Concrete or steel box lintel?

[aa44]

I am about to build an internal blockwork wall that will have floor joists hung off it. Will the structural engineer for the job specify the type of lintel to be used above the doorway or will I have a choice between concrete and steel box?

Are steel box lintels better/stronger than reinforced concrete ones? They seem to cost about 3 times as much.

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

He may specify, but a concrete lintel would be easier for you to base coat plaster to and I don't see why your SE would say one over the other>

 

[noseall]

If there is little masonry to be built above the lintel then a concrete fella may not be suitable so it may mean having to use a steel box.

 

[aa44]

If there is little masonry to be built above the lintel then a concrete fella may not be suitable so it may mean having to use a steel box.

Thanks for the replies. Why would a concrete one not be suitable if there was only a little masonry above?

 

[stuart45]

Any point loading on brickwork is spread by it's bonding. If the load is directly on top of the lintel, or almost because of only 1 course on top the weight is less evenly distributed.