Why do steel I-beam prices swing so much?
One week it’s $8 per foot, the next it’s $20 and you’re left guessing why.
Whether you’re building a workshop or framing a new structure, knowing what drives those costs can save you serious money.
In this guide, you’ll learn average prices per foot, key cost factors, and how to get accurate quotes from trusted Canadian suppliers like Metal Pro
Average Steel I-Beam Prices in Canada
Here’s a breakdown of what you might expect to pay for steel I-beams in Canada with realistic ranges, regional differences, and what they really mean.
National Overview
For raw material only (no installation, fabrication, or delivery), the average steel I-beam price in Canada typically ranges from $10 – $30 per foot, depending on beam size, weight, and steel grade.
If you include installation, labour, delivery, and permits, total project costs can range from $130 – $500 per foot, depending on span, load, and region.
Example Price Table (Raw Material Only)
| Duty Level | Approx Cost per Foot* | Notes |
| Light-duty beam | $8-$12 | Smaller size, less weight, simple project |
| Medium-duty beam | $12-$20 | Larger span or heavier load requirement |
| Heavy-duty beam | $20-$25+ | Very large profile, heavy weight or special grade steel |
* These are rough estimates just for the beam material. They exclude cutting, coating, delivery or installation.
Regional Differences (Ontario vs Western Canada)
- In Ontario and the major population centres, high demand & shipping infrastructure can keep pricing more competitive.
- In Western Canada (eg. Alberta, BC) logistics, delivery distance, and supplier availability may add $2-$5+ per foot to the beam cost.
- Also note that some smaller suppliers list per-piece prices: one Ontario supplier lists a “W6×6” beam at $27.60 per foot.
- Another supplier in Alberta lists I-beams & wide flange beams and highlights custom specs and delivery across the region.
Key Take-away for You
If you’re budgeting for a beam in Canada, use $10-$25 per foot as a starting point for the raw steel material. Then add in fabrication, delivery, and regional premium. For full installation expect the cost to rise substantially.
Price Chart: I-Beam Cost by Size and Type
Here’s a simplified chart for common beam profiles, along with typical approximate cost per foot. These are for raw material only (no installation, cutting, coatings or freight). Actual Canadian quotes may vary; use these to guide your budget.
| Beam Type / Size | Approximate Cost per Foot | Notes |
| W4 × 13 (≈ small wide-flange) | ~ $12-$15/ft | Light duty, limited span, home garage or small shop use. |
| W6 × 15 | ~ $15-$18/ft | Medium duty, typical home renovation span. |
| W8 × 18 | ~ $18-$22/ft | Larger width, more weight per foot, greater load and span capacity. |
| W10 or W12 series (heavy duty) | ~ $22-$30+/ft | Industrial or long-span beams; high weight, big flange and web. |
| S-beams / Standard I (smaller industrial standard) | $10-$18/ft (for smaller sizes) | Standard I-beams (S-designation) are simpler section shapes less common in heavy building frames in Canada. |
Explanation of types:
- W-beams (Wide Flange): These are the most common in Canadian building construction. They have wide flanges and are denoted, for example, W8×18 (8 inches depth, 18 lb per foot weight).
- S-beams (Standard I-beam): Narrower flanges, older standard; less frequently used for large spans but still seen.
- H-beams: Similar to wide-flange but usually heavier and used in very heavy industrial or infrastructure applications.
- In Canada, you’ll often also see metric designations (eg. W200×22) for wide-flange beams.
Notes on the numbers:
- The cost estimates above are material only. They don’t include cutting, fabrication, shipping, or installation.
- Because of regional variances and supplier inventory, you might find some beams for less (special pricing) or more (premium size, imported steel, small order). For example, one Canadian supplier listed a W8×18 primed beam for $599 each for ~15-ft length.
- One online pricing sheet showed hot-rolled “44W I-beam” at $29.82/ft for certain size/grade.
How to use this chart:
- Identify the size beam your project needs (consult an engineer if necessary).
- Use the approximate cost per foot to estimate material cost: multiply by the number of linear feet.
- Then add other costs (cutting, coatings, delivery) to get a full budget.
