Cavity Wall Lintel Prices in the U.S.: Cost and Pricing Guide 2026
Prices for cavity wall lintels vary by size, material, and installation scope. Typical cost drivers include lintel length, wall thickness, material used, labor time, and regional labor rates. This article presents practical price ranges and per-unit estimates to help buyers budget accurately for a standard cavity wall lintel project.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lintel kit (standard steel) | $180 | $320 | $520 | Includes primary steel and end supports |
| Labor to install (per opening, 6–8 ft) | $300 | $600 | $1,000 | Assumes typical brick or block |
| Concrete lintel block fill | $50 | $120 | $200 | Optional for extra load sharing |
| Permits and inspections | $0 | $80 | $300 | Region-dependent |
| Delivery/haul-away debris | $20 | $60 | $180 | Depends on contractor policy |
Assumptions: standard 6–8 ft lintel openings, residential brick or concrete block walls, Midwest labor rates, normal site access.
Typical Total Cost for Cavity Wall Lintels by Size and Material
Costs combine materials and installation labor. For a typical 6–8 ft cavity lintel in a brick or concrete block wall, expect a total project price in the range of $500-$1,100, with midpoints around $750-$900 when materials and labor are balanced. Longer lintels or thicker walls push totals higher.
The low end reflects steel lintels with standard installation; the high end accounts for reinforced or custom lintels, scaffold access, and tougher masonry.
Material Costs: Steel, Concrete, and Composite Options
Steel lintels offer the lowest per-opening price, typically in the $180-$320 range for the lintel alone. Concrete or composite alternatives can cost $250-$520 for the part, with installation adding $300-$700 depending on access and wall type. Material choice drives long-term durability and load capacity.
Per-unit examples: steel lintel per linear foot often falls in $25-$60, while concrete options can run $30-$70 per linear foot, depending on thickness and reinforcement.
Labor and Installation Time by Wall Height
Labor for a standard 6–8 ft opening ranges from $300-$600 in typical U.S. markets. If the opening is taller (9–12 ft) or in a labor-tight region, expect $700-$1,000. Proper shoring and masonry cutting increase time and cost.
Installation duration commonly spans 4–8 hours per opening, including prep, lintel seating, and repointing.
Region-Based Pricing Variations Across the United States
Coastal and high-cost living areas show higher averages: typical price per opening may rise to $800-$1,200 vs the Midwest’s $600-$900. Labor rates and permitting processes strongly influence regional totals.
Regional delta example: West Coast might add 10–25% versus Southeast for similar jobs, depending on workforce availability and material costs.
Per-Unit Pricing: Cost Per Linear Foot and Per Opening
Per linear foot lintel pricing commonly falls between $25-$60 for steel, expanding to $30-$70 for concrete or composite lintels depending on thickness. A typical 6–8 ft opening equates to about $150-$360 in lintel material alone. Per-opening quotes clarify total spend when multiple openings exist.
Additional Components and Permits That Affect Price
Discounts often apply if multiple openings are bundled in a single project. Permits, inspections, and potential code upgrades can add $0-$300 per opening depending on locality. Delivery, disposal, and waste handling contribute modestly but add up with larger jobs.
Warranty and workmanship guarantees may cost extra upfront but can reduce maintenance risk over time.
How to Reduce Cavity Wall Lintel Costs Without Compromise
Scope control and timing are the strongest levers: plan for off-peak scheduling when contractors are available, consolidate openings, and choose standard steel lintels when permitted. Bundling openings often lowers per-opening labor and mobilization charges.
Consider retrofitting options or minor masonry repairs now instead of full replacement later, especially if wall integrity is intact. Obtain multiple quotes to compare material choices and labor estimates.
Replacement vs New Openings: How Project Scope Shifts Price
Replacement of a failed lintel in an existing opening costs more than a straightforward install in a new opening due to stabilization work and potential masonry repair. Typical price range for a replacement is $650-$1,100 per opening, depending on wall type and height. New openings may allow more efficient installations with lower incremental costs.
Quote Breakdown: Practical Example Table
| Opening Type | Lintel Material | Labor | Permits | Delivery | Projected Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 ft brick wall, standard steel | Steel | $360 | $0 | $40 | $580 |
| 8 ft block wall, reinforced steel | Reinforced Steel | $520 | $60 | $50 | $1,100 |
| 9 ft brick wall, concrete lintel | Concrete | $650 | $100 | $70 | $1,400 |
Assumptions: single-story home, standard access, Midwest rates; tax, delivery, and disposal included where indicated.