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One of the most frequently specified beams in UK domestic work, and usually the first size an engineer considers for a small knock-through.

152 x 89 x 16 dimensions and weight

Approximate total weight by length — this is what determines how the beam is offloaded on site.

What is a 152 x 89 x 16 used for?

The 152 x 89 x 16 is the workhorse of small domestic alterations. It is the size most commonly returned by structural calculations for a standard knock-through between a front and back reception room in a terraced house, for small internal openings, and for short-span loft work in a standard terrace. Published domestic load tables typically show it spanning up to around 3 metres under normal residential loading, which covers a large proportion of Victorian and Edwardian terrace openings. Its shallow 152mm depth is part of the appeal: it often fits within the existing floor zone without dropping below ceiling level, which saves the cost and disruption of reforming the ceiling. Where it runs out of capacity is on wider openings or where it is picking up a floor and a wall together, at which point the 178 x 102 x 19 is the usual next step.

Indicative span

Under typical UK domestic loading, published load tables place the 152 x 89 x 16 in the region of 2.5m to 3.2m. That assumes a simply supported beam with an evenly distributed load, an imposed load of around 1.5 kN/m² and a dead load of 0.5–0.8 kN/m².

Grades, lengths and finishes

The 152 x 89 x 16 is normally supplied to BS EN 10025-2 in S275JR or S355JR. S355 is the higher strength grade and is increasingly the default across the supply network; if your calculations specify one grade, tell us, because the two are not interchangeable. Mill certificates can be supplied with the order on request.

Beams are supplied cut to your lengths rather than as standard mill lengths, and we can arrange:

• Cutting to size — supplied ready to install, no cutting on site
• Drilling, notching and holes to your engineer’s details
• Welded cleats, end plates and connections
• Painting and priming, including intumescent coatings
• Galvanising for external or exposed applications

Delivery

A 6m length of 152 x 89 x 16 weighs approximately 95kg. That is within reach of manual handling over a short distance with enough people, though it is rarely pleasant. We deliver direct to site across London, the South and the Midlands, with HIAB lorry crane offload available on request. If access is restricted — a terraced street, a rear garden, limited headroom — tell us at quote stage rather than on the day, and we’ll plan the delivery around it.

Other sizes in the range

Also searched as: 152x89x16, 152 x 89 x 16 UB, UB 152x89x16, 152×89 RSJ. The term “RSJ” is still widely used for universal beams, though strictly it refers to the older rolled steel joist section with tapered flanges.

• All universal beam sizes
• Universal columns (UC) — where the load is vertical rather than spanning
• RSJ beams
• PFC parallel flange channels

Common questions

Dimensional data shown is nominal and for guidance. Span figures are indicative and must not be used in place of structural calculations.