Looking for a sturdy, reliable material for your next construction project? 5 rebar—known for its strength and versatility—is a top choice among builders and DIY enthusiasts alike. This shopping guide breaks down what makes 5 rebar essential for reinforcing concrete, helping you choose the right product to ensure safety, durability, and long-lasting results in any building or home improvement task.
5 Rebar: Types, Variations, and Applications Comparison Table
| Variation / Grade | Size / Diameter (in) | Weight per Foot (lbs) | Tensile Grade | Typical Applications | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #5 Rebar, Grade 60 | 5/8″ (0.625″) | 1.043 | 60,000 psi | Slabs, beams, foundations, walls | Widely available |
| #5 Rebar, Grade 40 | 5/8″ (0.625″) | 1.043 | 40,000 psi | Residential, lighter structural use | Select suppliers |
| Epoxy-Coated #5 | 5/8″ (0.625″) | 1.043 | 60,000 psi | Corrosive, marine, exterior settings | Moderate availability |
| Black (Carbon-Steel) #5 | 5/8″ (0.625″) | 1.043 | 60,000 psi | Most general concrete reinforcement | Most common |
| Stainless Steel #5 (rare) | 5/8″ (0.625″) | 1.043 | 60,000+ psi | Extreme corrosion resistance needed | Limited availability |
| Fabricated (bent/cut) #5 | Customized | Variable | 60,000 psi | Custom reinforcement layouts | Custom order |
Everyday Uses of 5 Rebar
Where Is #5 Rebar Commonly Used?
5 rebar, with its 5/8-inch diameter and robust tensile strength, is the workhorse of mid-size construction reinforcement. You’ll find it in:
- Structural Beams & Columns: Providing critical support in both residential and commercial building frames.
- Foundation Slabs: Essential in poured foundations to prevent cracking and maintain structural integrity.
- Retaining Walls: Reinforces walls to handle soil pressure and prevent movement or collapse.
- Parking Structures and Garages: Helps slabs resist heavy loads from vehicles.
- Bridge Decks & Highway Construction: Increases the lifespan and durability of concrete exposed to high traffic.
- Water/Wastewater Plants: Strengthens tanks and channels that endure pressure and environmental wear.
- High-rise Buildings: Used in shear walls and slabs that carry significant vertical and lateral forces.
Why Choose #5 Rebar Over Other Sizes?
Its balance of strength, size, and placement ease makes it a versatile choice:
– More robust than #3 or #4 bars for heavier-duty needs.
– Easier to work with and less expensive than larger bars like #6, #7, or #8 for many projects.
– Widely available and meets standard building codes for many mid-to-large-scale construction elements.
Benefits of Using 5 Rebar
1. Enhanced Structural Strength
5 rebar significantly improves a concrete structure’s ability to handle tension, bending, and shear forces. It helps counteract the natural brittleness of concrete, preventing cracks and failures, especially where loads are substantial or variable.
2. Versatility
You can use #5 rebar in a wide variety of structures — from home patios to industrial floors, highway bridges to retaining walls. Both contractors and DIYers value the adaptability of this size for horizontal and vertical reinforcement.
3. Durability and Longevity
Reinforcement with #5 rebar greatly extends the lifespan of concrete, reducing repair costs over time. For environments with higher risk of corrosion (from moisture, salts, or chemicals), you can select epoxy-coated or stainless #5 options.
4. Cost-Effectiveness
While it is sturdier and sometimes costlier than smaller rebar, its superior load-bearing capability can reduce the overall quantity of bars needed. This can streamline labor and lower installation times, especially for projects needing intermediate to heavy reinforcement.
5. Meets Industry Standards
Most #5 rebar on the market meets or exceeds ASTM specifications (such as ASTM A615 for steel grade and A706 for weldability), ensuring code compliance and safety.
How to Choose the Right #5 Rebar
Selecting the ideal #5 rebar for your project involves several critical considerations:
1. Grade (Tensile Strength)
- Grade 60 (60,000 psi): Most common for modern construction, offering a strong balance of ductility and load capacity.
- Grade 40 (40,000 psi): Suitable for lighter-use scenarios or certain residential projects if allowed by code.
2. Material Type
- Black (Carbon Steel): Standard for most applications; cost-effective.
- Epoxy-Coated: For protection against corrosion in marine, de-icing salt, or wet environments.
- Stainless Steel: For maximum durability in highly aggressive conditions (rare and expensive).
3. Form & Fabrication
- Straight Bars: For most linear structural needs.
- Fabricated/Bent: If your project requires special shapes (hooks, stirrups, custom angles), ensure you can source pre-fabricated or custom-cut #5 bars.
4. Certification and Code Compliance
- Double-check that your chosen #5 rebar meets or exceeds the building codes and specific ASTM standards required for your project (especially critical for structural elements in commercial or civic construction).
5. Availability and Supply
- Large home centers typically carry 20-foot straight pieces of #5 rebar.
- For larger or ongoing projects, consider local suppliers or steel fabricators who may offer bulk discounts, cut-to-length, or delivery.
6. Price & Budget
- While price per stick or per ton is a factor, also consider the total reinforcement needed and any waste generated by making on-site cuts.
Best Practices and Tips for Buying & Using 5 Rebar
1. Plan Your Layout Carefully
- Determine spacing and quantity per your structural engineer’s drawings.
