This tool gives a quick and realistic estimate for the reinforcement and accessories required for small or medium raft foundations. It is designed for early budgeting rather than structural design and helps you understand likely steel and accessory costs before you request a formal quote.
Click 'Get Started' Below To Calculate Your Raft Footings Costs
Steel Reinforcement Calculator for Raft Slab
Estimate the cost of for steel reinforcement mesh fabric, cages, and accessories quickly and easily with our calculator.
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Raft Dimensions
[item-247_quantity]m x [item-249_quantity]m
[variable-2] Square Metres
Max raft size for this calculator is 100m2
For larger raft sizes please contact us.
Do you need Accessories?
Do you require a quote for accessories?
Accessories Required
40/50
Cut and Scored
Steel Reinforcement Cages
Final estimate
The final estimated price is :
This price estimate is simply that, an estimation for steel reinforcement and accessories only, based on your previous choices, excluding labour, concrete, VAT and delivery costs. Prices of steel fluctuate on a weekly basis.
To get an accurate, up to date quote, send your details to us by clicking the button below. You can upload your technical drawings here, or send to our email address at [email protected]. There's no obligation to order and we'll be in touch once we've taken a look at your requirements.
By adding your email you are allowing consent for us to contact you with information about your quote.
If you'd like us to call you back with a quote, enter your number here (UK only).
Add any technical drawings here.
Summary
| Description | Information | Quantity | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discount : | |||
| Total : | |||
Purpose of the Calculator
We created this calculator to give you a rough early stage cost for the reinforcement typically used in raft foundations. It is ideal for domestic slabs, garage bases, small extensions and light commercial pads where you need a ballpark figure before involving an engineer or contractor.
To keep the results reliable, the calculator is limited to 10 metres by 10 metres. Larger slabs introduce variations such as stiffening beams, thickened edges and stepped levels, and the estimates become less meaningful.
If your project is larger or more complex, contact us for an accurate quote.
What the Calculator Includes
1. Reinforcement Mesh
Main fabric mesh based on slab size
Allowance for single or multiple layers
Flying end mesh where suitable, which helps reduce lap build up and wastage
2. Reinforcement Accessories
A realistic selection of consumables used on most sites.
Steel high chairs (various heights for dual layer setups)
Plate spacers or continuous bar spacers
Damp proof membrane
Tying wire
Permanent formwork or edge shuttering beams
3. Steel Perimeter Cages
Many raft foundations include thickened edges or boot sections.
We include approximate quantities for:
Perimeter bars
Laps
Prefabricated cage pricing based on typical labour efficiency
What’s not included in the cost calculator?
1. Labour
Fixing time varies significantly with slab size, mesh layering, congestion and site access.
2. Concrete and Other Materials
Concrete volume can change due to edge thickenings, step levels, ground conditions, reinforcement congestion and wastage. Including concrete here would make the overall estimate unreliable.
3. Excavation and Spoil Removal
Groundworks costs change based on soil type, access, depth and disposal rates. The variation is too wide for a single estimate.
4. Professional Services
Items like surveying, engineering design and building control vary by region and project complexity.
A Practical Spoil Example
An excavation of 2 metres by 2 metres by 1 metre deep produces roughly 5 cubic metres of spoil rather than 4 cubic metres.
Soil expands when dug out, which increases the volume.
Five cubic metres of spoil usually weighs between 7 and 10 tonnes and needs two skips or two grab lorry loads.
How to Use the Calculator Effectively
Enter the full slab footprint rather than internal room size
If the slab has stiffening beams, enter the overall dimensions only
Select single or double layers based on your engineer’s intent
Treat the result as a budgeting estimate rather than a design specification
For unusual shapes or loads, send us your drawings and we will price the project manually
Summary
This calculator provides a quick and realistic reinforcement cost for raft foundations up to 10 metres by 10 metres. It includes mesh, accessories and perimeter cages. It is ideal for early budgeting. For engineered quotes or larger slabs, contact us and we will price it accurately.
