How much rebar do I need for a driveway?
Quick Answer
A standard residential driveway uses #3 or #4 rebar on 18-inch centers. For a 10×20 foot driveway: 8 bars each direction × 20 ft = 160 ft + 13 bars × 10 ft = 130 ft = 290 linear feet total. Many driveways use wire mesh (6×6 W1.4) instead of rebar for sections under 5 inches thick.
Quick Reference Table
| Driveway size | Rebar for concrete driveway (18" OC, #4) |
|---|---|
| 10×20 ft | 290 lin ft |
| 10×30 ft | 420 lin ft |
| 12×20 ft | 340 lin ft |
| 12×30 ft | 490 lin ft |
| 16×40 ft | 820 lin ft |
| 20×40 ft | 1,020 lin ft |
How to Calculate It Yourself
- 1
Decide: rebar or wire mesh? Residential driveways under 4 inches thick typically use 6×6 wire mesh. Driveways 5+ inches thick or heavy vehicle use: #4 rebar.
- 2
Bars per direction at 18" OC: driveway width ÷ 1.5 + 1. For 10 ft: 10 ÷ 1.5 + 1 = 7.7 → 8 bars.
- 3
Each bar runs the opposite dimension. 8 bars × 20 ft = 160 ft. Then 14 bars × 10 ft = 140 ft. Total: 300 lin ft.
- 4
Add 10% for lap splices: 300 × 1.10 = 330 lin ft.
Pro Tip
Wire mesh (6×6-W1.4 welded wire fabric) is cheaper and faster than rebar for residential driveways. At $0.20/sq ft vs $0.60+ for rebar, a 200 sq ft driveway saves $80 in materials. Rebar is worth the cost for driveways that will see trucks or heavy equipment.
Assumptions to Check
Before ordering materials, confirm the dimensions, product coverage, waste factor, and local installation requirements for your project. Manufacturer coverage tables and local code rules can change the final quantity, especially for structural work, exterior projects, and irregular layouts.
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