How to Reinforce Concrete Driveways

Purchase enough steel rebar rods to reinforce the space within the concrete forms. Building codes vary, but spacing is typically between 1 foot and 2 feet apart. This means that you must place rebar rods both horizontally and vertically no farther apart than this distance.

Position the rebar rods directly on the sand base in the forms. Rebar comes in 20-foot lengths, and you will lay full-length rods down the length of the driveway. The ends of the rebar should come within a couple of inches of the forms and they should overlap at least 6 inches.

Cut smaller rebar rods to fit across the width of the driveway and lay them on top of the long rebar rods. For example, if your building codes require steel bar reinforcement on 2 foot centers, create a grid with the rods, placing them no more than 2 feet apart in both directions.

Tie the loose rebar ends together. This is where two rebar rods overlap. Use rebar ties by placing the center of a tie beneath the overlapping bars and bending the end loops upward. Place the point of the pigtail tool into both loops and spin the tool to twist the ties securely.

Raise the rebar grid and place rebar chairs beneath every spot where the bars cross. Rebar chairs are short plastic holders with a recessed area at the top that holds the bar intersection. When all of the chairs are in place, the rebar grid will rest a couple of inches above the sand.

Lay steel mesh before you place the rebar grid, if required in your community. Steel mesh sells in 5-foot wide rolls, but not all local building codes require this additional reinforcement. If you’re using it, cut the mesh in lengths to fit between the forms and use the rebar ties to fasten the ends together. Position the rebar on top.