Final answer:
Lintels in stone or masonry veneer are typically made from concrete or steel due to their superior strength and load-bearing capacity, which are required to support the weight above openings like windows and doors.
Step-by-step explanation:
Stone or masonry veneer above openings shall be supported on lintels of concrete, steel, or other durable materials. Wood, although used traditionally in building structures, does not provide the same level of durability and load-bearing capacity as concrete or steel. Both historical and modern engineering practices favor these materials for their strength and sustainability, especially in lintels which play a crucial role in supporting the weight above doorways, windows, and other openings.
The use of concrete as a material in construction offers benefits such as being easily molded into shape while maintaining the properties of stone when dried. Steel, known for its high-tensile strength, is also a common choice for lintels due to its ability to support heavy loads. While wood and brick have been used in the past, they are less common in modern practice due to concerns of longevity and load-bearing limitations.