COST CALCULATOR

How Much Does It Cost To Install Rebar Reinforcement?

Q: What is rebar, and what’s it for?

Rebar is a strong reinforcing bar usually made of steel or fiberglass. These bars are added inside of concrete to enhance its strength and stability. Rebar is ideal for driveways, patios, walls, columns, and building foundations.

Q: How much rebar will I need for my project?

A structural engineer can calculate how much rebar you’ll need. The amount you need will vary since every project has particular structural requirements that can only be determined by a professional. A structural engineer or a skilled, experienced concrete contractor can determine how much rebar you need and which type your project requires.

Q: How many rebar pieces come in a bundle?

The number of rebar pieces in a bundle varies from as little as six, to as many as 50 or more. The number of rebar pieces in a bundle will depend on the size and the supplier used.

Q: I see different markings on rebar – what does it mean?

Each piece of rebar has individual markings that indicate the size. The top letter identifies where it was produced, and the second marking indicates the size. The third symbol dictates the type of rebar, which typically shows an “S” for carbon steel or a “W” for low-alloy steel. There may also be numbers on the rebar that indicate the grade.

Typical range: $490-$573

Find out how much your project will cost

Zip Code

cost to install rebar reinforcement Calculator

For your project in zip code 43215 with these options, the cost to install rebar reinforcement starts at $0.98-$1.15 per square foot. Your actual price will depend on job size, conditions, finish options you choose.

Rebar is short for reinforcement steel or reinforcing steel, and it’s a heavy-duty steel bar used in reinforced concrete and brick structures. The purpose of rebar is to strengthen and stabilize the concrete when it’s under pressure or tension. While concrete is fairly strong under compression, it has weak tensile strength — which is why many people add rebar to strengthen a structure and keep it supported. This guide has some helpful information if you’re wondering about the rebar cost per foot. You’ll also discover the different factors that can help you answer the question, “how much does rebar cost?”

This material typically costs between $0.70 and $0.80 per linear foot, not including the cost of labor to install it. Remember that steel prices can fluctuate wildly depending on current market conditions, so your total rebar cost may vary depending on the current pricing. It’s best to check with your local supplier to determine how much you’ll pay when you’re ready to start your project.

The national average price to install rebar ranges from approximately $400 to $800. This statistic depends on the type of rebar you purchase and the quality of the steel, as well as current market prices and demand for installation. The most common rebar size for residential projects is rebar #4 (priced at about $0.30 to $2.00 per linear foot). Another common rebar type is #5 rebar, which costs more at $0.45 to $2.55 per linear foot. These strong steel bars are placed inside concrete to give a building more stability and strength. Many concrete contractors will include the cost to add rebar in their total estimate for your project cost.

Let’s examine other factors that determine how much rebar will cost for your project.

Cost Calculator

Zip Code

Calculations are dependent on where you live

Square Feet

Standard Services		Quantity	Low	High
What you can expect
Range per square foot:			$0.98	$1.15
Range for this type of project:			$490	$573
Estimate: $532
	Rebar Reinforcement Cost	534 square feet	$106	$116
	Cost of grade-40, steel #4 reinforcing bar fastened on 1.5' grid spacing. Rate is inclusive of local delivery, as well as standard excess for perfect installation and occasional repairs.
	Rebar Reinforcement Labor, Basic	4 hours	$272	$330
	Labor cost, under typical conditions, for complete installation. Rebar will be placed, secured, and connections tied. Rebar grid will be elevated with dobies. Fee is inclusive of all aspects of the project, such as thorough planning, acquisition of equipment and material, preparation and protection of project site, and meticulous cleanup.
	Rebar Reinforcement Job Supplies	534 square feet	$112	$127
	Requisite supplies for the job, including reinforcing materials and additives, isolation materials, and agents for cleaning and chemical release.

Standard services

Rebar Reinforcement Cost
$106 -$116

534
square feet

Cost of grade-40, steel #4 reinforcing bar fastened on 1.5' grid spacing. Rate is inclusive of local delivery, as well as standard excess for perfect installation and occasional repairs.

Rebar Reinforcement Labor, Basic
$272 -$330

4
hours

Labor cost, under typical conditions, for complete installation. Rebar will be placed, secured, and connections tied. Rebar grid will be elevated with dobies. Fee is inclusive of all aspects of the project, such as thorough planning, acquisition of equipment and material, preparation and protection of project site, and meticulous cleanup.

Rebar Reinforcement Job Supplies
$112 -$127

534
square feet

Requisite supplies for the job, including reinforcing materials and additives, isolation materials, and agents for cleaning and chemical release.

