Stainless Steel Rebar Price 2025: Cost per Foot & per Ton
In 2025, stainless steel rebar typically costs between $3.50 and $8.00 per linear foot, depending on bar size, grade, order quantity and market conditions. For common #4 (1/2 inch) stainless steel rebar, most contractors see prices in the range of $4.50–$6.50 per foot for typical 304 or 316 grades, with premium duplex grades on the higher end.
If you are budgeting for a project, the best approach is to use the ranges below for early estimates and then request an updated quotation based on your exact size, grade and quantity.
Stainless steel rebar price per foot (by size and grade)
The table below gives approximate stainless steel rebar price ranges per foot by bar size and typical grade. Actual prices can be higher or lower depending on the mill, raw material costs, freight and your order volume.
| Bar size | Approx. diameter | Common grades | Typical price per foot* |
|---|---|---|---|
| #3 | 3/8 in (9.5 mm) | 304 or 316 | $3.50 – $5.00 |
| #4 | 1/2 in (12.7 mm) | 304 or 316 | $4.50 – $6.50 |
| #5 | 5/8 in (15.9 mm) | 304 or 316 | $5.50 – $7.50 |
| #6 | 3/4 in (19.1 mm) | 316 or duplex 2205 | $6.50 – $8.00+ |
*These are reference ranges for planning only and can change as stainless steel and nickel prices move. For current wholesale pricing, please contact us with your exact requirements.
#4 stainless steel rebar price per foot
#4 stainless steel rebar is one of the most common sizes used in bridge decks, parking garages, foundations and marine structures. In 2025, a realistic planning range is $4.50–$6.50 per foot for 304 or 316 grade, with duplex or specialty grades often priced above this range. Large, repeated orders and truckload quantities usually receive better pricing than small, mixed loads.
What is stainless steel rebar and when is it used?
Stainless steel rebar is reinforcing steel manufactured from stainless steel alloys such as 304, 316 or duplex 2205. Compared with carbon steel rebar, stainless rebar offers excellent corrosion resistance in the presence of chlorides, de-icing salts and marine environments.
Because of its higher initial cost, stainless steel rebar is usually chosen for structures where corrosion damage would be extremely expensive or dangerous to repair. Typical applications include coastal bridges, tunnels, piers, parking structures, wastewater treatment plants and heavily salted highway pavements.
In these environments, stainless steel rebar can extend the service life of the structure by decades, reduce maintenance downtime and significantly lower lifetime ownership costs.
Stainless steel rebar price per ton
Designers and purchasing managers often budget stainless steel rebar on a per ton basis. Converting from price per foot to price per ton depends on the bar size, because each size has a different weight per foot.
As an example, #4 stainless steel rebar weighs about 0.668 lb per foot. One ton is 2000 lb. If the average price is $5.50 per foot, the approximate cost per ton would be calculated as follows:
- Weight per foot: 0.668 lb
- Feet per ton: 2000 ÷ 0.668 ≈ 2994 ft
- Cost per ton: 2994 ft × $5.50 ≈ $16,467
This is only an example. Actual per ton pricing will vary with bar size, grade, fabrication and current market conditions. For project-level estimating, it is best to request a customized quote for the exact bar sizes, lengths and quantities you need.
Stainless vs carbon steel rebar price comparison
Carbon steel rebar is significantly cheaper than stainless steel rebar on a per foot basis. However, stainless steel can be far more economical over the full life of the structure because it reduces or eliminates corrosion-related repairs.
| Type | Typical price per foot (2025) | Service life in harsh environments | Maintenance needs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon steel rebar | About $0.50 – $1.50 | Often 10–25 years before major corrosion damage | Frequent patching, crack repair and potential replacement |
| Epoxy-coated rebar | About $0.80 – $2.00 | Better than plain carbon steel but coating can chip or peel | Coating inspection and repair, risk of hidden corrosion |
| Stainless steel rebar | About $3.50 – $8.00 | 50+ years of protection in many chloride environments | Minimal corrosion maintenance, longer intervals between repairs |
Although stainless steel rebar may cost several times more than carbon steel up front, it can reduce life-cycle costs by extending the structure’s service life and avoiding disruptive rehabilitation work.
Factors that influence stainless steel rebar price
Several key factors determine the final price you will pay for stainless steel rebar on your project.
