Thread: What length rebar?

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What length rebar does everybody use for tombstones. I was going to use 4' with half in the ground. But then I wanted to save some cash and bought ten footers and cutting them down to 2 three footers and a four footer. I spent less on the same footage of rebar. I figure three feet on the shorter ones and four foot for the taller would be good. I made the tombstones out of two layers of 1.5" pink foam with two layers of drylok. So they are pretty heavy. Thanks.

It really depends on the height of your tombstones. Most of mine are between 2 and 3 feet tall. I'm cutting my rebar (my LEAST favorite Halloween job!) for those at about 2 feet and pounding half into the ground. The pvc on the backs of those is around 1 foot, give or take.

I use wooden dowels, cheaper and work just as well.

Dont those dowels get soggy and water logged? I was thinking about them to but thought being in the ground would make them weak. My tombstones are pretty tall and heavy. I will also need to support a couple life sized PVC creatures, one being pretty heavy and jerks a bit too.

Originally Posted by gr8johnson

Dont those dowels get soggy and water logged? I was thinking about them to but thought being in the ground would make them weak. My tombstones are pretty tall and heavy. I will also need to support a couple life sized PVC creatures, one being pretty heavy and jerks a bit too.

The dowels will only get rotten and brittle if you leave them in the wet earth for a long long time. I think they work fine for the price and unless you have gale force winds, most of your lighter props should do fine. The large jerky props would probably need something more sturdy, but for tombstones dowels work great.

Rebar is pretty cheap, in my opinion...$5 for a 10' piece...I cut mine in different heights...3' and 4' it think...heck I might even have a couple 2' ones...I duct taped them in a group then cut them with a sawzall (Reciprocating Saw) works well and its quick...

Originally Posted by BeaconSamurai

I use wooden dowels, cheaper and work just as well.

I concur!

I always use 2' sections and I have tried dowel before too. The only trouble I had with those was when I would come across tree roots or rocks, the rebar goes through them easier. I also take my grinder and shape a point on one end.

Another vote for 3' and 4'. I have some short signs and such that I use 2' for, but it's taller for the gravestones...

Thanks gang. I already have the rebar so I will use them. But if I need more I think I might try some rowels for some smaller lighter props. Thanks. 3 or 4 foot looks like it should be good.