How much does a support beam / header replacement cost in Boston?

A support beam / header replacement in Boston typically costs $1,801-$18,007, 20% above the $6,500 national average.

What is the cost per linear ft for a support beam / header replacement in Boston?

Support Beam / Header Replacement in Boston typically costs $360-$1441 per linear ft.

How long does a support beam / header replacement take?

A support beam / header replacement typically takes 2-5 days. The minimum timeline is 1 day, and complex projects can run 3-4 weeks.

Can I DIY a support beam / header replacement?

DIY feasibility for a support beam / header replacement is rated Very Low - Structural beam replacement requires licensed contractors in virtually every jurisdiction. Improper shoring or beam sizing can lead to partial structural collapse..

Cost to Support Beam / Header Replacement in Boston, MA (2026)

If you’re budgeting a support beam / header replacement in Boston, most projects run $1,801-$18,007, 20% above the $6,500 national average. What moves that number most is usually one thing: Beam Size and Span. On its own it can swing the cost by $500 - $15,000, so that’s the decision to slow down on before you sweat the smaller stuff.

Easiest place to save: Use LVL instead of steel whenever span and load requirements allow - LVL is substantially cheaper to purchase and install than steel beams.

$1,801-$18,007 in Boston

20% above the national average · 1.20x cost multiplier

In Boston, a support beam / header replacement runs $1,801 to $18,007 on average - about 20% above what homeowners pay nationwide. The Northeast market's labor costs account for most of the gap, with material pricing and local permitting fees adding to the spread. Use the cost table below to compare budget, mid-range, and premium options side by side.

Cost Breakdown in Boston

Line Item	Low	Mid	High
Cost per linear ft	$360	$840	$1441
Materials	$696	$2,900	$6,960
Labor	$1,734	$5,573	$12,384
Permits	$348	$928	$1,740
Total	$2,778+21% vs. national avg	$10,213+20% vs. national avg	$23,984+20% vs. national avg

Budget

Single door or window header replacement, 4-6 feet, wood LVL beam, temporary shoring only for the span above.

Mid-Range

Main carrying beam replacement in basement or crawl space, 12-16 feet, steel or LVL beam, engineer plan, temporary jacking and shoring.

Premium

Multiple beams or long-span ridge beam/header, steel I-beam installation, full structural engineering, crane rental, complete restoration of finished surfaces.

Material Options

Material prices below are national averages; availability in Boston may shift costs slightly.

Material	Cost/Unit	Pros	Cons	Best For
Dimensional Lumber (2x or 3-ply)	$10-$20 per linear ft materials only	Lowest cost, widely available, easy to work with, no special equipment needed	Limited span capability, susceptible to moisture and decay, not appropriate for long spans	Short window and door headers under 6 feet in non-critical applicationsLowest cost, widely available, easy to work with, no special equipment needed
LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber)	$25-$50 per linear ft materials only	Stronger than dimensional lumber, stable and consistent, handles longer spans, available in standard sizes	More expensive than dimensional lumber, must stay dry, not attractive for exposed applications	Standard window and door headers, floor beams, and most residential beam replacementsStronger than dimensional lumber, stable and consistent, handles longer spans, available in standard sizes
Glulam (Glued Laminated Timber)	$30-$60 per linear ft materials only	Excellent strength-to-weight ratio, attractive natural wood appearance, available in very long spans	Requires protective finish if exposed, longer lead times for custom sizes, higher cost than LVL	Exposed beams in living spaces, long spans in open-concept designs, architectural applicationsExcellent strength-to-weight ratio, attractive natural wood appearance, available in very long spans
Steel I-Beam (W-Shape or Wide Flange)	$50-$150 per linear ft materials only	Maximum strength for span, does not rot or warp, slim profile for long spans, permanent solution	Requires skilled welders or bolted connections, heavy equipment often needed for placement, more expensive	Long basement spans, load-bearing wall removal projects, or where headroom is very limitedMaximum strength for span, does not rot or warp, slim profile for long spans, permanent solution
Parallel Strand Lumber (PSL)	$35-$65 per linear ft materials only	Very high density and strength, handles heavy point loads, consistent performance	More expensive than LVL, less common and fewer contractor familiarity	Column and post replacements, heavy point-load applicationsVery high density and strength, handles heavy point loads, consistent performance

Other Projects in Boston

Full Bathroom Remodel

Full Kitchen Remodel

Window Replacement

Back to national average for Support Beam / Header Replacement

Boston Estimate

Typical Range

$1,801-$18,007

vs. National Average

20% above national

Cost Multiplier

1.20x

Cost Per linear ft

$360-$1441

This 1.20x estimate prices Boston labor from BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025) and applies a lighter regional adjustment to materials and permits, which vary less by metro than labor does. Actual bids vary by contractor, project scope, and timing.

See national average costs →