Rebar
Rebar #3 - 3/8"
3/8" rebar, also known as #3 rebar, is commonly used in concrete to enhance its tensile strength, which concrete inherently lacks, thereby preventing cracking and improving overall durability. This size is particularly well-suited for residential and light commercial applications such as patios, walkways, driveways, and shed foundations, where the concrete will experience moderate loads and needs reinforcement against shrinkage, temperature changes, and general settling. Its smaller diameter also makes it easier to cut, bend, and transport compared to larger rebar sizes, making it a cost-effective and practical choice for these specific projects, though proper use must always adhere to local building codes and engineering specifications for adequate concrete cover.
Available at most SBS locations. Call us for availability and pricing.
Rebar #4 - 1/2"
1/2" rebar, also known as #4 rebar, is a common and versatile choice for reinforcing concrete in applications requiring greater strength, like foundations, columns, and heavier-duty driveways and sidewalks. Its larger diameter provides enhanced tensile strength, effectively combating concrete's weakness in tension and significantly improving its ability to resist cracking under more substantial loads and stresses. While still manageable for many projects, offering a good balance of strength and ease of use compared to larger diameters, its selection is primarily driven by the need for increased structural integrity in elements that will bear more significant weight or endure greater environmental stressors, always with adherence to structural engineering specifications and local building codes.
Available at most SBS locations. Call us for availability and pricing.
Rebar #5 - 5/8"
5/8" rebar, also known as #5 rebar, is a robust reinforcement choice for concrete in applications demanding significant structural strength, bridging the gap between lighter residential uses and heavy-duty infrastructure. It's frequently specified for substantial residential and light commercial projects like foundation-grade beams, footings, retaining walls, tilt-up walls, and pre-cast masonry, including those used in highway and bridge construction. This larger diameter provides a substantial increase in tensile capacity, crucial for resisting higher bending moments and shear forces, thereby ensuring the long-term integrity of structures under greater loads. While less flexible to handle than smaller sizes, #5 rebar is a critical component for achieving the necessary strength and durability in concrete elements that form the backbone of more demanding construction.
Available at most SBS locations. Call us for availability and pricing.