Ridge Beam Calculator
Engineered wood, consistent strength, common choice
Estimated Total Cost
$588 – $1,365
$28 – $65 per foot (21' beam)
Beam Length
21 ft
Material Cost
$168 – $420
Labor Cost
$420 – $945
Suggested Size
18" × 5-1/4" LVL or Glulam
LVL Beam: Most common choice for ridge beams. Consistent strength, readily available, and can be ordered in long lengths. Stock sizes at most lumberyards.
Warning: Your span (20') exceeds the approximate capacity of this beam size (~14'). Select a larger beam or add support posts. Consult an engineer.
Required for estimate: A structural engineer must calculate actual beam size based on tributary load area, roof pitch, snow loads, and local building codes.
Not included: Post supports, connection hardware, engineering fees ($300–$800), permits, crane rental (for steel/long beams).
Disclaimer: Estimates are for budgeting purposes only. Actual costs vary by location, contractor, material availability, and project complexity. Always get professional quotes for exact pricing.
Ridge Beam Cost by Material
| Material | Cost/Foot | 20' Beam | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensional | $20 – $50 | $400 – $1,000 | Short spans, budget projects |
| LVL | $30 – $65 | $600 – $1,300 | Most residential, enclosed |
| Glulam | $40 – $85 | $800 – $1,700 | Exposed beams, vaulted ceilings |
| Steel I-Beam | $65 – $140 | $1,300 – $2,800 | Long spans 30'+, heavy loads |
* Includes material and installation labor. Steel includes crane rental. Engineering fees ($300–$800) not included.
Approximate Beam Sizing (LVL, 24' Building Width)
| Clear Span | Min. LVL Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 8–10 ft | 9-1/4" × 3-1/2" | Single ply LVL |
| 10–14 ft | 11-7/8" × 3-1/2" | Common residential |
| 14–18 ft | 14–16" × 3-1/2" | May need double ply |
| 18–24 ft | 18–20" × 5-1/4" | Consider glulam |
| 24+ ft | Steel or posts | Intermediate support recommended |
* Approximate only for 20 PSF roof load. Actual sizing requires engineering calculation. Heavy snow loads need larger beams.
How We Calculate
Our ridge beam calculator estimates cost based on beam material, span, and size. Total = (beam length × material cost × size multiplier) + labor cost. This provides budgeting guidance only — actual sizing requires engineering.
Cost calculation: Beam length = span + 1 foot for bearing. Larger beams have higher material cost per foot. Labor varies by material (steel requires more specialized installation).
Beam Materials
Dimensional Lumber ($20–$50/ft installed) — Multiple 2× boards bolted together. LVL ($30–$65/ft) — Engineered wood, most common choice. Glulam ($40–$85/ft) — Best for exposed beams, architectural appearance. Steel ($65–$140/ft) — Maximum strength, requires crane.
Size Selection (General Guide)
10–12' span: 11-7/8" depth. 14–16' span: 14–16" depth. 18–22' span: 18–20" depth. 24'+ span: Consider steel or intermediate posts. These are approximate — engineer's calculations are required.
Additional Costs
Engineering: $300–$800. Permits: $200–$500. Posts/footings: $200–$500 each. Crane rental: $300–$1,000 (for steel or long beams). Connection hardware: $100–$300.
Data Sources
Pricing from HomeGuide, Angi, lumber supplier quotes, and steel fabricator estimates (February 2026). Span guidance from manufacturer technical resources.
Last updated: 2026-02-05
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a ridge beam cost? +
Ridge beam costs vary by material: LVL beams cost $30–$65 per linear foot installed, glulam beams cost $40–$85 per foot, and steel I-beams cost $65–$140 per foot. A 20-foot LVL ridge beam costs $600–$1,300 including labor.
What size ridge beam do I need? +
Ridge beam size depends on span, roof load, and tributary area. For typical residential (24' wide house, 20 PSF load): 10–12' span needs 11-7/8" LVL, 14–16' span needs 14–16" LVL, and 18–24' span needs 18–20" LVL or glulam. Always consult an engineer.
What is the difference between LVL and glulam? +
LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber) is made of thin veneer layers and is the most common structural beam. Glulam (Glued Laminated Timber) uses thicker lumber laminations and has a better appearance for exposed beams. Both have similar strength; glulam costs 20–40% more.
Do I need an engineer for a ridge beam? +
Yes — ridge beams are structural elements that require engineering. An engineer calculates the correct size based on loads, span, and local codes. Engineering fees run $300–$800. Most jurisdictions require stamped drawings for permits.
Can I use dimensional lumber for a ridge beam? +
Built-up beams from dimensional lumber (multiple 2×10s or 2×12s nailed together) work for shorter spans under 12–14 feet. For longer spans, LVL or glulam is more practical. Dimensional lumber is cheapest but bulkier for equivalent strength.
How do you support a ridge beam? +
Ridge beams rest on posts at each end and intermediate points for long spans. Posts transfer load to the foundation via a direct load path. Each post location needs adequate bearing (often 4×4 or 6×6 posts on footings or bearing walls).
What is the maximum span for a ridge beam? +
LVL beams typically span 16–24 feet without intermediate support. Glulam can span 25–40 feet. Steel I-beams handle 30–50+ feet. Longer spans require deeper beams, multiple plies, or intermediate posts. Check manufacturer span tables.
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