AW Graham Lumber is Kentucky's most trusted source for
superior steel rebar and
shapes, including gatorbar fiberglass rebar, plastic rebar rod chair, concrete wire, concrete wire panel, rebar #4, rebar #5, rebar stakes, rod chair rebar, red threaded steel rod, and more. We offer a wide range of steel rebar and shapes for commercial and household use, including home building, restoration, and foundational construction applications.
What is rebar?
Rebar, also known as reinforcing bar, is a steel bar used to reinforce and strengthen concrete structures under tension. While it is normally composed of steel, fiberglass (like gatorbar) is popular for some projects because it is non-magnetic and does not corrode. Steel rebar comes in various sizes, grades, and varieties to support a wide range of construction needs. It is utilized to strengthen concrete structures in bridges, buildings, skyscrapers, homes, warehouses, and foundations. Rebar is essential because concrete is weak in tension, but steel is strong in both tension and compression, providing the necessary strength. The core applications of rebar are: adding strength to concrete, allowing for thinner concrete pours, preventing cracking, providing longevity, and enabling cost-effective solutions.
Essential Rebar Terminology and Sizing Guide - Understanding rebar size and grade is crucial for structural integrity:
- Rebar Sizing (Imperial System): Rebar is sized by its nominal diameter in eights of an inch. A #4 rebar is 4/8 inches, or 1/2" in diameter. A #5 rebar is 5/8 inches, or 5/8" in diameter. This system dictates the tensile strength and minimum bending radius of the bar.
- Rebar Grade: The grade (e.g., Grade 40, Grade 60) refers to the yield strength of the steel in thousands of pounds per square inch (ksi). Grade 60 rebar is the most common for residential and commercial construction, offering a minimum yield strength of 60,000 psi. Higher grades are used for high-stress applications
- Deformation: The ridges or "deformations" on the bar's surface are critical. They help the steel bond mechanically with the concrete, ensuring the two materials act as a single unit when bearing loads.
What is the purpose of #4 rebar? #4 reinforcing steel (1/2" in diameter) is commonly used to pave roads and highways, and in some regions, it can also be utilized to construct swimming pool frames. It is frequently used as a reinforcement material in slabs, piers, columns, and walls. In the metric system, this grade is designated as "13mm." Because steel has a far higher tensile strength than concrete and masonry, it is frequently employed to strengthen and hold the components together, resulting in an augmented structure. Reinforcing steel is not the same as structural steel- the type of steel used in steel-framed buildings.
Choosing the Right Accessories for Installation - Selecting the correct accessories ensures rebar is placed and held correctly within the concrete formwork:
- Rebar Chairs/Spacers: These essential components, often made of plastic or wire, hold the rebar grid at the correct elevation (known as cover) within the forms. Proper concrete cover is necessary to protect the steel from corrosion and fire.
- Tie Wire and Tools: Rebar must be tied together at intersections to form a stable cage before concrete is poured. Tie wire secures the rebar grid to maintain its shape during the pour.
- Rebar Stakes: These are used to secure temporary formwork or to mark foundational layouts and depths.
Do you need steel rebar and shapes for your home construction or repair projects? For projects demanding superior foundational strength and structural support,
AW Graham Lumber (
GrahamLumber.com), your local building supplies one-stop shop, offers a wide selection of high-quality
steel rebar and shapes, all available at dirt cheap prices! As a comprehensive lumberyard, our inventory ensures professionals and homeowners have the necessary materials for heavy-duty construction. We feature essential components such as reinforcing
rebar and accessories, diverse flat and specialized steel products like
key stock and flat steel, heavy-duty
threaded rod, foundational
nail stakes, and durable
wire panels, plus many more specialty metals. Conveniently located at the junction of Highway 57 North and Maddox Pike in Flemingsburg, Kentucky, USA, this premier local home improvement store proudly serves contractors and homeowners across
Kentucky and the surrounding nearby regions, including
Ohio,
West Virginia, and
Indiana; feel free to
contact us for expert product assistance.
