Lintel size guide: what length lintel do I need?
Short answer: the opening width plus about 300 mm. That gives roughly 150 mm of bearing on the brickwork each side.
Lintel length calculator
Enter a width to see the minimum lintel length.
Quote this lintelEstimate only. Always confirm against your building plans or engineer's drawings.
Opening width vs minimum lintel length
| Opening width | Minimum lintel length |
|---|---|
| 0.6 m | 0.9 m |
| 0.9 m | 1.2 m |
| 1.2 m | 1.5 m |
| 1.5 m | 1.8 m |
| 1.8 m | 2.1 m |
| 2.1 m | 2.4 m |
| 2.4 m | 2.7 m |
| 3.0 m | 3.3 m |
| 3.6 m | 3.9 m |
| 4.2 m | 4.5 m |
| 4.8 m | 5.1 m |
| 5.1 m | 5.4 m |
Lintels at Bloem supplies lengths from 0.9 m to 5.4 m. We confirm the nearest available length when we quote.
How do I measure for a lintel?
- Measure the opening between the brickwork on each side, not the frame.
- Add the bearing: at least 150 mm each side, so add 300 mm in total.
- Check your plans or engineer's schedule for the specified lintel.
- Send us the sizes and quantities and we will quote and confirm what we can supply.
Frequently asked questions
How long should a lintel be?
A lintel should extend past the opening and bear on the wall on both sides, commonly around 150 mm each side. That means the lintel is about 300 mm longer than the opening.
What is the longest lintel you make?
Our longest lintel is 5.4 m, which suits openings up to about 5.1 m using the rule of thumb. For wider spans, speak to your engineer.
Do I need an engineer to size my lintel?
For standard openings the rule of thumb is a good starting point, but your building plans or engineer's specification always take priority, especially for wide openings or heavy loads.
Need lintels or concrete products in Bloemfontein?
Tell us what you need and we will come back with a quote. No obligation.