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If you’re planning a concrete slab, a garden path, or a load-bearing foundation, you’ve probably wondered whether to use rebar or remesh — or both. These steel reinforcements stop concrete from cracking, spreading stress like a safety net under your structure. Think of rebar as the bones and remesh as the meshwork muscles: together they make concrete resilient. In this guide I’ll walk you through what to buy, where to buy it in the UK, how to estimate quantities, and practical tips that save time and money — all explained in plain English, with useful imperial measurements so you can picture things on the job.
At first glance, rebar and remesh can seem interchangeable, but they serve different roles. Rebar comes as individual steel rods that you tie together to form a custom cage or grid; remesh arrives as factory-welded grid panels ready to lay out. Which one you choose depends on the scale, complexity, and budget of your job. Want something quick for a garden slab? Remesh is often the faster option. Building a reinforced beam or column? Rebar gives you flexibility and strength where you need it.
Rebar is sold by diameter and length. Typical diameters you’ll see in trades are roughly 3/16 inch, 5/16 inch, 3/8 inch, 15/32 inch, 5/8 inch, and 3/4 inch — corresponding to the metric sizes many UK suppliers list. Popular lengths are around 20 feet for stock bars, though builders often cut them to fit. For small landscaping jobs you might use the thinner bars for minor restraint, but for structural elements you’ll be looking at thicker bars like 5/8 inch or 3/4 inch. Always match to your engineer’s specs, but if you’re DIY-ing a standard 4-inch concrete slab, a lighter gauge of remesh or 3/8 inch rebar spaced correctly is common practice.
Remesh typically comes in large welded sheets which make distribution of reinforcement quick and consistent. Standard sheet sizes commonly sold are close to 6.5 feet by 9.8 feet, and the grid spacing is often around 4 by 4 inches or larger, depending on the product. For a medium driveway or a garden patio, that panel covers a lot of ground quickly. Bear in mind you’ll need overlaps — usually one or two grid spacings — and chairs to lift the mesh so concrete can surround the bars properly. Using remesh is like throwing a ready-made web over your slab — fast and effective.
Even if the HTML data you saw didn’t list names, the UK market has several reliable suppliers where tradespeople and DIYers buy reinforcement steel. The big players include Jewson, Travis Perkins, Wickes, B&Q, Buildbase, Selco Builders Warehouse, Screwfix, and Toolstation. Each has strengths: some focus on bulk trade supplies, others are geared toward DIY-friendly packs and easy click-and-collect. Below I break down what each tends to offer so you can match supplier to project.
Jewson tends to supply a wide range of rebar sizes and remesh panels, with the bulk trade in mind. If you need long lengths or specific grades of steel for structural work, Jewson’s branches and trade counters are a good place to start. They often handle special orders, cutting and delivery for larger projects — handy if you’re managing a small build and want everything in one delivery.
Travis Perkins is another national option used by tradespeople. They stock reinforcing bar in several diameters and remesh in standard sheets. They also provide helpful trade services like cutting and site delivery, which can be a time-saver. Pricing sits in the mid-to-high range, reflecting service levels, though you’ll often find trade accounts get preferential rates.
Wickes is a high street name that’s become a go-to for homeowners doing garden slabs, garage bases, or patios. They sell smaller packs of remesh sheets and shorter rebar lengths suitable for DIY projects. Wickes stock is ideal when you want to pick up a few pieces and don’t need industrial quantities.
B&Q is handy for weekend warriors. Their packs are designed for accessibility: smaller quantities, sensible packaging, and clear labeling. If you’re mixing concrete from a bag and laying a small 6-foot by 8-foot slab, B&Q’s offerings will probably fit your needs without the overhead of bulk purchasing.
Both Buildbase and Selco operate on a trade-warehouse model with branches across the country. They stock a wide selection and are geared towards bulk purchases and site delivery. If your project is more than a one-day job, these suppliers are worth checking for competitive pricing on pallet quantities and contractor-level support.
Screwfix and Toolstation are great when you want fast access to reinforcing mesh and rebar accessories like tie wire, chairs, and cutters. They also have a strong tool selection so you can buy a rebar cutter or a disc cutter along with the steel. For small to medium jobs where time is critical, these stores can be lifesavers.
