So you’re designing a building or other project for construction but have come up against a wall: what material should you use for structural supports? Two of your best options are steel beams and concrete beams, but which is better for your project?
When considering steel beam vs concrete beam for your project, take into account the following properties:
- Strength — both offer high structural performance, but steel performs well in tension, while concrete is strong in compression
- Sustainability — steel’s high recyclability produces less waste across its lifecycle than concrete
- Versatility — steel beams offer high design flexibility, particularly for long spans and modular construction, whereas concrete has more limited applications
- Maintenance requirements & resistance — both materials are highly resistant, but steel requires less maintenance in the long term
- Cost efficiency — steel beams feature higher upfront costs that balance with faster builds and cheaper maintenance, while concrete is a cheaper material that requires a slower construction programme
- Installation speed — steel beams can be assembled quickly, whereas concrete can take a long time to cure
Keep reading to get the breakdown on the benefits and properties of each building material, and to learn how STEELO can support your projects with steel fabrication.
Are Steel Beams Better Than Concrete?
In a vacuum, neither steel beams nor concrete beams is strictly better than the other; which material you choose depends on the project specification and load requirements.
When choosing between materials in the design process, you have a number of variables to consider between steel beams and concrete beams:
- Strength & weight
- Sustainability
- Versatility
- Maintenance requirements & resistance
- Cost efficiency
- Programme pressure & installation speed
Strength & Weight
Both materials excel in strength, especially when compared to other materials such as timber and bamboo. Steel beams and concrete have similar levels of strength, with only a handful of differences:
- Reinforced concrete is particularly effective against impacts and compressed pressures from natural events like earthquakes
- Steel beams perform well in tension, which is particularly effective at protecting against wind uplift, ensuring that roofing stays secure
Steel has a high strength-to-weight ratio, meaning that it can be efficiently deployed across a project without compromising the foundations of a structure, though too much steel will still put pressure on weak foundations.
Meanwhile, concrete is one of the heaviest common building materials available, even with three varieties of composition available: normal, lightweight, and heavy. This is why concrete is commonly used in foundations, because of its weight and strength under compression.
Sustainability
Both steel beams and concrete are highly sustainable materials due to their composite constructions. This means that both can be recycled between projects.
In 2021, the British Constructional Steelwork Association reported that 99% of all UK structural steel sections are recovered, 86% are sent for recycling, and 13% are sent for reuse. This demonstrates the incredible sustainability of steel use in construction, whereas only some concrete sections can truly be wholly recycled — broken slabs and walls can sometimes be unsalvageable and, therefore, occupy landfill space.
Versatility
Steel is one of the most versatile building materials available in modern construction because it is 100% recyclable, meaning it can be broken down and reshaped without losing its inherent material properties. Steel’s high design flexibility also makes it particularly suitable for long spans and modular construction.
Concrete can be cast into various shapes, so it can be creatively utilised across projects in a range of ways, though concrete may require larger structural elements for long open spans compared to steel beams.
Maintenance Requirements & Resistance
Both steel and concrete have unique resistance properties that contribute to how much maintenance they require:
- Steel is susceptible to corrosion and typically requires protective coatings (e.g. galvanising or paint systems) to ensure durability
- Reinforced concrete beams are water-resistant, though the steel rebar within is not so must not be exposed
- Both materials are non-combustible; however, steel loses strength at high temperatures and requires fire protection, whereas concrete generally provides inherent fire resistance
Cost Efficiency
Structural steel is incredibly cost-efficient, but concrete has its own benefits in this regard:
- Structural steel can have an expensive upfront cost, whereas concrete is a cheaper material per unit
- Concrete requires a slower programme of construction due to mixing and drying time considerations; steel beams have a faster build time since they can be fabricated off-site and delivered right when they are needed
- With the right protective coatings, steel requires much less maintenance across its lifespan, while concrete can require many touch-ups with increased wear
Programme Pressure & Installation Speed
With the right equipment and expertise, steel, due to its modular nature, is quick to install. Concrete, on the other hand, can take a long time to cure, delaying projects if not properly accounted for.
Both materials produce unique site constraints around processes such as access and lifting that must be accounted for during planning. Specialist equipment will be required, as will professional operators, but external collaboration can introduce friction and delays.
Talk to a specialist to understand how expert coordination with other trades—like steel fabricators—can prevent delays based on the needs of your specific worksite.
Steel Beam vs Concrete Beam: Summary
| Consideration | Steel Beam | Concrete Beam |
| Stength & Weight | Highly durable and strong.
Effective protection against high winds. High strength-to-weight ratio. Requires strong foundations. |
Highly durable and strong.
Effective protection against impacts and pressure. Particularly heavy building material, even with multiple types: lightweight, normal, heavy. |
| Sustainability | Can be reshaped without losing its inherent properties.
Most steel used in the UK is reclaimed, reused, and recycled. |
Can be salvaged and reused in some projects.
Some concrete still ends up in landfills. |
| Versatility | 100% recyclable without a loss of quality.
Custom off-site fabrication to suit exact specifications. Particularly suitable for long spans and modular construction. |
Can be cast into many shapes for various applications.
Concrete may require larger structural elements for long spans compared to steel. |
| Maintenance Requirements & Resistance | Non-combustible, but loses strength at high temperatures and requires fire protection.
Special finishes can boost resistance. |
Non-combustible and provides inherent fire resistance.
Water-resistant. |
| Cost Efficiency | Expensive in the short term.
Requires minimal maintenance long-term. Quick to install. |
Cheaper material, typically.
Requires a slower programme for installation. |
| Programme Pressure & Installation Speed | Off-site fabrication allows for an instant install.
Can be delivered exactly when it is needed. Specialist equipment required for installation. |
Long cure times can delay projects.
Specialist equipment required for installation. |
Helping Your Project Choose Steel Beam vs Concrete Beam
STEELO is a structural steel supplier and fabricator that supports clients through the design, manufacture, and installation stages of construction projects. Our expert team can guide you through all the benefits and requirements of either material, depending on your project’s needs and specifications.
Get in contact with the STEELO team by email or phone to discuss options for steel fabrication and delivery today, or browse our full range of beams, structures, and finishes online.
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