Are you planning a new home or renovating an existing one? One of the biggest things that you have to consider is the material for the beams. For most, the choice is between steel and wood beams for sale Los Angeles. Which one is better? It all depends on what your resources, goals, and timetables are. Both have their pros and cons so you have to weigh these in order to come up with the right answer for your particular situation. Think about the following before making a final decision:
Cost
Wood is generally cheaper than steel which makes it a budget-friendly option. If you are low on funds but your really need a beam to strengthen the structure, then this is the best bet for you. It does not matter whether you pick engineered wood or dimensional lumber. You will end up spending less for the material and the labor. However, there are places where the reverse may be true due to supply and demand. It is best to check the current prices to see if you area follows the usual trend or not. One problem with wood is that it shrinks while it dries which may cause stress fractures. Find an experienced woodworker who knows how to avoid this problem.
Design
If you have unorthodox design specifications, then you are likely going to need steel to make them happen. Steel is much more versatile and its strength allows it to bear loads using fewer beams. For example, you can keep a wide area column-free using steel beams. On the other hand, wooden beams can be exposed as an added design feature which looks great for traditional homes. There is no need to cover them unlike with steel beams that tend to be unsightly.
Speed
If you want to have the construction finish right away, then adding wooden beams is the better option. They can be delivered and placed where they need to be in a snap. Steel beams require some lead time so you will have to wait a while to complete everything. There are lots more planning and coordination needed with steel.
Sustainability
Steel can be recycled which is good for the environment. It can also be reused for countless applications. It tends to last longer so there is no need to replace it often. On the other hand, wood is sustainable too, especially if you will use barn wood for your project.
If you are interested to learn more, talk to a supplier with wood beams for sale Los Angeles.