Estimating reinforcement can feel like math homework, but it’s manageable. For remesh, calculate the area of your slab in square feet and divide by the sheet coverage. If a remesh sheet covers roughly 6.5 feet by 9.8 feet (about 64 square feet), you’ll need one sheet per 64 square feet, plus overlap. For rebar, you’ll need to plan the grid spacing — common spacings are 6 inches to 12 inches for heavy-duty work or larger for lighter uses — then multiply the number of bars by their lengths. A quick rule of thumb: draw a simple layout on paper, mark spacing, and count bars. Always add 5–10 percent for cuts and waste; it’s better to have a small surplus than to stop mid-pour.
Want a mental shortcut? For a 10-foot by 10-foot slab using remesh sheets that cover about 64 square feet, you’d need roughly two sheets (100 square feet total), then overlap and chairs are additional. For rebar spaced at 12-inch centers across the 10-foot width, you’d use around 11 bars the full length plus ties. Numbers vary by job, but plotting the grid on paper and checking with a supplier before purchase saves ducking back to the store.
Prices vary by supplier, steel grade, and market conditions, but here are ballpark ranges to help budgeting. Remesh sheets often come in packs; you might see a single sheet priced from roughly £20 to £60 depending on mesh spacing and gauge. Rebar sold in 20-foot lengths can range from about £8 for thinner rods to £30 or more for thicker, structural bars. Accessories like rebar chairs, tie wire, and concrete spacers are relatively inexpensive — think a few pounds per bag or pack. Remember these are illustrative ranges: always get a quote from your chosen store. If you’re comparing suppliers, factor in cutting or delivery costs if you need them — and don’t forget waste allowance.
Cutting steel is noisy and gritty, so plan accordingly. For smaller jobs you can use a handheld angle grinder with a cutting disc, but for thicker bars you might prefer a purpose-built rebar cutter. Bending rebar by hand is possible for thinner sizes; for larger diameters you’ll want a rebar bender or a bench-mounted tool to get clean bends. When laying remesh, use chairs to ensure the mesh sits at mid-depth of the slab — you want concrete covering the bars on all sides to prevent corrosion. Tie intersections with wire ties or use clip ties for speed. Think of installation as choreography: every piece has to be in the right place before the concrete arrives.
Steel corrodes if left wet and unprotected. Store rebar and remesh off the ground on timber pallets or racks and cover with a tarp if rain is likely. For transport, steel is heavy — a few remesh sheets or a bundle of bars can add up quickly. Load with help and secure with straps; longer bars can protrude from vehicle tails so plan for safe overhang marking. If you’re hiring delivery from a trade warehouse, ask for a tail-lift drop to avoid manual handling risks.
Working with steel and concrete comes with hazards: flying sparks from cutting, heavy lifting, and sharp edges. Always wear eye protection, gloves, a dust mask when cutting, and steel-toe boots on site. For structural work, follow building regulations and consult an engineer — reinforcement sizing and placement affect the safety of the finished structure. Consider whether the steel grade matches project specs; some applications require higher-strength bars or specific weldability properties.
Want to keep the budget down? First, buy the right quantity — avoid significant over-ordering, but don’t skimp so much you run out mid-job. Compare prices across trade and DIY outlets: trade warehouses often beat retail for bulk buys, while retail stores are convenient for small needs. Reuse clean, undamaged steel from previous projects where safe and practical, and look for offcuts near trade yards that can be repurposed. Finally, pair your reinforcement order with the concrete order: a single delivery and a coordinated pour save time and money.
If your project affects structural integrity — foundations, load-bearing slabs, or retaining walls — ring in a structural engineer. DIY is fine for non-structural slabs and small patios, but for anything that supports loads or connects to the main building, you’ll want professional design and sign-off. Contractors can also help with tricky logistics like deep foundations, complex reinforcements, or pouring in adverse weather.
Before you head to the store or place an order online, double-check these items: the reinforcement type and size specified for your project, the total quantity with a waste allowance, whether you need cutting or bending services, transport and delivery logistics, and safety gear. Confirm the grid spacing, overlap instructions for remesh, and required concrete cover depth — these small details make a huge difference when the concrete goes in.
Buying rebar and remesh doesn’t have to be mysterious. Understand the difference between bars and mesh, measure carefully, pick the right store for your scale — whether that’s a trade warehouse for bulk work or a DIY chain for small jobs — and follow sensible storage and safety practices. With the right planning, reinforcement becomes a straightforward part of the job that protects your concrete investment for years. Ready to map out your grid and start ordering? A little prep now will pay off when the slab cures clean and crack-free.
| Rebar & Remesh | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| 3-inch Threaded Rod - Space Grey | £ 20,91 |
