Lintel Replacement Cost Guide for the UK

Quick Cost Breakdown

Lintel materials typically cost £50-£150 per linear metre. Most homeowners spend between £650-£2,500 for a complete project. Scaffolding hire and setup adds £400-£1,200 when working above ground. Most lintel replacement projects take 1-3 days to complete, though period properties or difficult access can extend this timeframe.

Lintel Replacement Cost Guide

In this cost guide we will talk about:

1. What Is a Window Lintel and Why Replace It?
2. Average Cost of Lintel Replacement
3. Cost Breakdown: Installing a Lintel
4. Lintel Replacement Costs Across Property Types
5. Lintel Material Options and Costs
6. Cost of Replacing Lintel Above Window
7. Tips for Hiring a Lintel Installer Near You
8. Find Verified Lintel Professionals on MyBuilder
9. FAQ: Common Questions About Lintel Replacement

What Is a Window Lintel and Why Replace It?

Lintels are essential horizontal structural elements, positioned over doors, windows, and other openings in a building's walls.

They bear the load of the brickwork, or upper floors above, transferring that weight to the vertical supports on either side to prevent any structural issues occurring in your property.

Engineered from materials like steel, reinforced concrete, or precast concrete, lintels must withstand significant compressive forces - often spanning several meters while supporting tonnes of load.

Over time, lintels can degrade due to several well-documented factors:

• Rust and corrosion: Steel lintels, especially in older properties (pre-1980s), are prone to rust when exposed to damp through failed cavity trays or mortar. This expansion can crack surrounding brickwork.

• Subsidence or overload: Differential settlement or added upper storeys can exceed design limits.

Poor installation: Inadequate bearing (minimum 150-200mm each end per standards) leads to long-term failure.

If you think your lintels are ready for replacement, use MyBuilder to connect with bricklayers, ask for advice on your window lintels and request quotes in line with your budget.

Find window lintel replacement

Average Cost of Lintel Replacement

The average cost of replacing a lintel in the UK typically range from £650-£1,000 for standard door or window openings, though total costs can span £500-£2,500 depending on key variables like the span size (e.g., 1m vs. 3m+), job complexity (access issues or load-bearing walls), and material choices (steel vs. concrete).

These factors drive labour, scaffolding, and supply expenses, making early assessment crucial for budgeting.

How much does it cost to replace a lintel?

Lintel type	Average cost
Concrete lintel	£500 – £1,500
Steel lintel	£1,000 – £2,000
Timber lintel	£650 – £1,500

Note: It’s good to know that costs can escalate in period properties (pre-1940s), where non-standard spans and cavity wall complexities demand extra work and materials. Also, upper-storey replacements often incur additional £300-£800 for scaffolding hire and setup.

Cost Breakdown: Installing a Lintel

When you're putting in a new lintel, the total cost builds up from a handful of key areas.

Knowing what goes into each one helps you understand quotes better and plan your budget without nasty surprises. Here's a rundown of what makes up a typical UK job, say replacing a lintel over a door or window.

The Lintel Itself (around 20-30% of the total)

This is the beam that does the heavy lifting. Costs depend on its material, length across the opening, and how much weight it needs to support.

A basic concrete one for a small span might cost £50-£150, but something stronger like galvanised steel for bigger or load-bearing spots will cost more since it needs to be thicker and tougher.

Labour (the biggest chunk, often 40-50%)

This covers the bricklayers' time and effort. A straightforward swap might just need a day or two with a small team, but if access is awkward or it's up high, it takes longer and more hands. Bricklayers typically charge £200-£400 a day, with prices shifting depending on location, busier areas like London run higher than up north.

Scaffolding and Access (about 15-25%)

If it's at ground level, you might get away without much here. But for anything upstairs or on an exposed wall, you'll need scaffolding to work safely, which means hiring gear and someone to erect it. Full scaffolds often run £400-£1,200 for hire, while a tower for simpler spots keeps things cheaper.

For an in-depth look at scaffolding costs, visit our informative price guide.

MyBuilder-Tip: Always ask for quotes that break this down clearly - aim for a few to compare. Factor in VAT too, and consider an early check to spot things like cavity tray issues that could bump the price.

