Steel Beams for House Extensions by Franks Steel
Franks Steel provides professionally fabricated steel beams for house extensions across London and the surrounding counties. We work with homeowners, builders, architects, structural engineers and main contractors, delivering reliable structural steelwork for extensions and property alterations of all sizes.
Our service covers the fabrication, supply, delivery and installation of structural steel beams manufactured in accordance with approved structural drawings. Whether your project requires one supporting beam or a complete steel frame, our experienced team can provide a carefully coordinated steelwork solution.
Structural Steel for House Extensions
Building an extension often involves removing an existing external wall to connect the new area to the original property. Once this wall is removed, structural steel beams may be required to support the floors, walls or roof above the new opening.
The size and arrangement of the steelwork depend on the design of the property and the loads that must be supported. A qualified structural engineer should calculate and specify the required steel sections before fabrication begins.
Once we receive the approved drawings, Franks Steel can manufacture the required steel beams for your house extension accurately and prepare them for delivery and installation.
Steelwork for Different Types of Extensions
We fabricate and install structural steelwork for many types of residential extension projects, including:
- Rear house extensions
- Side-return extensions
- Wraparound extensions
- Single-storey extensions
- Double-storey extensions
- Kitchen extensions
- Open-plan living spaces
- Garage conversions
- Loft conversions
- Load-bearing wall removals
- Property refurbishments
- Structural alterations
Every extension is different. Some projects require a single steel beam, while others may need columns, goalpost frames or complete box-frame structures.
RSJ Beams for House Extensions
The term RSJ beam is commonly used to describe structural steel beams installed in residential properties. However, the steel section specified for an extension may be a universal beam, universal column, parallel flange channel or another structural section.
Steelwork for house extensions may include:
- Universal beams
- Universal columns
- Steel support posts
- Goalpost frames
- Box frames
- Parallel flange channels
- Connection plates
- Base plates
- End plates
- Cleats and brackets
- Stiffeners
- Bespoke fabricated connections
The correct section must always be selected by the project’s structural engineer. Franks Steel manufactures the steelwork according to the approved sizes, measurements and connection details.
Bespoke Steel Beam Fabrication
Accurate fabrication is essential for a successful installation. Incorrect measurements or misplaced connections can cause delays and additional costs once work begins on site.
Our workshop team can cut, drill, weld and prepare structural steelwork to match the project drawings. Beams can be supplied with the necessary connection components, including plates, cleats, brackets and stiffeners.
Our fabrication service includes:
- Steel cutting to specified lengths
- Drilling and hole preparation
- Welding of connection components
- End plates and base plates
- Cleats, brackets and stiffeners
- Bespoke steel connections
- Protective finishes where specified
- Preparation for delivery and installation
All structural steelwork is carefully checked against the fabrication information before leaving our workshop.
Steel Beam Supply and Installation
Franks Steel provides a complete service for steel beams for house extensions, helping clients manage the process through one experienced steelwork contractor.
Our service can include:
- Review of structural drawings
- Site measurements where required
- Steel beam fabrication
- Connection preparation
- Protective finishes
- Delivery to the property
- HIAB lifting where site conditions permit
- Professional steel installation
- Coordination with builders and contractors
Providing fabrication, delivery and installation through one company helps ensure that the steelwork arrives correctly prepared and ready for its intended position.
Steel Beams for Rear Extensions
Rear extensions are commonly used to create larger kitchens, dining areas and open-plan family spaces. These projects frequently require part of the original rear wall to be removed.
A structural steel beam is normally installed above the new opening to support the building above. Wider openings may require additional columns or a goalpost frame to transfer the loads safely to the foundations.
We fabricate rear extension steel beams according to the engineer’s drawings, including any required supporting columns, plates and connections.
Steel Goalpost and Box Frames
A single beam may not always provide the required structural support. Some extensions need a steel goalpost frame consisting of a horizontal beam supported by steel columns at either end.
More extensive alterations may require a box frame, which creates a rigid structural arrangement around a large opening. These frames can be required where limited masonry remains available to support the new steelwork.
