Steel columns for wall removals
- Columns supporting one or more beams where internal walls are removed.
- Hidden posts inside new stud walls or cupboards where possible.
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Wall removals and frames • Steel column design
Steel column design for wall removals, lofts and extensions
Many projects need more than a single RSJ. We design steel columns and small frames that carry loads down to safe foundations, with clear details your builder and fabricator can follow.
As your steel column engineer we think about the full load path, stability and bearing conditions, not just the column size.
- UC and box section steel columns designed with the connected beams as one system.
- Buckling, bending, deflection and bearing checks to current UK codes.
- Fixed fee steel column calculations and drawings that Building Control and fabricators can use.
We support wall removals, lofts, extensions and small commercial work across the UK, working with your architect and builder from first sketch to fabrication.
Steel column design - what we cover
We design columns that work with the rest of the structure. These are the typical elements we handle on wall removals, lofts and extensions.
Goal post and portal frames
- Two columns and a beam over wide door openings to the garden.
- Checks for lateral stability and tie back into the existing house.
Loft and roof steel columns
- Columns under ridge beams and purlins where loads cannot sit on masonry.
- Load paths checked down through floors to safe bearings.
Columns on existing foundations
- Bearing checks on existing footings, slabs and walls.
- Strengthening or new pads where existing support is not adequate.
Small commercial and shopfront frames
- Steel columns and beams over shopfronts and roller shutters.
- Allowance for signage, canopies and imposed loads.
Existing steel column checks
- Review of existing posts where you want to add extra load or remove supporting walls.
- Strengthening options such as welding, plating or extra supports.
When a steel column engineer is essential
Some layouts are simple. Others need proper column design to stay safe and gain Building Control approval.
Several beams meeting at one point
- Corner knock throughs and L shaped rooms where beams meet on a post.
- Combined load, bending and torsion checks on the column.
Columns not sitting on solid walls
- Posts landing on timber floors, thin walls or edges of slabs.
- Design of pads, spreaders or new supports to carry the load safely.
Two or more storeys of load
- Columns that support loft, first floor and roof together.
- Combined actions and slenderness checks to avoid buckling.
Frames near openings or corners
- Columns close to window and door openings in masonry.
- Checks on local crushing and tie back into the remaining walls.
Key points for safe steel column design
These quick notes cover the issues we discuss most often when planning new columns and frames in houses.
Load path from roof to foundation
We trace loads from roof and floors down through beams, columns and pads.
If any link is weak we either strengthen it or move the column to a safer position.
Columns, walls and lateral stability
Taking out walls can reduce stability.
We check how wind and horizontal loads travel through the frame and, if needed, add ties or extra bracing.
Connection forces for the fabricator
We give clear axial, shear and moment forces for each column and beam.
Your steel fabricator then designs plates and bolts that match their workshop approach.
Information we need to design your steel columns
Good information at the start keeps the design clean and avoids changes on site. This is what we usually ask for with steel column jobs.
Architect plans and sections
- Existing and proposed plans that show walls removed and new openings.
- Sections where columns must align with floors or roofs.
Photos and basic dimensions
- Clear photos of the area, including floors above and below.
- Room sizes, ceiling heights and any awkward features.
Foundation and wall information
- Any trial pits, soil reports or notes on existing foundations.
- Wall thicknesses and construction where columns may sit.
Builder preferences
- Preferred column positions, steel sizes or suppliers.
- Access limits for lifting and installation.
Steel column design - frequently asked questions
Short answers to the questions we hear most often from homeowners, architects and builders.
Do all wall removals need a steel column?
No. If both ends of a new beam can sit on solid masonry with good bearings, a column may not be needed. Where spans are long, loads are high or several beams meet, a column is usually the safer and cheaper option.
Can a steel column sit on an existing slab?
Sometimes yes, but not always. We check the thickness, reinforcement and soil information. If the slab is not suitable we design a new pad, strip or spreader support.
Can you hide steel columns inside walls?
Often we can. UC or box sections can fit within stud or masonry walls as long as there is enough space and a safe support below. We note any fire and cladding requirements in the drawings.
Will Building Control accept your steel column design?
Yes. Our steel column calculations and drawings follow current UK design codes. Building Control officers across the country accept them as part of your structural pack.
How much does steel column design cost?
Simple single column jobs start around the low hundreds. Frames and complex jobs cost more. After we have seen your drawings and photos we confirm a fixed fee before design work starts.
Clients who used us for steel columns and frames
A few short comments from projects where we designed steel columns and frames for domestic work.
Kitchen knock through – Manchester
Goal post frame over bi fold doors
“Clear drawing showing columns, beam and pads. The fabricator said the forces were well set out and Building Control signed off the first time.”
Loft conversion – London
Columns to support ridge beam
“They explained where the posts had to land and checked the walls below. The builder found the details easy to follow.”
Rear extension – Birmingham
Steel frame around wide opening
“The engineer gave us options on column locations so we could keep the doors centred. The final frame felt well thought through.”
Request a steel column design quote
Use this form to outline your project. Your enquiry goes straight to an engineer.
Tell us about your steel column project
Share a few details so we can review the drawings and photos and confirm a fixed fee for your steel column calculations.
This form connects to our central SECalcs email. You will usually hear back from a structural engineer within one working day.
Ready to move your steel column project forward?
If you are planning wall removals, a new frame or extra loads and want clear steel column calculations, send us a few details and we will confirm the next steps and a fixed fee.
- Head Office: Corwell Lane, Uxbridge, England, UB8 3DE.
- 07359 267907
- info@structuralengineercalcs.com
- Company No: 12653163