Lintel Replacement Costs Across Property Types

Lintel issues and their repair costs can vary significantly depending on your home's age, construction style, and layout. What works for a modern semi might be a different story altogether for a Victorian terrace.

Here's how costs typically shake out across common UK property types, driven by differences in wall construction, access, and lintel designs:

Property Type	Cost Range
Terraced Houses	£500–£900
Semi-Detached	£750–£1,300
Detached Houses	£900–£1,800+
Period (pre-1919)	£1,200–£3,000+
Modern (post-1980s)	£600–£1,200

Terraced Houses (often the most affordable)

These are usually the cheapest to fix at £500-£900 for a standard job. Shared walls mean less load to support, and ground-floor access is straightforward without much scaffolding. Pre-1930s terraces frequently have hidden steel lintels prone to rust, but their narrow spans keep material and labour costs down.

Semi-Detached Houses (£750-£1,300)

You'll likely pay a bit more for these because the openings tend to be wider, and the outer walls often call for scaffolding right from the start of the job.

The separate side walls mean you have to prop up the weight above with extra care, and since cavity walls are so common in homes built after the 1920s, there's additional work involved in fitting new insulation and damp-proof coursing properly. Find out more about insulation costs.

Detached Houses (£900-£1,800+)

Fully exposed walls often require full scaffolds right away, hiking access costs by £400-£800. Larger openings (e.g., modern extensions) need beefier lintels, and if it's a bigger home, multiple lintels could double the price. Isolated structures also mean no shortcuts on safety gear.

Period Properties (£1,200-£3,000+)

Victorian or Edwardian homes bring the real challenges—and costs—with slender brick arches or early steel lintels buried deep in solid walls. Non-standard sizes mean custom fabrication, plus heritage considerations might demand matching materials. Expect extra for surveys and making good ornate brickwork.

Key takeaway: Your property type influences everything from scaffolding needs to lintel specs. A quick survey can reveal if you're on the low or high end - terraces save money, while period or detached homes demand more planning and cost.

Lintel Material Options and Costs

Selecting the right material for lintel replacement is crucial as it affects durability and structural support. Steel lintels and concrete lintels are the most common options, each offering distinct benefits. Here's a breakdown of these options to help you make an informed choice.

Average Steel Lintel Costs

Steel lintels are renowned for their strength and ability to support significant loads, making them ideal for properties requiring robust structural support. These lintels are commonly used in modern constructions due to their versatility and ease of installation.

• Standard Steel Lintel: £50 - £100 per linear metre
• Galvanised Steel Lintel: £100 - £150 per linear metre
• Heavy-duty Steel Lintel: Typically the price range is higher due to additional support specifications

Average Concrete Lintel Costs

Concrete lintels provide excellent fire resistance and durability, making them suitable for a range of building types, particularly where budget is a consideration. While heavier, they are often used in buildings where traditional aesthetics, like those mimicking stone or brick architecture, are desired.

• Standard Concrete Lintel: £20 - £35 per linear metre
• Reinforced Concrete Lintel: £35 - £50 per linear metre
• Pre-stressed Concrete Lintel: Usually at the higher end of the price range due to enhanced load-bearing capabilities

Brick Lintel Replacement Materials Cost

Brick lintels offer strong support and are ideal for replacing damaged or outdated lintels in traditional brick buildings. The cost of brick lintels can vary depending on the type and design, with some offering additional features like reinforced support.

• Standard Brick Lintel: £25 - £40 per linear metre
• Reinforced Brick Lintel: £40 - £60 per linear metre
• Arch-Shaped Brick Lintel: Typically at the higher end of the price range due to the complex design and additional materials required

MyBuilder Tip: Always ask for a detailed quote from your contractor to include potential hidden costs and ensure no surprise expenses arise during your lintel replacement project.

Cost of Replacing Lintel Above Window

We’ve gone over the costs of replacing standard lintels, but how much does it cost to replace a window lintel? If you've spotted cracks above your window or doors sticking, that lintel might need replacing, and you're probably wondering what it will cost.