- Use rebar calculators to estimate quantities and weights for accurate ordering.
2. Prepare for Delivery and Handling
- Each 20′ stick of #5 rebar weighs just over 20 lbs; ensure proper equipment and space for receiving and moving rebar safely.
3. Cutting and Bending
- Most home and small contractors can use manual cutters or rebar benders, but for repetitive or complex shapes, order pre-fabricated or use a professional cutting service.
4. Installation Tips
- Maintain correct cover (distance between rebar and concrete surface) to prevent corrosion – typically at least 2″ for exterior or below-grade work.
- Use rebar chairs, spacers, or supports to keep the bars at precise elevations until concrete pour.
5. Corrosion Protection
- If your concrete will be exposed to salts or moisture (foundation, marine, bridge, outdoor slab), choose epoxy-coated or stainless #5 rebar for longer service life.
6. Safety Practices
- Wear gloves and protective gear; rebar has sharp ends.
- Properly tie intersections with rebar wire; avoid “cold joints” in large pours by laying out and securing all reinforcement before concrete arrives.
7. Waste Minimization
- Order appropriate lengths and minimize cuts for efficient material use.
- Save scrap for use in smaller areas or future repairs.
8. Buy More Than You Need
- Always order a little extra to compensate for unexpected waste, errors, or project changes.
Technical Specifications Comparison Table: Key #5 Rebar Features
| Specification | #5 Rebar (Standard) | Epoxy-Coated #5 | Stainless Steel #5 | Fabricated/Bent #5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diameter (inches) | 0.625 (5/8″) | 0.625 | 0.625 | 0.625 |
| Nominal Area (in²) | 0.31 | 0.31 | 0.31 | 0.31 |
| Weight (lbs/ft) | 1.043 | 1.043 | 1.043 | Variable* |
| Length (standard stick) | 20 ft (most common) | 20 ft | 20 ft | Custom lengths/shapes |
| Tensile Strength | 60,000 psi (Grade 60) | 60,000 psi | 60,000+ psi | 60,000 psi |
| Surface Finish | Ribbed (for adhesion) | Epoxy/ribbed | Smooth or ribbed | Ribbed |
| Best For | General reinforcement | Corrosive settings | Extreme environments | Custom layouts |
| Weldability | Moderate (Grade 60) | Lower (due to coat) | High | Varies |
| Cost | $ (lowest) | $$ | $$$$ | $$-$$$ |
*Weight per foot remains 1.043 lbs for straight lengths, but bends often result in slightly more or less usable length per piece.
Conclusion
5 rebar is a foundational building material for today’s concrete construction industry, bridging the gap between lighter residential reinforcement and the heavy-duty needs found in commercial or infrastructural projects. Its blend of strength, workability, and versatility makes it the go-to choice for reinforcing slabs, beams, columns, walls, and more.
When selecting #5 rebar, match the grade and finish to your environment, carefully plan your layout to minimize waste, and always follow established safety and placement best practices. By understanding both the technical and practical aspects of #5 rebar, you’ll ensure a stronger, safer, and more durable finished structure.
FAQ
What is the actual diameter of #5 rebar?
The actual diameter of #5 rebar is 5/8 inch, or 0.625 inches (15.875 mm). This size provides a good balance between structural strength and ease of handling.
What does “Grade 60” mean in rebar?
“Grade 60” refers to a minimum yield strength of 60,000 pounds per square inch (psi). This is a standard for high-strength steel rebar and is the most common grade for #5 rebar used in construction.
How much does #5 rebar weigh per foot?
Each foot of #5 rebar weighs approximately 1.043 pounds (or 1.556 kilograms per meter). A standard 20-foot stick weighs just over 20 pounds.
How long are standard #5 rebar pieces?
The most common length is 20 feet (240 inches), but other lengths or custom cuts can often be special ordered from suppliers or fabricators.
What are the typical uses for #5 rebar?
5 rebar is widely used for reinforcing slabs, beams, columns, retaining walls, parking slabs, bridge decks, and more — wherever mid-range tensile strength is necessary.
Do I need epoxy-coated #5 rebar?
Epoxy-coated #5 rebar is recommended for environments where corrosion is a major concern, such as marine structures, bridge decks, or areas exposed to road salt or moisture. For most indoor or dry environments, standard black rebar is adequate.
Is #5 rebar easy to cut or bend?
While it can be cut and bent with the proper manual tools (rebar cutters, benders), its diameter requires more effort than smaller bars. For frequent or complex shapes, use professional shops or pre-fabrication services.
How do I tie #5 rebar together?
Rebar is tied at intersections using wire ties (manual or with a tie tool) to hold bars in position during concrete pour. Spacers, chairs, and adequate support are also essential for keeping bars at the right elevation within the concrete.
Can #5 rebar be welded?
Standard Grade 60 (ASTM A615) carbon-steel #5 rebar can be welded, but it’s generally not recommended due to risk of embrittlement unless it’s ASTM A706 grade (specifically made for weldability). Always check your project specs and rebar grade before welding.
How much #5 rebar do I get per ton?
You’ll get approximately 48 pieces of standard 20-foot #5 rebar per ton (2,000 lbs). This makes project estimation and ordering easier when larger quantities are needed.