This depends on slab thickness and loading. Driveways often require heavier mesh such as A252 in thicker slabs, while patios or light use areas may use lighter options like A142 or A193. Always follow a project specific design.
Reinforcement Mesh, Rebar & Accessories for Concrete Works
Reinforcing products in this range include welded steel fabric (common A‑class
meshes such as A142, A193, A252 and
A393), loose bar, tying wire, and support accessories like spacers and chairs.
These components strengthen slabs, bases, pads and footings by adding tensile
capacity, helping control shrinkage cracking and distributing loads in
driveways, garage floors and ground bearing slabs. Products typically comply
with BS 4483 for welded fabric and BS 4449 for ribbed reinforcing bar; many UK
supplies are supported by CARES certification for quality and traceability.
When forming ground slabs or basement slabs, reinforcement usually sits above
a membrane from
Waterproofing & Tanking, with the steel held at the correct depth using spacers and chairs to BS
7973 to achieve the required concrete cover under Eurocode 2. Typical mesh
sheets are 4.8m × 2.4m, with cover determined by exposure class and bar
size (often in the 25–50mm range for slabs; always check the design),
and joints formed as lapped seams.
Geotextile & Geogrid can be placed below the sub‑base to separate soft ground and protect
membranes; finished external slabs can be planned alongside
Line Drainage and coordinated around
Manhole Covers & Grates for access.
On site, mesh is lapped by at least 350–400mm in many paving
applications, tied with annealed wire, and supported on cover blocks or chairs
so it does not sink during the pour. Mesh can be trimmed with an angle grinder
or heavy duty bolt croppers; wear eye and hand protection and secure the sheet
before cutting. For slabs carrying vehicles, heavier fabrics or added bar may
be specified; fibre‑reinforced concrete can also be used for crack control,
but structural reinforcement should follow a design. Services passing through
slabs can be planned with
Underground Ducting
and protected membranes from
Gas Membranes & Accessories.
Concrete Reinforcement FAQ's
Welded fabric generally follows recognised mesh standards, and reinforcing bar follows established UK steel standards that define mechanical properties, ductility and identification requirements.
Use appropriate spacers or chairs to maintain the required concrete cover. The exact cover depth is set by the slab design and can vary with exposure conditions and bar size.
Sheets are normally lapped by several hundred millimetres and tied at intervals. Mesh can be cut using bolt croppers, shears or angle grinders; always secure the sheet and wear safety gear.
Not always. Well compacted light use slabs can be unreinforced, but reinforcement is recommended for larger pours, poor ground conditions or areas expected to carry heavier loads.