On average, rebar costs between $1.40 and $1.85 for 2 feet of material
Contractors use rebar to reinforce concrete structures such as building foundations, walls, highway overpasses, and more. While the average range for rebar is $1.40 to $1.85, it can go as high as $2.55 per foot, depending on grade, thickness, and more. In a residential setting, homeowners may install rebar into new patio projects to reinforce their foundation or when building or adding to a driveway.
You can “steel” the best rates by shopping around and timing the market. Learn average rebar prices, plus some money-saving tips to help get the most for your budget below.
How Much Does Rebar Cost?
On average, the selling price for rebar is between $1.40 and $1.85 for 2 feet of material. However, the price can vary depending on grade (tensile strength), bar thickness, and whether you’re using primary steel rebar or secondary rebar.
In recent years, rebar prices have increased across the nation due to supply shortages. Because it’s made of steel, the cost of rebar can vary drastically over the course of a year, depending on external economic conditions.
For residential purposes, a maximum price of $2.55 per foot is a good guideline to consider, with an average cost of $0.75 to $1.40 per foot for most projects.
How Much Rebar Can I Get on My Budget?
Contractors use rebar for concrete surfaces that are 5 inches or thicker, making driveways, patios, and foundations the most popular applications for homeowners. That said, a structural engineer should determine this for safety and effectiveness.
Here are some general guidelines for pricing you can use when budgeting for rebar.
<$500
For under $500, you can install enough rebar in a driveway or patio that’s about 160 square feet or less. This would include the costs of materials and installation by a pro, which is usually between $2 and $3 per foot. It does not, however, include other costs, such as concrete pouring, cleanup, removal, hiring a patio paver, etc.
(For what it’s worth, installing a new patio costs $1,860 to $5,285 on average.)
One 50-pound box of epoxy-coated rebar, commonly used under pavement and driveways, typically costs between $300 and $400. To save money, opt for standard rebar here over non-corrosive materials like stainless steel.
<$1,000
You can purchase rebar for larger driveways or concrete slab reinforcements for under $1,000. A 300-square-foot area, which could cover one or two rooms in a standard-sized home, could fit in this price range.
If you’re doing the work yourself and either have the tools needed to cut and tie rebar (or can borrow them), you can probably tack on another 100 to 150 square feet in materials. You can also save money by using grade 40 rebar instead of grade 60.
$1,000+
Beyond the $1,000 mark, you can spring for stainless steel, galvanized, or fiberglass rebar for residential projects.
Getting multiple quotes from local vendors or concrete repair specialists can help you save the most on materials.
How Much Does It Cost to Install Rebar Yourself?
Self-installing rebar could save you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars on a project. It costs between $0.90 and $1.60 per foot to have rebar installed by a local concrete company.
Many companies also have deals with steel suppliers, meaning you may have to pay their rate to get their services. For DIY homeowners willing to do the hard work involved with laying new concrete, this is an area where you may save as well.
However, cutting, tying, and bending rebar is a lengthy process that requires several tools. If you can’t borrow these from a friend or already own them, you may wind up cutting into your savings margin.
Rebar Cost Breakdown
With budget guidelines for rebar outlined above, it’s also worth discussing what other costs might factor into your project. Here are some other things to consider.
Amount of Materials
Rebar is sold per foot, so the amount you need for your project will largely reflect the final price tag.
Grade
Residential projects that use rebar typically use grade #3, #4, or #5 of grade 40 or grade 60 rebar. The grade of rebar speaks to how much tensile strength it has, or how much pressure it can stand without becoming deformed.
Often, contractors recommend grade 40 for a patio. But for driveways or concrete slabs, they may recommend 60 instead. A structural engineer can calculate your needs.
Labor
Installing rebar costs between $0.90 and $1.60 per foot. This price can vary depending on the type of rebar you use, how thick or heavy it is, and current market rates.
Market Rates
The U.S. steel market is famously dynamic, meaning the rates you pay for rebar could be high or low depending on the market. If your project isn’t time-sensitive, you could save by simply waiting for steel prices to go down.
How Much Does Rebar Cost by Type?
Check out the various types of rebar before you shop to make sure you buy the right material for your project.
Steel Rebar
Standard steel rebar costs as low as $0.18 per foot and as much as $6.80 per foot. It’s plenty strong for residential projects, including in a concrete slab. The one drawback is that it can corrode and break down over time.
Stainless Steel Rebar
Stainless steel rebar starts at $2.50 per foot and could be as much as $16 per foot for commercial properties. It does offer non-corrosive benefits, which could justify the cost.
Galvanized Rebar
A general guideline is you should expect to pay 10% to 15% more for galvanized rebar than you would for regular steel rebar. These prices fluctuate with the market.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass is a non-steel alternative that’s both lightweight and non-corrosive. It typically costs 20% to 25% more per foot than steel, but is easier to install, which could cut down labor costs.
Epoxy Coated Rebar
Epoxy-coated rebar is another corrosion-free material. It’s typically sold in 50-pound boxes by manufacturers, which cost between $300 and $400 (or more depending on the current price of steel).
FAQs About Rebar Prices
Is stainless steel rebar worth it?
Stainless steel is more expensive than standard rebar, but does offer a warranty of 75 years. It’s non-corrosive, but so is fiberglass, galvanized, and epoxy-coated rebar. So if you're worried about wear and tear, shop around for all these prices and pick the one that makes sense for your project and budget.
How do you know how much rebar you need?
The only safe and effective way is to consult an expert, even if you’re tackling the project DIY. A structural engineer can tell you exactly how much and which grade of rebar you need to build a safe structure.