Factors That Affect Steel I-Beam Prices
When you’re buying steel I-beams in Canada, the price per foot isn’t just about the metal itself. Many factors influence the final cost, and knowing these will save you from unpleasant surprises. Here are six major cost drivers.
1. Material Type
The type of steel matters. Carbon steel is the standard and most cost-effective. If you go for stainless steel, galvanized steel, or specialty alloys, expect higher per-foot pricing because of extra processing and material cost.
2. Beam Size and Weight
Heavier and bigger beams cost more. A beam with larger depth, thicker web or flange, or meant to carry high loads will cost more per foot versus a simpler light duty beam.
The weight per foot is a key factor in pricing.
3. Market Conditions
Steel is a global commodity. Raw material costs (iron ore, scrap), mill production capacity, and trade policies all impact price. For example, recent data show structural steel beam prices vary quarterly in North America. Tariffs, import/export restrictions and exchange rates also influence Canadian prices.
4. Fabrication & Coatings
Cutting beams to length, welding or drilling holes, applying paint or galvanizing, all add cost. These additional services can increase the per-foot cost significantly over “raw” material only.
5. Delivery Distance & Logistics
Transporting heavy steel beams across provinces adds cost. Remote locations, longer freight routes or difficult access sites elevate delivery cost raising the “per foot” price compared to local pick-up.
6. Order Volume
Larger orders often get better rates. Buying many feet of beam or standard sizes allows the supplier to optimize production and logistics, reducing cost per foot. Small or one-off custom orders often cost more.
How to Estimate Your Total Project Cost
Estimating the full cost for your steel I-beam project involves more than just multiplying cost per foot. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to get a reliable budget.
Step 1: Measure Linear Feet
Determine the exact length of beam you need in feet.
For example: a 30-foot span means 30 feet of beam.
Step 2: Select Material Cost Per Foot
Use the approximate raw-material cost you gathered earlier (for Canada, maybe ~ $10-$30 per foot depending on size).
Example: 30 ft × $20/ft = $600 for material only.
Estimating the full cost for your steel I-beam project involves more than just multiplying cost per foot. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to get a reliable budget.
Step 3: Add Fabrication & Cutting
Add extra for any services: cutting to length, drilling holes, welding tabs, etc.
Note: installation-cost surveys show material costs may be $6-$18/ft and total installed cost $100-$400/ft in the Toronto area.
Step 4: Factor Delivery / Freight
If the supplier is far, or in a remote region, add for shipping.
Example: freight adds $2-$5/ft or a flat delivery fee.
Step 5: Add Installation, Permits & Engineering
If you’re installing rather than just buying the beam: labour, structural engineer fees, permits all add up.
Surveys show installed cost in Toronto for steel beams between $100-$400/ft.
Example: For a 30-foot beam: 30 ft × $150/ft = CAD $4,500 installed.
Step 6: Calculate Total Estimate
Putting it all together:
- Material only: 30 ft × $20 = $600
- Fabrication & cutting: e.g., $200
- Delivery: e.g., $150
- Installation/permits/engineering: $4,500
Total: ~$5,450
Using Supplier Quotes
A helpful step: get a detailed price from the supplier, including length, grade, cut, finish and delivery. For example, one Canadian listing: a W6×6 beam priced at $27.60/ft.
Get the Best Steel I-Beam Prices in Canada with Metal Pro
Steel I-beam costs in Canada can vary widely from $10 to $30 per foot for raw material depending on size, grade, and fabrication needs. By understanding the factors that drive pricing, you can plan better, buy smarter, and avoid costly surprises.
At Metal Pro, we make that simple. Our team provides accurate quotes, quality steel that meets CSA and ASTM standards, and fast Canada-wide delivery. Whether you need a single beam or bulk quantities, you’ll get transparent pricing and professional guidance every step of the way.
- Competitive rates on W, S, and H beams
- Custom cutting and fabrication for any project size
- Reliable delivery from coast to coast
- Expert advice from experienced steel professionals
Ready to start your project?
Request a Quote from Metal Pro today and save on your next steel I-beam order.
Proudly serving contractors, builders, and engineers across Canada.
