How to Reinforce Concrete With Wire Chairs

Lay Out the Rebar Grid

• 1

  Measure the length and width of the area where concrete will be poured. Calculate the number of rebar rods that will lie vertically and horizontally to make a grid within the already installed form framework. Typically the rods will be evenly spaced 18 to 24 inches apart but consult your local building codes for any variations.

• 2

  Reduce the length and width measurements by 6 inches and cut all of the rebar rods to size with a circular saw equipped with a metal-cutting blade. For example, if the area measures 10 feet long and 8 feet wide, cut the rebar rods to a length of 9-1/2 feet and cut the rods to a width of 7-1/2 feet.

• 3

  Lay the lengths of rebar rods parallel to each other in the desired spacing and allow a 3-inch clearance from the forms at each end. Lay all of the width rods on top of the length rods in a similar manner to form a grid.

• 4

  Wrap rebar tie wire around every intersection of two rods. Twist the wire tightly around the rods with pliers and bend the ends of the wire toward the interior and away from the surface.

Position the Chairs

• 5

  Measure the depth of the area where concrete will be poured. Rebar support chairs are available in different heights to accommodate different thicknesses of concrete. Use the correct chair height so that when they are in position, the rods will be elevated to the middle of the concrete when it is poured.

• 6

  Pick up the rebar grid and place the rebar chairs under the rods to raise the rods to the proper height. Start in the middle of the area and place the first chair under the rebar.

• 7

  Measure in each direction and evenly space the remaining chairs. Typically, the chairs should be spaced no more than 36 inches apart.