Q: My house plan calls for steel beams that will support the floor joists and even parts of a brick wall. Can I substitute wood beams for steel? Is a steel I-beam hard to handle on the job site? Do ...

DEAR TIM: I’m getting ready to build a large room addition that needs a beam to support the floor joists. I’ve been told that a wood beam will work, but I’ve always seen steel I-beams in other houses.

LANCASTER — Super-heated steel has a smell, an distinct mixture of sweat, carbon, iron, oil and heat. It rolls off the metal and permeates the air. The scent isn't offensive, but rather harkens to ...