What are lintels made from?

1. Stone: Traditional stone lintels were used in ancient architecture and are still employed today in some areas. Common stones used for lintels include granite, limestone, and sandstone.

2. Concrete: Concrete lintels are widely used due to their versatility, durability, and ability to be cast into various shapes. They often contain reinforcing steel for added strength.

3. Steel: Steel lintels are known for their exceptional strength and durability. They are often used when very wide openings or heavy loads need to be supported. Steel lintels may be made from rolled steel sections, such as I-beams, or fabricated from plate steel.

4. Wood: Wood lintels are suitable for smaller openings and have been historically used in timber-framed structures. Treated wood or naturally durable species like oak may be used for lintels.

5. Masonry: Masonry lintels are made by arranging bricks or blocks in an arch or corbelled formation to support the weight above an opening. They rely on the strength of the arch's structural form rather than a single horizontal beam.

6. Composite Materials: Some modern lintels may be manufactured using composite materials, such as glass-reinforced plastic or fiber-reinforced concrete, to combine the advantages of different materials.

The choice of lintel material depends on various factors, including the load requirements, architectural style, availability, and cost considerations of the project.