Rebar Costs in 2025: Pricing and Reinforcement Planning Guide
Rebar costs $0.75-$1.50 per linear foot for standard sizes, with project costs of $0.50-$2.00 per square foot of concrete. Learn sizing, spacing, and quantity calculations.
Rebar Costs in 2025: Pricing and Reinforcement Planning Guide
Reinforcing steel (rebar) provides the tensile strength that concrete alone lacks. Proper reinforcement prevents cracking and structural failure—but over-engineering wastes money while under-engineering creates safety hazards. Understanding rebar requirements helps you evaluate contractor bids and ensure code-compliant construction.
Current Rebar Pricing (2025)
Rebar Cost by Size
| Size | Diameter | Weight/ft | Cost/ft | Cost/20ft stick |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #3 | 3/8" | 0.376 lb | $0.50–$0.75 | $10–$15 |
| #4 | 1/2" | 0.668 lb | $0.75–$1.00 | $15–$20 |
| #5 | 5/8" | 1.043 lb | $1.00–$1.50 | $20–$30 |
| #6 | 3/4" | 1.502 lb | $1.50–$2.25 | $30–$45 |
| #7 | 7/8" | 2.044 lb | $2.00–$3.00 | $40–$60 |
Steel prices fluctuate with commodity markets. These prices reflect 2025 stabilized conditions.
Installed Costs (Including Labor)
| Application | Cost per Sq Ft | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Slab on grade | $0.50–$1.25 | Wire mesh or light rebar |
| Elevated slab | $1.00–$2.00 | Heavier reinforcement |
| Foundation walls | $1.50–$3.00 | Vertical and horizontal |
| Retaining walls | $2.00–$4.00 | Engineering-specified |
| Structural columns | $3.00–$6.00 | Dense reinforcement |
Related Materials
| Material | Cost |
|---|---|
| Wire ties | $20–$40/1,000 |
| Rebar chairs (plastic) | $0.10–$0.30 each |
| Rebar chairs (steel) | $0.25–$0.75 each |
| Wire mesh (6×6 W1.4) | $0.15–$0.25/sq ft |
| Wire mesh (6×6 W2.9) | $0.25–$0.40/sq ft |
Understanding Rebar Specifications
Size Numbering
Rebar size numbers indicate diameter in eighths of an inch:
- #3 = 3/8" diameter
- #4 = 4/8" (1/2") diameter
- #5 = 5/8" diameter
Grade Designations
| Grade | Yield Strength | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Grade 40 | 40,000 psi | Light residential |
| Grade 60 | 60,000 psi | Standard construction (most common) |
| Grade 75/80 | 75,000–80,000 psi | High-strength applications |
Standard residential construction uses Grade 60 rebar unless engineering specifies otherwise.
Coating Types
Black (uncoated): Standard, least expensive, acceptable for most applications
Epoxy-coated: Corrosion-resistant for exposed or marine environments; adds 50–100% to cost
Galvanized: Maximum corrosion protection; adds 100–150% to cost
Residential Rebar Requirements
Typical Specifications by Application
Slab on grade (4" thick):
- Wire mesh (6×6 W2.9) is often adequate
- #3 rebar at 18" centers for better protection
- #4 at 24" for driveways with heavy vehicles
Foundation footings:
- Continuous #4 or #5 rebar, 2 bars minimum
- Stepped footings need corner bars
- Dowels to foundation walls
Foundation walls:
- Horizontal: #4 at 24" to 48" centers
- Vertical: #4 at 24" to 48" centers
- Increased near openings and corners
Stem walls/grade beams:
- Typically #4 or #5 continuous
- Engineered for specific loads
Always follow structural engineering drawings for your specific project.
How to Calculate Rebar Needs
For Grid Patterns
For slabs with rebar at specific spacing:
Bars in one direction: (Slab length ÷ Spacing) + 1 = Number of bars
For a 20×30 ft slab with #4 at 18" centers both ways:
- Long direction: (30 × 12 ÷ 18) + 1 = 21 bars @ 20 ft = 420 linear feet
- Short direction: (20 × 12 ÷ 18) + 1 = 14 bars @ 30 ft = 420 linear feet
- Total: 840 linear feet of #4 rebar
Add 10% for overlap and waste: 925 linear feet
For Continuous Runs
Footings and beams with continuous rebar need lap splices:
- #4 rebar: 24" minimum lap
- #5 rebar: 30" minimum lap
- #6 rebar: 36" minimum lap
Add lap length for each splice when calculating total footage.
Converting to Weight
Linear feet × Weight per foot = Total pounds
For our example:
- 925 ft × 0.668 lb/ft = 618 pounds of #4 rebar
Wire Mesh vs. Rebar
| Factor | Wire Mesh | Rebar Grid |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Installation speed | Faster | Slower |
| Crack control | Good | Excellent |
| Structural capacity | Limited | Superior |
| Best for | Light-duty slabs | Structural applications |
Wire mesh is acceptable for sidewalks, light-duty slabs, and non-structural applications. Rebar provides superior performance for driveways, garages, and any structural concrete.
Common Rebar Mistakes
Insufficient cover: Rebar must be positioned within concrete, not at edges. Minimum cover is typically 2" for slabs on ground, 3" for exposed foundations.
Missing chairs/supports: Rebar laid on ground before pour ends up at bottom of slab. Use chairs to position at proper depth (typically mid-slab for slabs).
Inadequate lap splices: Bars must overlap sufficiently to transfer load. Short laps are common code violations that weaken structures.
Rebar in expansion joints: Control joints are meant to crack at predetermined locations. Continuous rebar across these joints defeats their purpose.
Rust concerns: Surface rust is acceptable and actually improves concrete bond. Heavy, flaking rust that reduces bar diameter should be addressed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute wire mesh for rebar? Only if engineering/codes allow. Wire mesh has lower capacity than equivalent rebar. For structural applications, use what drawings specify.
How do I tie rebar? Use 16-gauge tie wire and rebar pliers. Snap ties at every intersection or alternating intersections depending on application. Ties hold position during pour—they don't provide structural capacity.
What about fiber reinforcement? Fiber mesh (synthetic or steel fibers) can supplement but typically doesn't replace rebar for structural applications. It's excellent for shrinkage crack control in slabs.
Does rebar need to be continuous? Lapped bars create continuous reinforcement. In critical areas (like corners), continuous bent bars are preferred over lapped straight bars.
Next Steps
Use our Rebar Calculator to estimate linear feet and weight for your slab or foundation dimensions.
For structural applications, always follow engineering drawings. If you don't have engineered plans, consult a structural engineer before determining rebar requirements—undersized reinforcement is a safety hazard.