Mild Steel Reinforcement Bars / ReBar
- 20mm Mild Steel Reinforcing Bar ReBar£7.99 p/m (ex VAT)
What is a mild steel reinforcing bar, and what is it used for?
Rebar is also commonly called a reinforcing bar and is a high-tensile steel rod used to strengthen and reinforce concrete slabs and structures.
Concrete is strong in compression, but is relatively weak under tension. When steel rebar is set into concrete during the pouring process, it greatly enhances the tensile strength. Common uses include:
- Reinforced concrete structures: Steel reinforcement bars are primarily used to strengthen concrete in buildings, bridges, foundations, and infrastructure projects. By embedding rebar within concrete, engineers create composite structures that can withstand tensile, compressive, and shear forces, ensuring long-term durability and safety.
- Foundations, footings, and slabs: Rebar provides critical support in foundations and floor slabs, helping distribute loads evenly and prevent cracking or settling over time. It ensures that concrete maintains its shape and strength under the weight of the building and external forces like wind or seismic activity.
- Columns, beams, and retaining walls: In vertical and horizontal elements such as columns, beams, and retaining walls, steel reinforcement bars add rigidity and prevent structural deformation. This reinforcement helps maintain the integrity and alignment of key structural components even under heavy loads or shifting conditions.
- Infrastructure and civil engineering projects: Steel rebar is a cornerstone of roads, tunnels, bridges, dams, and marine structures, where high strength and resilience are vital. Its ability to bond tightly with concrete ensures long-lasting performance in demanding environments, including exposure to moisture, temperature changes, and vibration.
Whether used in residential builds, commercial developments, or large-scale infrastructure, steel reinforcement bars provide the reliable strength, flexibility, and endurance that form the backbone of modern reinforced concrete construction.
What is a mild steel reinforcing bar, and what is it used for?
Rebar is also commonly called a reinforcing bar and is a high-tensile steel rod used to strengthen and reinforce concrete slabs and structures.
Concrete is strong in compression, but is relatively weak under tension. When steel rebar is set into concrete during the pouring process, it greatly enhances the tensile strength.
What sizes are the steel rebars available in?
Our steel reinforcing bars are available in various sizes ranging from 8mm to 24mm in diameter and are available in standard 3 or 6 metre lengths, or we can custom cut to your specific requirements.
What grade is the steel reinforcement bar?
The grade of reinforcing bar we supply is grade B500B to BS4449: 2005. Rebar has excellent weldability; however, slight differences in the coefficient of thermal expansion between the bars and the concrete can lead to cracking under extreme temperature variations. It is more usual to hold the rebars in place with loop-end tying wires or plastic spacers.
We also supply rebar manufactured from stainless steel, which has higher corrosion-resistant properties, and is widely used in structures exposed to salt water and harsh marine environments, such as piers and docks, or where salt is often spread or used, such as road bridges. For most construction projects, mild steel rebar is the most suitable. If you are unsure which grade of steel would be most appropriate for your construction project, we would suggest consulting a professional, qualified structural adviser for advice before placing your order.
Rebar & Steel Reinforcement Bars – FAQs
Our steel reinforcement bars are available in diameters from 8 mm to 24 mm and in standard lengths of 3 m or 6 m. If you need a specific size, we offer a free custom cutting service, so you receive material that is ready to use on site. This helps reduce waste, saves time on cutting, and ensures you only pay for what you need.
-
Where is rebar used?
Rebar plays an important role in many concrete structures. It is regularly placed within foundations, retaining walls, floors, paths, driveways, beams, and columns, to give the concrete extra strength where it is needed. It is also widely used in larger works, including bridges, tunnels, and industrial buildings, where the concrete must cope with significant loads and long-term wear. Wherever concrete needs support under tension, rebar is usually required.
-
How do you cut steel reinforcement bars?
Rebar can be cut using several tools, depending on the diameter and the quantity you are working with. Hand-held bolt croppers are suitable for smaller diameters and light site work. For more accurate or repeated cuts, many tradespeople prefer a powered cut-off saw, or an angle grinder fitted with an appropriate cutting disc. If you want to avoid cutting rebar on site, we can cut it to length free of charge. This is ideal when you have detailed measurements or when working in areas with limited space.
-
Do I need to treat or coat rebar before use?
Mild steel rebar is generally used without any additional treatment. Once fully surrounded by concrete, the high alkalinity of the material helps to protect the steel from corrosion. Extra coatings are only considered for environments with higher exposure risks, such as coastal locations or areas where de-icing salts are frequently used; For these applications, stainless steel reinforcing bar offers greater protection and are supplied as a separate product range.
-
How is rebar installed in concrete?
Rebar is positioned within formwork before concrete is poured. Spacers and tying wire are used to hold the bars at the correct depth so they remain fully encased once the concrete sets. This ensures the bars work with the concrete to resist both tension and compression. For larger works, reinforcement cages may be pre-assembled to match specific structural designs.
-
What grade is the steel reinforcement bar?
The mild steel rebar we supply is grade B500B, as per BS 4449:2005. This grade provides consistent strength and can be welded when required, which makes it suitable for many types of construction work. Stainless steel rebar is an alternative for projects where higher corrosion resistance is needed. If you are unsure which option is right for your design, it is best to speak with a qualified structural professional before placing an order.
Why Choose metals4U for Steel Reinforcement Bars?
- High-quality mild steel rebar meeting British Standards
- Fast UK delivery direct to your site
- Custom cut to length at no extra cost
- Friendly, expert advice from our steel specialists
Order Your Mild Steel Rebar Today
rowse our selection of steel reinforcement bars, choose your diameter and length, and place your order online in minutes. For bulk orders or trade enquiries, contact our team for a competitive quote.
