--- title: "RSJ Steel Beam Installation Brighton | Structural Steel Specialists | Masters Group" description: "Professional RSJ and steel beam design and installation in Brighton & East Sussex. Load-bearing wall removal, extensions, and open-plan conversions. Structural engineer designed. Free estimates." lang: en json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Service", "name": "RSJ Steel Beam Installation Service", "description": "Professional structural steel beam (RSJ) design and installation in Brighton and East Sussex, including load-bearing wall removal, extensions, and open-plan conversions.", "provider": { "@type": "LocalBusiness", "name": "Masters Group", "telephone": "01273110607", "url": "https://mastersgroup.uk", "address": { "@type": "PostalAddress", "streetAddress": "17 Colebrook Road", "addressLocality": "Brighton", "postalCode": "BN1 5JH", "addressCountry": "GB" } }, "areaServed": [ { "@type": "City", "name": "Brighton" }, { "@type": "City", "name": "Worthing" }, { "@type": "City", "name": "Eastbourne" }, { "@type": "City", "name": "Horsham" } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "How much does an RSJ installation cost in Brighton?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "A complete RSJ installation — including structural calculations, building control, beam supply, installation, and plastering — typically costs £3,000–£6,000. The variation depends on beam size, span, and complexity. We provide fixed-price quotes after a survey." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Do I need planning permission for a steel beam?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Usually no. Internal structural alterations are covered under building regulations, not planning permission. However, listed buildings require listed building consent for any structural work. We advise on requirements during the initial consultation." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How long does an RSJ installation take?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "A standard single-beam installation takes 1–2 days for the structural work, plus 1–2 days for plastering and making good. The structural engineering calculations and building control approval add 2–4 weeks to the front end of the programme." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How do I know if my wall is load-bearing?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Most internal walls running perpendicular to floor joists are load-bearing. However, this must be confirmed by professional assessment. We assess wall types during the initial survey and our structural engineer confirms before any design work begins." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can you install steel beams in commercial properties?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes. We install steel beams in commercial properties including retail units, offices, restaurants, and industrial buildings. Commercial installations often involve heavier sections and more complex temporary works." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Will the beam be visible after installation?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "That depends on your preference. Beams can be fully enclosed in plasterboard for a flush ceiling, left exposed as a design feature (with intumescent paint for fire protection), or boxed in with timber cladding." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What areas do you cover for RSJ installation?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "We cover Brighton, Hove, Worthing, Eastbourne, Littlehampton, Bognor Regis, Burgess Hill, Haywards Heath, Horsham, and the wider East Sussex area." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Do you provide structural engineering certificates?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes. Every RSJ installation includes structural engineer calculations, building control inspection, and a completion certificate. These documents are essential for your records and for any future property sale." } } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://mastersgroup.uk/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Services", "item": "https://mastersgroup.uk/#services" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "RSJ Steel Beam Installation Service" } ] } ] --- 17 Colebrook Road, Brighton, BN1 5JH info@mastersgroup.uk [![Masters Group](/assets/masters-logo-Dn445ZsE.png) MASTERS GROUP ](/) [Home](/)[About](/about) Services Areas [Our Work](/our-work)[Warranty](/warranty)[Reviews](/reviews)[Blog](/blog)[Contact](/contact) [01273 110607](tel:01273110607)[Get Estimate](/contact) ![RSJ Steel Beam Installation Service services by Masters Group Brighton](/assets/new-build-30-C8HTQqg9.jpg) - [Home](/) - [Services](/#services) - RSJ Steel Beam Installation Service Masters Group # Professional Structural Steel Beam (RSJ) Design & Installation in Brighton All our work is comprehensively insured and designed through a team of professional structural engineers who conduct thorough assessments to ensure the feasibility of load-bearing wall removals — providing tailored solutions that create harmonious