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Flush beam
A flush beam is a structural beam set within the floor joist depth so it does not hang below the ceiling plane.
Why it matters
It keeps basement and lower-level ceilings flat, maximizing usable headroom and giving a cleaner finished look.
Where people get this wrong
A flush beam costs more than a drop beam because the joists must be hung from it with hangers instead of resting on top.
Real-world example
Instead of a steel beam hanging 10 inches below the joists, a flush beam is set into the joist depth so the basement ceiling is flat from wall to wall.
Where this hits your build
This shows up during framing. Once walls are up and covered, you lose access. The pre-drywall walkthrough is your window to verify.
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