How much are rebar prices?
How much are rebar prices?
$0.40 – $2.25 average cost per foot (size #3 – #5)
$1,300 – $2,000 average cost per ton (2,000 lbs.)
$0.65 – $1.00 average cost per pound
Rebar prices per foot & ton
Average rebar material prices are $50 to $360 for a patio and $150 to $1,000 for a driveway. Rebar costs $0.40 to $2.25 per linear foot for the most common sizes of 3/8” to 5/8”. Rebar prices are $1,300 to $2,000 per ton and $0.50 to $1.00 per pound.
| Size (mm) | Diameter (inches) | Price per foot | Price per ton | Usage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #3 (10) | 3/8" | $0.40 – $1.25 | $1,450 – $2,000 |
|
| #4 (13) | 1/2" | $0.50 – $1.75 | $1,350 – $1,700 |
|
| #5 (16) | 5/8" | $0.70 – $2.25 | $1,300 – $1,800 |
|
| #6 (19) | 3/4" | $0.90 – $2.75 | $1,200 – $1,700 |
|
| #7 (22) | 7/8" | $1.00 – $3.00 | $1,000 – $1,400 |
|
| #8 (25) | 1" | $1.25 – $4.50 | $1,000 – $1,400 |
|
Residential rebar costs by project
The following chart shows residential rebar prices by project:
| Project size | Total linear feet of rebar* | Rebar material prices |
|---|---|---|
| 10' x 10' Patio (100 SF) | 120 – 150 | $50 – $200 |
| 10' x 20' Patio (200 SF) | 250 – 290 | $100 – $360 |
| 20' x 20' Patio (400 SF) | 500 – 550 | $200 – $700 |
| 4' x 50' Sidewalk or walkway (200 SF) | 230 – 320 | $90 – $400 |
| 4' Pool deck border (360 SF) | 420 – 570 | $170 – $700 |
| 25' x 3' concrete retaining wall (75 SF) | 80 – 120 | $40 – $200 |
| 25' x 6' concrete retaining wall (150 SF) | 180 – 220 | $90 – $380 |
| 12' x 24' size 1-car Driveway (288 SF) | 360 – 400 | $150 – $500 |
| 24' x 24' size 2-car Driveway (576 SF) | 740 – 800 | $300 – $1,000 |
| 24' x 36' size 3-car Driveway (864 SF) | 1,100 –1,200 | $440 – $1,500 |
| 30' x 40' Foundation (1,200 SF) | 1,550 – 1,650 | $1,100 – $3,700 |
| 30' x 60' Foundation (1,800 SF) | 2,350 – 2,550 | $1,650 – $5,700 |
| 40' x 60' Foundation (2,400 SF) | 3,100 – 3,300 | $2,200 – $7,400 |
*Total rebar length is the combined length of all pieces, which varies by grid spacing.
Most residential projects need3/8" to 5/8" thick rebar.
Concrete slabs thinner than 4” typically don’t need rebar.
Concrete slabs thicker than 4” will often need rebar, especially for heavy-vehicle parking areas.
Prices for rebar by type
Plain and untreated steel rebar costs $0.40 to $1.25 per linear foot, and prices increase up to $9.00 per linear foot for stainless steel rebar. The type of rebar needed depends on the design purpose and installation location.
| Rebar type | Average cost per linear foot* | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Steel | $0.40 – $1.25 |
|
| Stainless steel | $4.50 – $9.00 |
|
| Galvanized | $1.20 – $1.60 |
|
| Fiberglass | $0.65 – $2.50 |
|
*Prices for size #3 or 3/8" diameter rebar only.
Cost factors include:
Size – The thicker and longer the rebar, the higher the material cost.
Quantity – Bulk discounts typically apply for buying larger quantities.
Material type – Galvanized and stainless-steel rebar costs more than regular steel rebar.
Color – Rebar coated with corrosion-resistant paint costs more than the standard black finish.
Steel market rate – Steel prices fluctuate according to market conditions, availability, and the geographic location.
Brand – High-quality brands offer stronger steel rebar with less alloys at higher prices.
Delivery – Transportation costs apply according to the total order size and the distance to the construction site.
