How to Place and Tie Rebar

The correct way to read rebar schedules, cut and bend bars, maintain cover, and tie intersections before a concrete pour.

Step-by-Step

1. 1

   Read the structural drawings

   Identify bar sizes (#3, #4, #5 etc.), spacing, lap splice lengths, hook requirements, and cover dimensions from the structural drawings and rebar schedule. Do not assume — bar size and spacing are structural requirements, not suggestions.

2. 2

   Set rebar chairs

   Place plastic chairs or wire bolsters at 4-foot intervals before laying rebar. Chair height must equal the specified cover. Never use rocks, wood blocks, or wire for chairs — they don't maintain consistent cover.

3. 3

   Cut and bend rebar

   Cut rebar with a rebar cutter. Use a mechanical bender for hooks and bends — never heat rebar to bend it in the field. Standard hooks are 180° or 90° per ACI 318 — the tail length is specified, not guessed.

4. 4

   Place bottom mat

   Lay bars in one direction first, then cross bars on top. Space per the drawings. Lift the mat slightly to check that chairs are seated under the lowest bars. The rebar must not be resting on the ground.

5. 5

   Tie intersections

   Tie wire at every other intersection for slabs and at every intersection for walls and columns. Wrap the wire twice around the intersection, twist with tie wire pliers or a tie gun, and bend the tails in so they don't protrude toward the surface.

6. 6

   Install lap splices

   Overlap bars by the lap length specified on the drawings — typically 24–48 bar diameters. Stagger lap locations so adjacent bars don't splice at the same point. Tie laps at each end and at mid-length.

7. 7

   Verify cover and spacing

   Before calling for inspection, measure cover at multiple points and verify bar spacing matches the drawings. Check that no rebar is displaced or resting on the ground. Walk the mat carefully — never drop concrete directly on the rebar mat from height.