VPRRSJ Beams
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203×133×30 UB178×102×19 UB152×89×16 UB305×165×40 UB152×152×23 UC203×203×46 UCLondon Hiab delivery · approx. 1 weekS355JR grade · cut · drilled · primedIn partnership with VPR Limited203×133×30 UB178×102×19 UB152×89×16 UB305×165×40 UB152×152×23 UC203×203×46 UCLondon Hiab delivery · approx. 1 weekS355JR grade · cut · drilled · primedIn partnership with VPR Limited
01 — Sizing Guide

The first cut is the size.

Use these scenarios as a sanity check before your structural engineer signs off the calc sheet. Always work from a stamped calculation — never a guide.

Important: beam sizing depends on span and load above (joists, masonry, roof, another floor). The suggestions below are typical for a light-loaded domestic application. Have your structural engineer issue a stamped calculation before placing an order.

Scenario
Typical span
Suggested section
From
01
Internal door / through-room opening
Light loads only. Confirm with engineer if any masonry above.
Span
Up to 3.0 m
Section
UC 152×152×23
£/m
£53.00
02
Standard knock-through (lounge / dining)
The everyday choice for a single-storey wall removal.
Span
3.0 – 4.0 m
Section
UB 152×89×16
£/m
£38.00
03
Side-return extension (London Victorian)
Frequently specified for heavy point loads — corners, party walls, chimney breasts.
Span
4.5 – 5.5 m
Section
UC 203×203×46
£/m
£103.00
04
Wide rear extension / open kitchen
Step up the depth — span × load grows fast.
Span
5.5 – 6.5 m
Section
UB 254×146×31
£/m
£76.00
05
Long-span rear / wrap-around
The 305 series is where most engineered openings land.
Span
6.5 – 7.5 m
Section
UB 305×165×40
£/m
£96.00
06
Two-storey opening / heavy load
Higher-grade S355 — only with a structural calc. For heavy upper-floor openings consider stepping to UC 203×203×52.
Span
7.5 – 8.0 m
Section
UB 305×165×46
£/m
£112.00
Glossary · Steel sections

What the codes mean.

UB 203×133×30

Universal Beam

Depth (mm) × Width (mm) × Mass (kg/m). UB is the I-shaped beam used for openings and floor support.

UC 152×152×30

Universal Column

Squarer profile — flange width ≈ depth. Used vertically as posts or for short heavily-loaded beams.

PFC 200×90

Parallel Flange Channel

C-shaped section. Common as edge / trimmer beams or as paired channels around a timber sandwich.

Got the calc sheet? We'll do the rest.

Send us your engineer's drawing as a PDF or photo. We'll cut, drill, prime and deliver — with a single point of contact.

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