Do I Need to Put Rebar in the Footing of a Block Wall?

Horizontal Rebar in Footings

• Rebar should be included in all concrete footings. For a block wall, two lengths of No. 4 rebar (1/2 inch) should be placed lengthwise in the footing area. Support rebar with bricks or stones so that it is suspended at a height where it will be in the middle of the footing when the concrete is poured. For an 8-inch deep footing it should be 4 inches from the bottom.

Vertical Rebar in Footings

• In addition to the rebar installed horizontally in the actual footing it is recommended to add vertical rebar to the footing that will tie into the first course of cement block for the wall. The vertical rebar should be set in place before the concrete is poured for the footing. The vertical rebar should be spaced so it will pass easily through the holes in the concrete block as they are set in place.

Concrete Pour

• Rebar will only be effective if it is properly placed. When pouring concrete for a footing is it critical to insure that the concrete does not displace your rebar.