For most homeowners, replacing a lintel over a standard ground-floor window runs £650-£1,200. On upper floors, you should budget up to £1,500-£2,500 where access gets tricky.

Why do windows commonly need lintel replacement?:

• Rain and damp exposure: Windows catch the most weather, leading to rust in steel lintels - especially without proper cavity trays.
• Thermal movement: Daily heating/cooling causes concrete lintels to crack or spall over time.
• Narrower bearings Window openings often have tight support (under 150-200mm), stressing lintels faster.

In terraced houses, shared walls can cut the cost of replacing lintels above windows by 10-20%. Detached homes tend to cost more since all walls are exposed. Spotting and fixing cracks early can save you thousands - simply measure the span and get some quotes for accuracy.

Tips for Hiring a Lintel Installer Near You

Finding the right person for your lintel job doesn't have to be overwhelming if you follow a few practical steps. Here's straightforward advice to help you pick someone suited to the task.

Get multiple quotes to compare: Aim for at least three quotes specific to your job - mention span size, property type, and access needs upfront.

Check the tradesperson’s past work: Ask for photos of similar lintel jobs, especially in your property type. Look for clean re-pointing, proper propping, and good insulation. Confirm they can start promptly to avoid delay costs.

Verify local regulations knowledge: They should know building regs like Approved Document A, minimum 150-200mm bearings, and padstone use. Ask how they'd handle surprises like hidden rust or subsidence.

Agree a clear timeline: Standard jobs take 1-3 days. Set stage payments: deposit for materials, after propping/install, final on completion. Avoid upfront full payment or vague schedules.

Post your job on MyBuilder today and get matched with a local professional in your postcode. Then, you can browse their profiles, with images of their past works and customer reviews. Request and compare quotes to find the right tradesperson in your area.

Post my job today

Find Lintel Professionals on MyBuilder

Getting the right bricklayer for your lintel replacement makes all the difference, and MyBuilder makes it easy to find one. Post your job with a few photos and details about the span, access, and property type, and you'll receive quotes from bricklayers near you who've been reviewed by other homeowners.

You can also browse photos of their previous lintel work, compare prices side by side, and read honest feedback before committing - helping you avoid surprises and stay on budget. If you want to look into other structural projects for your home, read the full guide on structural engineers costs.

All tradespeople on MyBuilder undergo checks at registration - such as ID documents, company details, certifications for regulated jobs and skill assessments - allowing you to hire with confidence.

Begin my lintel project

FAQ: Common Questions Readers Ask About Lintel Replacement

How long does the lintel replacement process typically take?

The lintel replacement process typically takes between one to three days. This timeframe can vary based on factors such as the size and accessibility of the site, the type of lintel being replaced and any unforeseen structural issues that may arise. It's important to consult with a professional to get a more precise estimate tailored to your specific circumstances. If you notice these signs, post your job on MyBuilder to connect with bricklayers who can assess the damage.

Are there any signs that indicate I should replace my lintel soon?

There are several key signs that may indicate the need for lintel replacement. These include visible cracks in the masonry above the lintel, sagging or bowing of the stone or brickwork, water ingress around windows or doors, and difficulty opening or closing windows and doors. If you notice any of these signs, it's essential to consult a structural engineer or a professional builder to assess the situation promptly.

What are the potential risks of not replacing a damaged lintel?

Neglecting to replace a damaged lintel can lead to serious structural issues in your property. Over time, the integrity of the wall could compromise, resulting in severe cracks, increased risk of water leakage, further deterioration of surrounding masonry, and even the potential for structural collapse in extreme cases. These issues could eventually lead to costly repairs and may also pose safety hazards to the building's occupants.

Are there any maintenance tips to extend the lifespan of a newly replaced lintel?

To extend the lifespan of a newly replaced lintel, it is recommended to perform regular inspections for any signs of wear or damage, particularly following adverse weather conditions. Ensure the surrounding masonry is adequately maintained, including keeping gutters and downspouts clear to prevent water ingress. Apply weatherproof sealant when necessary to protect the lintel from moisture. Engaging in periodic assessments by a professional can also help identify potential issues early, maintaining the lintel in optimal condition.