11 Aug What are Flitched Steel Beams and their Advantages?
What is a Flitch Beam?
A steel flitch beam, also known as flitched beams, is a combination of a steel plate sandwiched between two timber beams, with the three alternating layers bolted together.
The word ‘flitch’ comes from the word ‘flesh’ and refers specifically to the wood which has been cut lengthways from tree trunks.
At Baker Steel Trading, we are specialists in fabricating structural steel beams of all shapes and sizes. One special product we fabricate frequently, as part of our bespoke structural steel fabrication service, is the flitched steel beam.
Generally speaking, these types of beams are being used far less often than standard mild steel, structural steel and even standard timber. However, that is not to say that these types of beams are not useful. For loft conversions, hardwood garage doors and long-span, timber-frame structures which require a higher level of structural support than standard timber, using flitched steel beams is the only way to go.
We have many years of experience working with steel, and we’re also very accustomed to using timber to make structurally supportive flitch beams of all shapes and sizes. We are steel fabricators who can supply specialist products like these to your chosen specifications. There are some tangible benefits of using these compound beams in construction, which we have outlined below.
Advantages of Steel Flitch Beams
- Lighter than steel I beams – one major benefit of flitch beams is how lightweight they are. While still offering a robust level of reinforcement, they are significantly lighter than standard universal beams. This makes them easier to fit, handle and suitable solutions for buildings that don’t require the same level of strength as an RSJ beam. For example, they’re a great loft conversion steel beam.
- Stronger than standard timber – these beams have additional support in the form of steel plates, so this enhances their ability to withstand loads. As opposed to standard timber beams, the steel sandwiched between the wooden beams gives it that extra level of strength. They also require less depth for building than a standard wooden timber beam would, if the latter had the same amount of strength. What’s more, steel doesn’t crack or bend, and is incredibly resistant to corrosion, meaning these beams are built to last. Read more about steel finishing and uses for structural steel for more information.
- Cost-effective – they can be relatively cheap when compared with other structural steel products like universal columns, parallel flange channels and other steel support beams. That’s not to say that flitch beams should be used instead of steel in all cases though. On the whole, no other product lasts as long, or gives as much structural integrity to a building as solid steel.
- More layers can be added – having said that, the strength of flitch steel beams can be improved by adding additional timber and steel layers into their design. This is where specialist steel fabrication is handy, as fabricators with the tools and resources available can provide uniquely-designed products.
- Can be nailed to existing structures – contractors currently working on-site can simply fit a steel flitch plate into currently stable timber structures. Just by using nails, screws or bolts, adding flitch beams is an easy process.
Considerations of Flitched Steel Beams
- High labour costs – this is primarily why the use of flitch beams has somewhat declined over the years. Manufacturing these beams can prove costly, in terms of the labour involved. However, many steel fabrication companies, like Baker Steel Trading, can offer flexible prices and solutions to ensure you’re not going over budget.
- Take longer to put together – compared to standard timber beams, a steel flitch beam takes longer to put together. This can occasionally cause issues if workers on-site are already pressed for time.
Order Steel Beams
If you are in search of robust, reliable and aesthetically-pleasing steel beams to complete your building project, then get in touch with Baker Steel Trading. We are CE-approved steel fabricators and can provide you with the highest quality products at competitive prices.
The additional services we offer are there to be helping hands to you and your project, rather than simply being additional costs. Whether you are looking for high-standard 3D steel fabrication drawings, flexible mobile welding services to be carried out on-site or even a HIAB to hire, then we can factor all of that into making your project as stress-free and comfortable as possible. Or whether you just need to buy steel directly from us, then we’re here to help.
Speak to us directly if you have any other questions. We’d love to hear from you.