Rebar grades
Grade 60 rebar costs up to 40% more on average than grade 40 rebar, depending on availability. Rebar grade is the number of pounds per square inch that steel withstands. Stronger 60-grade rebar is for large buildings and bridges. A 40-grade rebar is more common for residential projects.
| Rebar rating type | Minimum yield strength | Minimum tensile strength |
|---|---|---|
| Grade 40 | 40,000 PSI (40 KSI) | 60,000 PSI (60 KSI) |
| Grade 60 | 60,000 PSI (60 KSI) | 90,000 PSI (90 KSI) |
*PSI means pounds per square inch. KSI means kilos per square inch.
Rebar stirrups cost
Rebar stirrups cost $1.50 to $7.00 each for sizes of 1’ to 2’ long. Rebar stirrups are typically for reinforcing long rebar poles in concrete columns or beams. These steel bars come in open or closed shapes like rectangles, triangles, or U-shapes.
Tie wire costs $10 to $45 per reel to bind and hold rebar pieces in place while the concrete cures. Tie wire is essential when installing most rebar even when stirrups aren’t necessary.
The material prices for rebar typically include stirrups and tie wire within one total price.
Labor cost to install rebar
The labor cost to install rebar is $1.00 to $1.75 per square foot, excluding materials.
A concrete driveway costs $4 to $8 per square foot installed.
Concrete prices alone are $120 to $150 per cubic yard delivered.
| Factor | Cost per square foot |
|---|---|
| Rebar materials | $0.40 – $2.25 |
| Installation labor | $1.00 – $1.75 |
| Total cost to install | $1.40 – $4.00 |
Rebar FAQs
What is rebar used for?
Contractors use rebar for reinforcing concrete and masonry structures. Without rebar, concrete cracks easily under stress from heavy weight loads, storms, or earthquakes.
Common applications include:
Driveways and patios: 1/8” to 3/8” thick rebar
Walls and columns: 3/8” to 5/8” thick rebar
Foundations and footings: 1/2” or thicker rebar
Long ceiling beams: 5/8” or thicker rebar
Swimming pool base: 3/8” to 5/8” thick rebar
How much rebar do I need?
A structural engineer or concrete contractor calculates how much rebar you need. The amount of rebar per project depends on:
Total perimeter of the concrete slab
Whether concrete is for a wall, driveway, sidewalk, or foundation footing
Rebar spacing required by local building codes
Total thickness of the concrete
Type of rebar available
How many pieces of rebar are in a bundle?
The smallest sizes have 6 to 20 pieces of rebar in a bundle when they’re less than 18” long. The largest sizes have 40 to 260+ pieces of rebar per bundle in 20’ to 30’ lengths. Most suppliers sell rebar by weight or by size, not per bundle.
Is wire mesh better than rebar?
Wire mesh is better than rebar for:
Most concrete slabs up to 4” thick
Sidewalks
Non-load-bearing structures in landscaping
However, rebar is typically necessary for concrete poured more than 5” thick, garage slabs, pillars, and for high-traffic pavement. Although rebar costs more than wire mesh, it’s also stronger.
Where to buy rebar?
You can buy rebar from:
Construction equipment & supply companies
Paving businesses
Industrial metal suppliers
Concrete contractors
Local hardware or home improvement stores
Getting estimates from rebar & concrete contractors
Before hiring a concrete contractor near you, be sure to:
Compare 3 or more estimates from companies with 5+ years of experience.
Check that the company has licenses, insurance, and surety bonds.
Ask if they have certifications from the American Concrete Institute (ACI).
Read their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Get a written estimate and contract that includes a warranty before work starts.
Beware of the lowest quotes that can indicate low-quality work standards.
Never pay in full until the work is complete.
Questions to ask
How long have you been installing rebar in concrete?
Which types of jobs do you specialize in?
Can I see photos of your past work?
Do you have a list of references?
What steps should I take to make space for the rebar delivery?
How do you handle rescheduling when the weather is too bad for concrete work?
Which type of rebar is best for this project?
How long will this job take?
Will you need to pull permits, and how much will they cost?
Do you hire subcontractors, and if so, how many?
How should I contact the project manager?
Will you offer a labor guarantee?
Do you cut control joints into the concrete to prevent cracking?
How long will it take the concrete to cure after they pour it over the rebar?
Will your crew cure the concrete as well, and what will this process include?
How long should I wait before walking on the new concrete surface?
Does this bid include all materials, labor, removal of old pavement, and cleanup?
Will you apply a concrete sealant afterward?