Gauge of lintels in block stand?

[dbhansen]

I was checking out the angle iron at the local Big Box Store and found that they carry varying widths and thicknesses. I specifically recall that they had some at about 1.25" wide @ 1/8" gauge and about 2" wide @ 3/16" gauge. Would those both be wide and strong enough? What's the recommended minimum gauge for the lintels?

[dmun]

I think the thicker/bigger angle iron is indicated. Don't hesitate to visit your local junkyard/scrap metal dealer. They may have even bigger pieces, and will cut it to length for you. I think the stuff at HD is overpriced.

[christo]

If I had it to do over again - and I likely will someday....

I would forgo the lintels all together - and let the slab span the opening in the front. There are many examples of this alternative here.

Christo

[dmun]

Here's a clever idea from JED:



Cutting out sections of block divider, and inserting rebar for a reinforced lintel. Of course you have to support the span from below when you set it up, and fill it with concrete. A slightly more expensive idea is to buy a pre-cast concrete lintel to span the gap. You could do like I did, and make a form and build a masonry arch.

Or as christo says, you could just put an extra piece of rebar in the front of the slab, and forgo the lintel entirely.

[asudavew]

I love the idea of forgoing the lintel.
But I used one.
Just an old t-shaped bar from a garage door opener that the previous owner left at my house.
It worked fine and the t-shape adds some strength.

[dbhansen]

Thanks for the input! I'm considering a cantilevered hearth and a brick arch in the opening to the wood storage area (kinda like my avatar shows, and like Ken has done), so I think I need the blocks to span the opening. But I will investigate these ideas further and try to find pictures of other methods. Thanks again.

[Dutchoven]

You could build the arches first and then pour the slab...
Just a thought!
Dutch

[brokencookie]

Originally Posted by Dutchoven

You could build the arches first and then pour the slab...
Just a thought!
Dutch

You must be reading my mind. My plan is to do exactly that. Hopefully I will get the arch right. But if I don't, I can tear it down and redo it up until the slab is poured. The arch should provide a lot more bearing strenght than a straight lintel

[dbhansen]

Now that's an interesting idea. The arch itself could help support the hearth slab. I like it!

[dbhansen]

I just came across this document on brick arches:

Brick Masonry Arches

It has lots of images to get the brain juices flowing!