spaces, elevate property value, and maintain structural integrity. [Request Free Estimate](/contact) [01273 110607](tel:01273110607) 30+ years experience · Structural engineer designed · Fully insured · LABC approved 30+ Years Steel beam experience Structural Engineers Every beam designed LABC Approved Building control partnership Fully Insured Comprehensive cover ## RSJ and Steel Beam Installations: Essential Structural Elements At Masters Group, we understand that RSJ and steel beam installations are essential to the structural integrity of construction projects. These load-bearing elements are crafted from high-quality steel, offering exceptional durability and the ability to support heavy loads over long spans, making them vital for both residential and commercial applications. Steel beams are used when load-bearing walls are removed to create open-plan spaces, when new openings are formed in existing walls, when extensions connect to existing buildings, and when upper floors or roofs need additional support. Every application requires precise engineering calculations to determine the correct beam size and bearing details. We deal with extensions, new build steel installations, and internal alterations. Whether you need a single RSJ for a kitchen-diner conversion or a complete steel frame for a new build, our structural engineering partners design every installation to exact requirements. The combination of professional structural design, experienced installation teams, and building control certification ensures every steel beam we install is safe, compliant, and built to last the lifetime of the building. ### Related Services - [Design & Build Kitchen Diners](/services/kitchen-diners) - [Foundations](/services/foundations) - [New Builds](/services/new-builds) - [Commercial](/services/commercial) ### Areas We Serve - [Brighton](/areas/brighton) - [Worthing](/areas/worthing) - [Eastbourne](/areas/eastbourne) - [Haywards Heath](/areas/haywards-heath) ## The Art of Load-Bearing Wall Removal While load-bearing walls provide necessary support, they can restrict design possibilities. Our expertise in load-bearing wall removal allows us to carefully extract these walls while maintaining the overall structural integrity of the building. This process creates open, airy spaces that enhance light and design flexibility. Removing a load-bearing wall without proper structural calculations is one of the most dangerous DIY or cowboy-builder mistakes. The wall exists because it carries the weight of the structure above — removing it without adequate temporary support and a correctly sized replacement beam can cause ceiling collapse, floor sagging, and catastrophic structural failure. Even when a steel beam is installed, incorrect sizing causes long-term problems. An undersized beam will deflect under load, causing cracking in plasterwork above, doors that stick, and visible sagging. Over time, excessive deflection can damage the structure permanently. Bearing point failure is equally dangerous. The steel beam transfers concentrated loads to the points where it sits on the wall. If these bearing points are not properly designed — with adequate padstones and sufficient wall beneath — the load can crush the masonry, causing the beam to drop and the structure to fail. Our Process ## How We Deliver Every Project 1 ### Structural Survey Assessment of the wall to be removed, identification of loads carried, and measurement of span and bearing conditions. 2 ### Structural Design Structural engineer produces beam calculations, specifying beam size, bearing plate details, and temporary works requirements. 3 ### Building Control Application Submission of structural calculations and method statement to LABC for approval before work begins. 4 ### Temporary Support Installation of Acrow props and strongboy supports to carry the load above while the wall is removed. 5 ### Beam Installation Controlled wall removal, steel beam placement, and securing of beam at bearing points with padstones or bearing plates. 6 ### Making Good & Sign-Off Plastering around beam, making good all surfaces, and building control final inspection with certification. ## Why This Matters for Your Project ### Exceptional Strength Our steel beam suppliers provide unmatched strength-to-weight ratios, enabling spacious, open-concept designs without sacrificing safety. ### Design Freedom The versatility of steel allows for ambitious architectural layouts, including larger openings and extensive natural light. ### Durability Resistant to environmental factors and pests, our steel solutions ensure long-lasting performance with minimal maintenance. ### Quick Installation Our efficient installation processes reduce construction time and costs significantly — most RSJ installations complete in 1–2 days. ### Sustainability We prioritise eco-friendly practices, utilising recyclable steel that supports sustainable building standards. ### Building Control Certified Every installation is designed by structural engineers, inspected by LABC, and certified — protecting your investment and insurance. Project Gallery ## Recent RSJ Steel Beam Installation Service Projects ![Structural steel