#3 (3/8 in) Fiberglass Rebar: Real U.S. Pricing, Weight, and Use-Cases

In the United States, #3 (3/8 inch) fiberglass rebar has quickly become one of the most requested sizes of Glass-Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) reinforcement. It matches the common size of steel #3 bars used in foundations, slabs, driveways, and light structural elements, but brings massive advantages in durability, weight, and lifecycle cost.

Contractors, engineers, and investors searching for terms like “#3 fiberglass rebar,” “3/8 GFRP price,” and “buy fiberglass rebar” want two things: real pricing data et proof of value. This article provides both — plus a deeper look at the profitability of fiberglass rebar production as a business opportunity.

What Is #3 Fiberglass Rebar?

Unlike steel, GFRP is non-corrosive, non-magnetic, lighter, and stronger in tension. That makes #3 bars ideal for residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects across the U.S.

Real U.S. Pricing for #3 (3/8) Fiberglass Rebar

Based on current distributors, retail suppliers, and direct manufacturer quotes in the U.S., here are realistic market prices:

• Retail price: $0.70 – $0.90 per linear foot (10–20 ft bars sold individually).
• Wholesale price (pallets or full truckload): $0.55 – $0.65 per foot.
• Cost per ton equivalent: ~ $1,800 – $2,200/ton (though weight-based comparison is tricky since GFRP is much lighter).

Comparison with steel #3 rebar:

• Steel #3 bar costs ~$0.40 – $0.60/ft.
• But steel corrodes and requires 2–3x more maintenance over its service life.
• Lifecycle cost of steel is 40–60% higher que la fibre de verre.

Weight of #3 Fiberglass Rebar

Weight is a critical factor for logistics, installation, and shipping.

• Steel #3 rebar weight: ~0.376 lb/ft.
• Fiberglass #3 rebar weight: ~0.10 lb/ft (approx. 75% lighter).

That means:

• A bundle of 100 steel bars (20 ft each) weighs ~750 lb.
• The same bundle of fiberglass rebar weighs ~190 lb.

This makes transport, handling, and installation dramatically easier and cheaper, especially on large projects or in remote areas.

Key Use-Cases of #3 (3/8 in) Fiberglass Rebar in the U.S.

Residential Foundations and Slabs	Builders increasingly specify GFRP to eliminate rust in slabs-on-grade, basements, and foundations.
Driveways and Sidewalks	Deicing salts rapidly destroy steel. Fiberglass eliminates cracking from rust expansion.
Swimming Pools	Pool shells and decks benefit from non-corrosive, non-conductive reinforcement.
Marine and Coastal Construction	Boardwalks, retaining walls, and seawalls exposed to saltwater require GFRP durability.
Parking Structures	Lightweight #3 bars are used in topping slabs, ramps, and non-structural walls.

Advantages of #3 Fiberglass Rebar Over Steel

• Corrosion-free: no rust, no spalling concrete.
• Light weight: easier shipping and placement.
• Haute résistance à la traction : 2–3x stronger than steel by weight.
• Electromagnetic neutrality: ideal for hospitals, data centers, and laboratories.
• Longer service life: 75–100 years compared to steel’s 30–40 years.
• Lower lifecycle cost: less maintenance, fewer repairs, extended infrastructure lifespan.

Profitability of Fiberglass Rebar Production

Beyond contractors and engineers, many entrepreneurs in the U.S. are looking at fiberglass rebar production as a profitable business.

Production Line Capacity Example

A standard CT-6 GFRP production line (6 rods at once) can produce:

• ~15,000 linear meters of #3 rebar per 8-hour shift.
• That equals ~49,200 ft/day.

Revenue Potential

At an average selling price of $0.75/ft:

• Daily revenue ≈ $36,900.
• Monthly (20 working days) ≈ $738,000.

Frais

• Raw materials (fiberglass roving + resin): ~$0.25/ft.
• Operational costs (labor, utilities, consumables): ~$0.05/ft.
• Total production cost: ~$0.30/ft.

Profit Margin

• Average gross profit per foot: $0.45/ft.
• Monthly gross profit: $443,000 per line.

This shows why investing in a GFRP production line is one of the fastest-growing opportunities in U.S. construction manufacturing.

Steel vs Fiberglass: Lifecycle Cost Analysis

Factor	Steel #3 Rebar	Fiberglass #3 Rebar
Initial Price	$0.40–0.60 / ft	$0.70–0.90 / ft
Weight (per ft)	0.376 lb	0.10 lb
Résistance à la corrosion	Pauvre	Excellent (100%)
Durée de vie	30–40 years	75–100 years
Coûts d'entretien	Haut	Negligible
Lifecycle Cost	Haut	40–60% lower

Buying Options in the U.S.

Conclusion

#3 (3/8 in) fiberglass rebar is more than just a steel alternative — it is becoming the standard for modern U.S. construction. With real prices between $0.70–$0.90/ft, lightweight handling, and unmatched durability, contractors and DOT projects alike are rapidly adopting GFRP.

For entrepreneurs, the profitability of lignes de production de barres d'armature en fibre de verre represents a rare opportunity in the construction industry — combining high margins, booming demand, and long-term sustainability.

Whether you want to buy fiberglass rebar or launch your own GFRP production plant, Composite-Tech is the global leader in equipment, technology, and know-how. Contactez-nous aujourd'hui to learn how to be part of the future of reinforcement.

FAQ

Apprendre encore plus:

• Barres d'armature en PRFV vs acier : coût, résistance et avantages à long terme dans la construction moderne
• Barres d'armature en PRFV et barres d'armature en acier : comparaison technique
• Fiberglass rebar vs Steel (GFRP vs Steel)