We’re often asked how to measure and price beams with shelf plates — especially when builders are trying to get a quick cost together or place an order without full drawings. So we’ve put together this short guide to help you understand what these beams are for, what details your fabricator needs, and how to work out a rough price for supply and delivery.

​Beams with shelf plates are common in residential construction where part of the load — often brickwork or timber — needs to sit on the steel itself. Think of them as a hybrid between a standard beam and a lintel. The welded shelf plate forms a ledge that supports an outer leaf of masonry or a timber floor, while the beam above carries the main load from the structure.

Before ordering, your steel supplier or fabricator will need enough detail to ensure the beam is made correctly. If you’ve got structural drawings and calculations, that’s ideal — but if not, you can still get an accurate quote by providing the following:

1. Beam size and plate thickness – e.g. 203x133x30 UB with a 10mm welded plate.
   
2. Span – Measure from brick to brick (not render) along with wall thickness. Most cavity walls are around 300mm overall, but always double-check.
   
3. Bearing details – Include how much of the beam will sit on each wall or padstone.
   
4. Any holes or notches – Let the fabricator know if you need any holes in the web or flange for timber connections or fixings.
   

Once this information is provided, your fabricator (like CMP) will create a simple model for approval before ordering material and starting fabrication.

When pricing up a beam with a shelf plate, there are three main elements to consider:

1. Material
   
2. Labour (Fabrication)
   
3. Delivery
   

1. Material
Steel is priced per kilogram. The last number in the beam size gives you the weight per metre.
For example, a 203x203x46 UC weighs 46 kg per metre.
If your beam is 4m long:
46 kg x 4m = 184 kg

At around £1.50 per kg, that’s roughly £276 for the beam.

The shelf plate is worked out separately.
If you need a 10mm plate for a 300mm wall, search for “300x10 flat bar weight per metre” (or ask ChatGPT).
For example, it weighs 23.55 kg per metre.
So for a 4m plate: 23.55 x 4 = 94.2 kg

At around £2.00 per kg, that’s roughly £188.

Alternatively, suppliers like FH Brundle list prices online — at the time of writing, a 6m length of 300x10 flat bar costs around £203.40. Your fabricator will usually buy a full stock bar and add a small margin (around 20%) to cover handling and wastage.

2. Labour
Fabrication costs vary depending on size and complexity.
As a general rule:

• Smaller beams (15–30 kg/m) — around £30 per metre
• Medium beams (30–60 kg/m) — around £45–£60 per metre

A simple rule of thumb:

Use the beam weight as the labour rate per metre.
So for a 203x203x46 UC, allow £46 per metre for fabrication.
For a 254x254x73 UC, allow £73 per metre.

3. Delivery
​Delivery depends on distance and weight but typically sits between £50 and £100.
Always ask for a firm price, as costs can vary depending on access and location.

This quick guide should help you measure up and roughly price beams with shelf plates. It’s not a substitute for proper calculations, but it’ll get you close enough for estimating and budgeting.
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If you’d like an accurate, up-to-date quote — or a simple model based on your measurements — get in touch and we’ll be happy to help.

When dealing with structural steel, we know the two key considerations are keeping your project on time and on budget—often phrased simply as: how much, and when can I get it?
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Having supplied hundreds of steel projects, here are our best tips for securing faster lead times and better prices:

​If you can measure your own steelwork and provide a drawing by email—or drop it directly to the fabricator—you’ll save both survey fees and time. You also avoid being locked into a surveyor’s schedule, which is often fully booked.
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In more complex situations, a survey is unavoidable. But for straightforward jobs such as splice beams, straight steels, goal posts, and picture frames, learning how to measure up yourself saves both time and money.

If you leave installation entirely to the fabricator, you may have to wait until they can slot you in. That can cause delays. It’s also often more expensive to have steel specialists install it.
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Steel isn’t complicated—it’s just heavy. Having a capable builder lead the install with a few extra hands is often the most cost-effective and efficient way to get the job done. If you’re unsure, you can arrange for the fabricator to be on standby or hire them as a lead fitter to direct your team.

​If you want your steel quickly, collect it yourself or arrange transport. Fabricators are often keen to clear finished steel from the workshop as soon as possible, and you may even get it “hot off the bench.”

Steel pricing takes time. An estimate ensures everyone is aligned and avoids last-minute stress when a project suddenly needs steel “tomorrow.” Sending drawings in early not only secures your slot but also allows fabricators to begin preliminary modelling, which speeds up production.
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At Chilcott Metal Products, we call these early drawings SUGA models—something you’ll hear more about in future.

​Whether you're a builder, project manager, or self-builder, handling the structural steel for your project can often seem daunting. Moreover, as it's typically one of the initial tasks in the construction process, it requires early organization and planning.

Getting a quote for your RSJ beams adds another task to your growing list of responsibilities. A simple Google search will usually produce a list of steel fabricators ready to assist with pricing your beams. In this article, we'll detail the essential information you should provide to obtain the most accurate and timely quote.

What Information to Provide Your Fabricator
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• Name, Email Address, & Phone Number: It's common to inquire via email, so including your email address and name is a given. However, I recommend adding your phone number as well; this allows the fabricator to quickly clarify any details if necessary and helps you gauge if they're the right fit for your project.
• Site Address: We use the site address to calculate delivery costs and assess access to the property via Google Street View. This is crucial for generating a more precise fitting cost, as a terraced property will likely pose more challenges than a detached house with a private driveway.
• A Rough Date for Fitting: This information aids in scheduling and allows the fabricator to consider your project alongside their existing workload.
• Architects' Plans, Structural Drawings, & Structural Report: These are essential for obtaining an accurate quote. Structural engineers' calculations and reports are crucial and also required for Building Control. While not mandatory, architects' plans provide a comprehensive overview of the build.
• Builder Details: If you haven't chosen a builder yet, it's fine to skip this. However, if you do have a builder, sharing their details can facilitate early collaboration. The fabricator will coordinate with your builder to ensure the site is prepped and ready for installation, making early communication highly beneficial.