frame installation on construction site by Masters Group](/assets/new-build-30-C8HTQqg9.jpg) ![Completed open-plan kitchen-diner with structural steel beam support](/assets/new-build-31-BgweBnE0.webp) ## Steel Beam Installations: Specifications, Methods & Technical Detail Universal Beams (UBs) — commonly called RSJs (Rolled Steel Joists) — are the standard structural steel sections used in domestic construction. They are manufactured in a range of sizes from 127x76 UB (the smallest common domestic size) to 610x229 UB for large spans. The correct size is determined by structural calculation based on span, loading, and deflection limits. For a typical kitchen-diner wall removal in a Brighton Victorian terrace (3–4 metre span, single storey above), the beam is usually 152x89 UB to 203x133 UB in S275 grade steel. For two-storey loads or wider spans, heavier sections up to 254x146 UB or 305x165 UB may be required. Bearing point design is critical. Each end of the beam sits on a concrete padstone (minimum 225x225x100mm for most domestic applications) or a steel bearing plate that distributes the concentrated load into the supporting wall. The wall beneath must be continuous down to foundation level with adequate load-bearing capacity. Temporary works during wall removal follow a precise sequence: Strongboy props are fitted through the wall at regular intervals to support the masonry above. Acrow props support floor joists if the wall carries floor loads. The wall is then removed in sections, the beam is lifted into position (often requiring multiple operatives), and the beam is secured at its bearing points before any temporary support is removed. Fire protection may be required where steel beams support upper floors in domestic properties. This is typically achieved through intumescent paint (providing 30 or 60 minutes fire resistance) or by encasing the beam in fire-rated plasterboard. The requirement depends on the beam's location and building regulation requirements. Steel beam costs in Brighton include the engineering calculations (£300–£600), the steel beam itself (£200–£800 depending on size), building control fees (£200–£400), and installation labour (£1,500–£3,500). A complete RSJ installation including all plastering and making good typically costs £3,000–£6,000. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How much does an RSJ installation cost in Brighton? ### Do I need planning permission for a steel beam? ### How long does an RSJ installation take? ### How do I know if my wall is load-bearing? ### Can you install steel beams in commercial properties? ### Will the beam be visible after installation? ### What areas do you cover for RSJ installation? ### Do you provide structural engineering certificates? ![Professional construction project — Masters Group building contractors](/assets/cta-bg-CbvIn_eS.jpg) ## Need Expert RSJ or Steel Beam Installation? Discover how Masters Group can transform your project with expert RSJ and steel beam installations. Get a free, no-obligation estimate today. [Request Free Estimate](/contact) [01273 110607](tel:01273110607) [Home](/) · [Contact](/contact) ![Checkatrade 5-star rated building contractors](/assets/checkatrade-RMX7Lkai.webp)![Federation of Master Builders member](/assets/fmb-fkL6zBWX.png)![NICEIC Approved Contractor for electrical work](/assets/niceic-ByVGzec0.png)![Gas Safe Register certified contractor](/assets/gas-safe-8KDBuy0S.png) ### Masters Group Brighton's trusted building contractors. Over 30 years of experience delivering exceptional construction projects across East Sussex. [01273 110607](tel:01273110607) [info@mastersgroup.uk](mailto:info@mastersgroup.uk) 17 Colebrook Road, Brighton, BN1 5JH ### Services - [Kitchen Diners](/services/kitchen-diners) - [New Builds](/services/new-builds) - [Extensions](/services/extensions) - [House Renovations](/services/house-renovations) - [Loft Conversions](/services/loft-conversions) - [Kitchen Renovations](/services/kitchen-renovations) - [Bathroom Renovations](/services/bathroom-renovations) - [Garage Conversions](/services/garage-conversions) - [Foundations](/services/foundations) - [RSJ / Steel Beam](/services/rsj-steel-beam) - [Rendering & Plastering](/services/rendering-plastering) - [Decking & Patios](/services/decking-patios) - [Retaining Walls](/services/retaining-walls) - [Commercial](/services/commercial) - [Waste & Demolition](/services/waste-demolition) - [Project Management](/services/project-management) ### Areas We Serve - [Builders in East Sussex](/areas/east-sussex) - [Builders in Brighton](/areas/brighton) - [Builders in Worthing](/areas/worthing) - [Builders in Eastbourne](/areas/eastbourne) - [Builders in Littlehampton](/areas/littlehampton) - [Builders in Bognor Regis](/areas/bognor-regis) - [Builders in Burgess Hill](/areas/burgess-hill) - [Builders in Haywards Heath](/areas/haywards-heath) - [Builders in Horsham](/areas/horsham) ### Quick Links - [About Us](/about) - [Our Work](/our-work) - [Warranty](/warranty) - [Reviews](/reviews) - [Blog](/blog) - [All Services](/services) - [Areas We Serve](/areas) - [Contact](/contact) © 2026 Masters Group. 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