Naylor Concrete Lintels and Padstones
Naylor is a long-established British manufacturer of prestressed concrete lintels and related building products, and their concrete range remains a common choice for domestic and commercial masonry work. Across the range, the focus is on dependable load-bearing performance, consistent manufacture and practical options for different site conditions. The older blog content also highlights Naylor’s broad prestressed lintel offering and the fact that loading tables and product guidance are made available for selection purposes.
If you are comparing options, the main difference usually comes down to finish, fire performance, loading requirement and where the lintel will be used. Economy lintels are a cost-effective option for lighter-duty situations, while fair faced lintels are designed for areas where the underside may remain visible. Fire spec and hi-spec ranges are intended for more demanding applications where increased fire resistance or strength may be needed. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Quick Summary
- Economy lintels are often used for straightforward, lower-load situations
- Fair faced lintels suit locations where a cleaner visible finish is needed
- Fire spec lintels are chosen where higher fire resistance is required
- Hi-spec lintels are used where higher strength or broader application flexibility is needed
- Padstones help spread concentrated loads at bearing points
Important Installation Point
One of the most useful practical details from the existing Naylor content is the installation marking. Hi-spec, fair faced and fire spec lintels are marked with “TOP” and should be installed the correct way up. Naylor’s economy lintels are not marked in the same way and are described as reversible, provided they are installed correctly on a level mortar bed.
That sounds simple, but it matters. On site, a lintel being the wrong way round is not a small cosmetic mistake. It can affect how the unit performs and what the bearing arrangement is actually doing.
Concrete Lintel Features
Naylor concrete lintels are manufactured in wet-cast concrete and the older page describes them as offering a smooth, dense finish designed for reliable load bearing. It also notes that some ranges have low water absorption and that certain products may be suitable for below-ground use where the installation conditions are appropriate.
In practical terms, concrete lintels are often chosen because they offer a straightforward, robust solution for masonry support. They can be particularly useful where the build calls for a traditional concrete lintel rather than a steel alternative, or where the finish and fire characteristics of a specific Naylor range suit the job better.
Concrete Padstones
If you are also buying for a structural opening, don’t overlook the bearing detail. Concrete padstones are used to help distribute concentrated loads safely into the supporting masonry, which is especially relevant where beams or other structural elements bear onto the wall. Keeping the lintel choice and bearing detail aligned is usually just as important as choosing the opening size correctly.
Choosing the right size matters
Concrete lintels should be selected using the manufacturer’s load tables and the actual wall build-up, bearing length and loading condition. If there is any doubt, treat the product page data and structural design information as the deciding source rather than guessing from the opening width alone.
Need Help Choosing the Right Lintel?
If you already know the type you need, you can browse the full Naylor concrete lintel range directly. If you are still comparing options, our guides on window lintels, door lintels and lintels for extensions can help narrow down the right product type.
For technical comparisons, you may also want to read how much weight can a concrete lintel support, concrete lintel span tables and can you drill into a lintel. If you are comparing concrete with other options, you can also view all lintels.