The Beginner’s Guide to Concrete Rebar Installation

Start with a clean, compacted base and a good set of layout drawings. Use chalk lines or spray paint to mark grid lines and outlines for footings or pads. Stick to the specified spacing, which often ranges from 12 to 18 inches on center. Spacing too wide can reduce slab strength. Spacing too tightly makes pouring more difficult.

Keep rebar at the right depth by maintaining proper “cover,” usually 2 inches from the edge in slab work. That layer of concrete protects against rust and improves long-term durability.

Every job requires adjustments. Rebar will need to be cut to fit inside forms and bent around corners or into footings. Use a rebar cutter or angle grinder for clean, accurate cuts. Bending jigs or manual benders create smooth curves and consistent angles.

The tie wire holds the grid together. Ties should be snug, not over-tight, and placed at every bar intersection or overlap. A consistent tie pattern helps the grid stay intact while concrete is placed and finished. For complex layouts or custom bends, many contractors rely on local rebar fabrication to save time and improve accuracy.

Once your grid is tied, it needs to be lifted into position. Use chairs, dobies, or plastic spacers to hold the steel off the base or formwork. Without support, rebar can shift or sag under the weight of the concrete.

Chairs should be spaced every 3 to 4 feet and placed before the pour begins. Use the type that matches your site. Plastic chairs work well for slabs on grade. Steel chairs are better suited for vertical forms or high-heat conditions. Make sure everything stays steady during setup and placement.

This is your last chance to fix anything before the concrete goes in. Walk the rebar layout and check every section. Look for loose ties, missing chairs, incorrect spacing, or exposed bar ends near the forms.

Review your drawings and use a tape measure to confirm layout dimensions. Inspect overlaps, bar sizes, and clearances. Making corrections now saves time, money, and frustration later. A final walkthrough helps avoid failed inspections or callbacks.

Once the concrete truck shows up, things move fast. Assign someone to monitor the rebar grid while the hose is moving. Keep the steel in position while the mix flows in and around it. Watch corners and footings closely, since bar movement is more likely in tight spaces.

After finishing, protect the surface during curing. Use curing blankets, barriers, or protective covers as needed. Avoid heavy foot traffic until the slab reaches strength. A careful pour locks the rebar into place and gives your structure the support it needs over time.