Optional Services

What you can expect

Range per square foot:
$1 - $1

Range for this type of project:
$490 - $573

Estimate:
$532

Cost Comparison

YOUR ESTIMATE

$532

NATIONAL AVERAGE RANGE

$508 -$595

YOUR ESTIMATE

Install Rebar Reinforcement: national average cost

The national average materials cost to install rebar reinforcement is $0.22 per square foot, with a range between $0.21 to $0.23. The total price for labor and materials per square foot is $1.10, coming in between $1.02 to $1.19. A typical 500 square foot project costs $551.74, with a range of $508.15 to $595.32. Your actual price will depend on your location, job size, conditions and finish options you choose.

cost to install rebar reinforcement
National Avg. Materials Cost per square foot	$0.22
National Avg. Cost (labor and materials) for 500 square foot	$551.74
National Cost Range (labor and materials) for 500 square foot	$508.15 - $595.32

Rebar cost by grade or size

To decide on your total rebar cost, the amount you’ll usually pay is based on the length and diameter — which can range from $0.18 to as high as $6.20 per linear foot. For most residential applications, your contractor will use #3, #4, or #5 rebar in grades 40 or 60. The grade refers to the strength of the rebar or how many pounds per square inch it can handle. Most rebar manufacturers measure the grade based on the KSI or the kilopound per square inch.

This critical part of the construction is designed to support structures and weight. The grade ratings look at both the yield and tensile of the rebar. The yield strength is measured when the rebar starts to change shape, while the tensile strength is determined when the rebar breaks or fails

Let’s take a closer look at the various options and prices available for most residential projects.

Rebar #3

Rebar #3 is the smallest size available and is just 3/8 inches in diameter. This rebar costs between $0.18 to $1.25 per linear foot — common in lighter, non-load-bearing applications like a walkway, patio, or driveway. This rebar is also called grade 40 and 60 size #3.

Rebar #4

This rebar is ½-inch in diameter and is commonly used for foundation floors, walls, and larger driveways. Rebar #4 comes in grades 40 and 60 and costs between $0.30 and $2.00 per linear foot.

Rebar #5

Rebar #5 is also available in grades 40 or 60 — usually the largest size compatible with residential construction. This rebar is 5/8 inches in diameter and works well with foundation beams, footings, and standard foundations. It costs between $0.45 and $2.55 per linear foot.

Rebar #6 and larger

Rebar #6 and anything larger than this size isn’t ideal for residential construction. This option is a much heavier gauge steel bar most often used for industrial and commercial purposes. You can find #6 through #8 rebar used in heavy-duty applications such as retaining walls, high-rise buildings, and parking garages.

Rebar prices by type

Steel is the most common material used to make rebar, but rebar can also be made from other types of metal. The type of rebar you’ll need when inputting information into a rebar calculator could depend on the installation location and application, so it’s best to consult a professional contractor to determine which one will be required.

Steel rebar is weldable and made of basic, untreated steel. This rebar material costs between $0.18 and $6.80 per linear square foot.
Stainless steel rebar resists corrosion and is maintenance-free, so it costs more than standard steel. Plan to pay between $2.50 and $16 per linear foot for this material.
Galvanized rebar features a zinc coating that helps resist excess corrosion over time. The price for this rebar varies between 10-15% more than untreated steel.
Known as black rebar, epoxy-coated rebar is approximately 10 cents more per pound than uncoated steel and comes in between $300 to $400 per 50-pound box.
Fiberglass or Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer Rebar (GFRP) are fiberglass rods with a lightweight feel. This option is a good alternative to steel as it’s corrosion-resistant and has exceptional tensile strength. GFRP rebar prices vary based on location and the supplier your contractor uses.

Additional rebar cost factors

Your contractor may need to use rebar stirrups — parts that hold the sections of the rebar together. Each rebar stirrup may cost $5 to $20 or higher, depending on the size. These stirrups are either square or rectangular and are between 6 to 36 inches or larger — depending on the application.

When purchased in bulk, rebar is typically priced by ton. Plan to spend from $850 to $2,500 per ton of bulk rebar. Importantly, you likely won’t need to buy this material in bulk for most standard residential applications. Typically, only large wholesalers or contractors purchase rebar this way.

Depending on where you live, you could pay more for rebar. For example, if you live in a rural area where less stock is available or demand is high, your price per linear foot will likely be higher.

The cost of rebar also depends on the current steel market rate. The price of steel per pound fluctuates depending on market conditions. The price will also go up if there are any supply chain issues at the time of your order.

Based on the grades mentioned above, your rebar cost will also vary depending on which option you need. Generally, the higher the rebar grade, it will cost more than lower grade options. The price will also depend on the size, which includes both the rebar's length and diameter.

DIY or hire a pro

Installing rebar requires skill and a thorough understanding of concrete and the specialty tools required to cut, bend, and tie the rebar. You’ll also need to be able to read and understand engineering or architectural construction plans. If not installed correctly, rebar can be a safety risk that may cause the concrete to sag, crack, or even collapse over time. While you may want to try installing rebar yourself to save some money, this home project is best left for professionals to handle. Look for a local concrete installation company or a concrete floor installer to ensure the rebar job is done right.