Concrete is made from basic ingredients like cement and water, but concrete contractors need plenty of other things for proper installation. It helps when companies sell concrete supplies and the materials all in one place. That way, you can order everything you need at the same time; this helps when you are working under tight deadlines.
These are some of the most common concrete supplies that contractors need:
- Rebar: These trusty steel reinforcement bars strengthen concrete, which is strong in compression but weak in tension. Rebar comes in different grades and codes. The main categories of rebar include:
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- Mild steel
- Deformed steel
- HSD (High Strength Deformed)
- TMT (Thermo Mechanical Treatment)
- European
- Carbon steel
- Wire mesh: This is placed down to reinforce concrete before it gets poured in, generally arranged in a two-dimensional, one-layer grid. Wire mesh prevents concrete from cracking and is one of the most important kinds of concrete supplies.
- Keyway joints: Keyway joints get installed in concrete pavement to prevent cracks from moisture and thermal gradients. They are a category of longitudinal joints that increase efficiency. Using keyway joints on thin slabs is not recommended.
- Concrete landscaping supplies: Examples of concrete landscaping supplies include things like edging rocks and tree rings.
- Rebar chairs: These are used with reinforcing bars and rebar mats.
Other concrete supplies might include poly strip expansion joints, color products, and of course, hand tools. We have a full selection of concrete supplies and can help you select the best ones for your work.