What Level Does the Steel Beam Need to Be Fixed At?

This is one of the most common questions we receive during the construction phase, and the answer is: the final level is confirmed by your architect or builder, not by PorthouseDean.

How Levels Are Shown on Structural Drawings

Where beam levels are indicated on the structural drawings, they are based on the architectural information provided to PorthouseDean at the time of design. These are indicative levels — they reflect the design intent but are not a precise site instruction.

The element specification on the drawings may note the nominal soffit level or the padstone bearing level. These should be used as the starting reference.

Who Confirms the Final Level?

The architect provides the final finished levels as part of the architectural package. The beam level is typically driven by:

– The finished floor level above
– The required headroom below
– The depth of floor construction (screed, joists, deck, ceiling)
– Any existing structural elements the beam must align with

On projects where there is no architect, the contractor must establish the final beam level based on the architectural drawings or their own site survey.

Can the Level Be Changed?

From a structural perspective, beam level changes within the wall opening depth are typically accommodated by adjusting the padstone height. Significant level changes — particularly those that affect the floor build-up above or the load path through the structure — should be raised as a Change Request so the engineer can verify the revised arrangement.

Do not deviate from the drawings by more than minor amounts without checking. A beam placed too high may not sit fully on its padstone. A beam placed too low may change the floor depth and affect joist hangers, door head clearances, or the load path to the foundations.

Contact us if you need clarification on the indicative level shown on your drawings.