Beams are of vital importance when building a house. They are the structures that keep the building upright and are an essential part for the stability of the house. I you're building a house, you need to spend some time thinking about what beams you want in order to make sure your house turns out as stable and good looking as you want it. The most important thing to consider regarding the beams might be what material you want them to be made from.

Wood

Wooden beams are especially popular in houses that are built to look rustic but are quite common in all types of houses. They are more environmentally friendly than other types of beams, especially if the wood is taken from a company that strives to replace all trees they cut down. The downside of wood is that it can get affected by moisture that comes into your house, and this might cause the  beams to rot. Wooden beams need to be treated and protected in order to stay in good condition, as changing the beams when they are already installed is a very large project. Wood can also be a fragile material if you plan on building a high house. In that case, you should hire a structural engineering professional that can help you with the construction of the wooden beams and their placement in your house.

Steel

Steel is a common material in modern houses and tall buildings and is a popular material for many structural engineering firms. It is very durable and can hold the weight of very large or high houses. You need to make sure that the steel beams you intend to use for your house are galvanised, in which case they can also withstand corrosion and rust. The downside of steel beams is that they are rather expensive. Many people also feel hesitant in using steel beams for houses where the beams are exposed, as this can give the house an industrial look.

Concrete

Concrete beams are mainly used for industrial buildings but can be used in residential buildings as well. It's a durable material that doesn't need a lot of maintenance. Concrete is also a rather cheap material. The downside of concrete beams is that they might be prone to cracking if moisture penetrates the structure, which can be a hassle to repair later on internal beams. The dust created when working on concrete beam can also be rather dangerous if you were to breathe it in or get it in your eyes.

For more information about the best beam option for your building project, you may want to work with a local structural engineering firm. 

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