- Grade of stainless steel – 304 is usually the most economical grade, 316 provides better corrosion resistance in marine environments, and duplex grades such as 2205 offer very high strength and corrosion resistance at a premium price.
- Bar size and length – Larger diameters contain more stainless steel per foot and cost more. Standard stock lengths are usually cheaper than custom lengths or heavily fabricated bars.
- Order quantity – Full truckload or repeated project orders receive more favorable pricing than small, one-time purchases because mills and distributors can plan production and freight more efficiently.
- Fabrication needs – Cutting, bending, threading or producing cages and assemblies adds labor and equipment costs to the base material price.
- Market conditions – Prices move with nickel, chromium and stainless coil markets, as well as overall demand from infrastructure and construction projects.
- Freight and delivery – Distance from the mill or warehouse, freight class and delivery requirements can change the landed cost at your jobsite.
How to estimate stainless steel rebar cost for your project
To build a realistic budget for stainless steel rebar, follow these simple steps.
- Calculate the total length of rebar required. Use your structural drawings to determine the number of bars, their spacing and their lengths. If you are not sure how to convert spacing into total feet, you can review our guide on how to calculate the amount of rebar needed for concrete or send us your drawings for assistance.
- Select bar sizes and stainless steel grades. Work with your engineer to confirm which bar sizes and grades are specified. Higher grades may allow smaller diameters in some cases, which can reduce total weight and partially offset higher unit prices.
- Apply a realistic price range and add a contingency. Multiply your estimated total feet by a mid-range price from the tables above. Add 10–15% to cover overlaps, splices, waste and potential market movements. Then request a detailed quotation from a supplier such as Wellco Wholesale to lock in current pricing.
Is stainless steel rebar worth the extra cost?
Whether stainless steel rebar is a good investment depends on the environment, design life and cost of future repairs. In many aggressive environments, the answer is yes.
Stainless steel rebar is particularly cost-effective when:
- The structure is exposed to sea spray, tidal zones, de-icing salts or industrial chemicals.
- Access for future repairs would require lane closures, demolition, traffic control or extended downtime.
- The owner is targeting a 75–100 year design life with minimal major rehabilitation.
- Corrosion-induced cracking or spalling would pose safety risks to users.
In these scenarios, stainless steel rebar can reduce the total cost of ownership by delaying or eliminating expensive rehabilitation stages and keeping the structure in service longer.
How Wellco Wholesale helps you save on stainless steel rebar
At Wellco Wholesale, we focus on helping contractors, fabricators and project owners control cost without compromising durability. When you source stainless steel rebar from us, you can benefit from:
- Competitive wholesale pricing on popular sizes and grades.
- Flexible order quantities for both small jobs and large infrastructure projects.
- Assistance with bar takeoffs, size selection and cost optimization.
- Fast, reliable shipping across the United States, with free shipping on qualifying orders over $300 and standard volume and weight.
If you would like a firm quote for your next project, you can browse our rebar category or contact us directly with your drawings and bill of materials.
FAQ: stainless steel rebar cost
Is stainless steel rebar always the most expensive option?
On a per foot basis, stainless steel rebar usually has the highest initial price compared with carbon steel and epoxy-coated rebar. However, when you factor in the cost of repairs, downtime and extended service life, stainless steel can be the most economical choice in harsh environments.
How often do stainless steel rebar prices change?
Prices can change every few weeks as nickel, stainless steel coil and freight costs move. During stable periods, pricing may remain similar for several months, but in volatile markets updates can be more frequent. It is best to confirm pricing shortly before placing your order.
Can I mix stainless and carbon steel rebar in the same structure?
In some designs, engineers specify stainless steel only in the most exposed zones, such as the top mat of a bridge deck, while using carbon steel elsewhere. This can reduce overall cost while still protecting critical areas. Any mixed approach should be reviewed and approved by the project engineer to avoid unintended corrosion issues.
Is stainless steel rebar cheaper than rebuilding a corroded structure?
In many cases, yes. While the upfront material cost is higher, the expense of demolition, traffic control, lost service time and reconstruction can far exceed the original cost of using stainless steel rebar. That is why many owners now use stainless rebar for bridges, tunnels and coastal infrastructure with long design lives.
How can I get an accurate stainless steel rebar quote?
Prepare your bar schedule or drawings with bar sizes, grades, lengths and quantities, along with your jobsite location and required delivery date. Then send these details through our contact form so our team can provide a detailed quotation with current stainless steel rebar pricing and delivery options.
