Rebar is not typically visible in concrete structures because it is usually embedded within the concrete. However, due to its unusual ribbed appearance and low cost, many people use it for aesthetic purposes. You can buy rebar at most hardware stores, construction supply outlets, or specialty metal suppliers like Metal Supermarkets.

Learn more about what rebar is and how it is made.

How Rebar is Made

The production of metal rebar begins at steel mills, where manufacturers combine iron ore, coal, and limestone in massive blast furnaces.

1. Iron ore is melted at extremely high temperatures (approximately 1,700°C or 3,000°F) to create molten iron. This molten material undergoes further refinement in basic oxygen furnaces or electric arc furnaces, where impurities are removed and carbon content is carefully controlled to achieve the desired steel properties.
2. The molten metal is cast into semifinished products called billets. These are large rectangular or square steel blocks that serve as the raw material for the actual rebar manufacturing process.
3. The billets are reheated to approximately 1,200°C (2,200°F) and fed through a series of rolling mills. This hot-rolling process gradually reduces the cross-section of the steel while increasing its length, effectively shaping the metal into long cylindrical rods of specific diameters.
4. The distinctive ridges or deformations that characterize rebar are created during the rolling process using specially designed roller dies.
5. The rebar undergoes controlled cooling to ensure proper metallurgical properties.
6. The final steps include straightening, cutting to standard lengths, bundling, and quality testing to ensure compliance with building codes and standards.

This meticulous manufacturing process yields the durable, versatile construction material that serves as the hidden backbone of concrete structures worldwide.

Types of Metal Rebar

Metal rebar comes in several different varieties, each with specific properties suited to different construction applications. Rebar is available at Metal Supermarkets in the following metal types:

Mild Steel – Mild steel rebar features characteristic ridges or deformations along its surface, which help it bond securely with concrete. When you buy rebar from Metal Supermarkets, you’ll find mild steel options that meet ASTM A615 standards, which is the most common specification for construction projects.

While Metal Supermarkets only offers mild steel rebar, it’s worth knowing about other types to know where to buy rebar for specialized applications:

• Epoxy-Coated Rebar – Offers corrosion resistance and is ideal for structures exposed to salt water or de-icing chemicals.
• Stainless Steel Rebar – Provides superior corrosion resistance for marine environments or critical infrastructure.
• Galvanized Rebar – Features a zinc coating that protects against rust and extends the rebar’s lifespan.
• GFRP (Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer) Rebar – Non-metallic alternative that’s completely resistant to corrosion.
• Carbon Fiber Rebar – Extremely strong and lightweight, but comes at a premium price.

For most standard construction projects, the mild steel rebar available at Metal Supermarkets will meet your requirements, offering the perfect balance of strength, workability, and cost-effectiveness.