Abstract: A walking-beam carrier for steel billets comprising a steel channel covered by blocks of refractory material having billet seats formed by transverse grooves. The blocks are dimensioned such that when placed in an end to end linear array and separated by mortar joints, the grooves are evenly spaced and compatible with the throw length of the walking-beam mechanism. Alignment slots are formed in the flats between grooves in the top surfaces of the block to facilitate installation.