How Much Does Door or Window Lintel Replacement Cost in 2025?

This article was created using automation technology and thoroughly fact-checked and edited by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

Keeping the lintels over your doors and windows in good shape is key to your home’s structure. Most homeowners spend about $460 on a replacement, with typical bills landing between $280 and $640 but sometimes as low as $200 or as high as $800. Your final price depends on factors like location, size, quality, and the rate per linear foot. Because lintels can wear out every few decades, schedule routine inspections and set aside a maintenance budget to avoid bigger structural headaches later.

Lintel Replacement Cost Factors

How much you’ll pay to replace your door or window lintel depends on several essential factors, including labor and your wall or lintel’s existing condition.

Wall Condition

Your pro will first assess the condition of your wall to determine how difficult it will be to access and remove the lintel. They'll check for any cracks or structural issues that might require additional repairs, which could increase your overall costs.

Window or Door Condition

Your pro will also inspect the current condition of your door or window. If there are issues or damages, it might add to the overall cost of the project, as additional repairs or adjustments could be needed.

Lintel Condition

If your lintel is sagging or has significant deterioration, it could make the replacement more complex and increase the total cost. Severe damage might require extra care during removal and installation.

Labor

You can expect to pay between $45 and $60 per hour for a professional to replace your lintel. If you're replacing a brick lintel, a local brick mason will charge an average of $70 per hour. The final labor cost depends on who you hire and the specifics of your project.

Lintel Replacement Cost by Material

Here’s a breakdown of how much a lintel replacement will cost on average by material.

Brick

If your opening is under three feet, a brick lintel can do the job while matching the surrounding wall. Expect to pay about $25 to $45 per linear foot for a replacement.

Concrete

Concrete lintels handle heavier loads and adapt to almost any size or shape. They’re a durable pick for coastal or humid regions. Plan on spending $20 to $40 per linear foot.

Steel

Steel lintels tackle wide openings and heavy loads with ease. They resist rust and erosion, so you’ll likely replace them less often. Budget $30 to $60 per linear foot.

Wood

Wood lintels—usually oak, hickory, or walnut—deliver a classic look and often show up in older homes. Replacements run about $15 to $35 per linear foot, depending on the species you choose.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

Swapping out a lintel looks simple, but it’s safer to let a pro handle the heavy lifting. The beam supports part of your wall, and a misstep can turn into a far costlier repair. Pros arrive with the right gear, know how to shore up the opening, and finish the job quickly. Hiring a door or window repair pro keeps your project safe, code-compliant, and stress-free.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.