening to carry the masonry above it. In brick veneer and cavity walls it is typically a single loose angle set into the wall. Yankocy stocks 4"x3"x1/4" angle iron lintels every 6" from 24" to 120", plus 20' lengths.
How thick does a steel lintel need to be?
The Brick Industry Association says steel angle lintels should be at least 1/4" thick, in steel meeting ASTM A 36 or better, with a horizontal leg of at least 3-1/2" under nominal 4" brick. The actual size for a given opening and load comes from the engineer or the plans.
How much bearing does a steel lintel need on each end?
Bearing length is calculated from the end load and the strength of the masonry below it. The Brick Industry Association sets a floor: bearing should not be less than 3" at each end. So order the clear opening plus at least 6", or whatever the plans call for.
What are the four types of lintels?
In brick masonry, lintels are usually one of four kinds: reinforced brick masonry, brick masonry arches, precast concrete, or structural steel shapes. Steel lintels come as single loose angles, combination lintels built from several angles or a beam and plate, and shelf angles fixed to the building frame.
What is the lifespan of a steel lintel?
It depends on how well the steel is kept dry. Bare steel rusts, so BIA recommends continuous flashing and weepholes at every lintel and says to consider galvanized lintels in harsh exposures. Without that, the lintel needs periodic maintenance to keep corrosion in check.
Last updated
Yankocy sells angle iron lintels wholesale to mason and lumber yards. Buying for your own home? Your local lumber or mason yard can order it for you.
Steel lintels data sheets and sources
Related to steel lintels
Wholesale pricing on steel lintels
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- Delivery
- Weekdays on our own trucks to Connecticut, southeastern New York, northeastern New Jersey, Long Island, western Rhode Island and southern Massachusetts. Delivery area
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