Franks Steel can fabricate the complete frame and prepare the necessary connections for efficient assembly on site.
Delivery and HIAB Lifting
Steel beams can be long, heavy and difficult to handle, particularly at residential properties with restricted access. Delivery and lifting arrangements should therefore be considered at an early stage.
Franks Steel operates HIAB-equipped vehicles capable of transporting and lifting structural steelwork where access and site conditions allow. Our team can assess factors such as:
- Road and driveway access
- Beam length and weight
- Available lifting space
- Nearby buildings and obstacles
- Safe vehicle positioning
- Distance from the vehicle to the installation area
- Requirements for manual handling or mechanical lifting
Where direct HIAB lifting is not possible, we can discuss alternative delivery and installation arrangements with the contractor.
Steelwork Manufactured from Structural Drawings
Before steel fabrication begins, we normally require the relevant structural drawings and steel specifications. These should clearly identify the required steel sections, lengths, levels and connection details.
Useful information includes:
- Structural engineer’s drawings
- Steel beam sizes and lengths
- Column specifications
- Connection details
- Plate and cleat dimensions
- Hole positions and bolt requirements
- Protective coating requirements
- Site address and access information
- Proposed installation date
Providing complete information at the quotation stage helps us prepare an accurate price and identify any fabrication or access requirements.
Protective Finishes for Structural Steel
Structural steel may require a protective finish depending on its location, exposure and the project specification.
Available preparation and finishing options may include:
- Primed steelwork
- Painted steelwork
- Galvanised steelwork
- Intumescent coatings where specified
- Untreated steel ready for site application
The required level of protection should be confirmed by the architect, engineer or building-control specification.
Why Choose Franks Steel?
Franks Steel has extensive experience delivering structural steelwork for residential and commercial construction projects. We understand the importance of accurate fabrication, dependable delivery and careful site coordination.
Clients choose Franks Steel for:
- Bespoke structural steel fabrication
- Experienced welders and installers
- Steelwork manufactured from approved drawings
- Reliable delivery and site coordination
- HIAB lifting capabilities
- Residential and commercial steelwork expertise
- UKCA-compliant structural steelwork
- Coverage throughout London and surrounding counties
- Solutions for single beams and complete steel frames
We work closely with project teams to ensure that every component is manufactured and delivered in accordance with the agreed specification.
Steel Beams for House Extensions Across London
We supply and install steel beams for house extensions in London and throughout the surrounding areas.
Our service coverage includes:
- North London
- South London
- East London
- West London
- Central London
- Greater London
- Kent
- Essex
- Surrey
- Hertfordshire
- Berkshire
Whether you are a homeowner planning a rear extension or a contractor managing several structural alterations, our team can provide the required steelwork.
Request a Quotation
If you require steel beams for a house extension, send Franks Steel your structural engineer’s drawings, project address and proposed timescale.
Our team can review the project information and provide a competitive quotation for the fabrication, supply, delivery and installation of your structural steelwork.
Contact Franks Steel today to discuss your house-extension steelwork requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What steel beam do I need for my house extension?
The required steel section must be calculated and specified by a qualified structural engineer. The engineer will consider the building loads, opening width, supporting structure and foundation requirements.
Can you manufacture steel beams from an engineer’s drawings?
Yes. Franks Steel can fabricate structural steel beams, columns and connections using approved structural drawings and specifications.
Do you supply RSJ beams for house extensions?
Yes. We supply structural steel sections commonly referred to as RSJs, including universal beams, universal columns and other sections specified by the structural engineer.
Can you deliver and install the steel beams?
Yes. We provide fabrication, delivery and professional installation. HIAB lifting may also be available, subject to access and site conditions.
Can you supply a complete steel frame for an extension?
Yes. We can fabricate individual beams, goalpost frames, box frames, supporting columns and complete structural steel packages.
Which areas do you cover?
We cover London, Kent, Essex, Surrey, Hertfordshire, Berkshire and other surrounding areas.