• A number of different beams are used for different structures.high rise construction image by Yali Shi from Fotolia.com
  
  Construction beams are necessary for the basic structural designs of all types of buildings, from homes to office buildings. Their types vary based upon the amount of weight they will be supporting and what type of structural engineering they are a part of. It is important for architects and structural engineers to know the specifics of these construction beams.
  
  

Lumber Beams

• Beams used in wooden structures and most often in homes are wooden construction beams, which can hold various amounts of weight in the house based upon the type of wood the beam is made from. A floor joist is the simplest type of wooden beam, holding two sections of floor together in a room or between two rooms. Hemlock and Douglas Fir lumber beams are used for ceilings of homes, each being able to hold different amounts of weight so that the structure is more sturdy. Laminated wood beams also add strength to the overall structure of a home or building as well.
  
  

Iron Construction Beams

• Iron beams are large heavy types of beams which maintain their strength though also have the ability to flex due to weight. Bridges are often made out of iron beams, as they must support different weights of cars and other vehicles driving over them or sitting on them for extended periods of time. Iron beams are also used in the construction of ships, due to their strength and because they are also relative flexibility. These iron beams can also be curved to support weight and also create unique architectural designs, which are both attractive and structurally sound.
  
  

Steel Construction Beams

• Steel construction beams are the strongest beams you can buy and build things with, allowing you more distance between each beam in a structure as it can hold more weight. These beams are relatively heavy and must connect to other pieces of steel in the structure itself or cement in the ground so that it is stable. New, incredibly strong composites of steel are constantly being created and produced, allowing new skyscrapers which are constructed and both bridges and ships to be stronger then ever before. However, steel beams can also be used in the foundation of homes, adding an industrial look and making the home rock solid.