I am planing to redo about 1200 sq feet driveway. One contractor uses #3 rebar for every 2 feet center. Another contracdtor uses #3 rebar for every 4 feet center with commercial fiber mesh. Which is better way to go?

Thanks,

My first instinct is to say to go with the rebar, but that is without knowing the composition of the mesh. Remember, whatever you put in the cement will ultimately be what holds it together once it begins to crack. Go with whatever is the most "sticky" and strong.

I don't think there is a lot of difference. I would go with the rebar every 2', but the mesh would work also. The more important part of the process is to make sure you have a good solid base under the concrete so the reinforcement does not have to work as hard. If you have a poor base, the concrete will crack and settle unevenly. The reinforcing will only keep the concrete from breaking completely apart.

I'm not a concrete person, but have spent a lot of time on it due to my own issues with a patio. I've heard the fibermesh is not a big deal and the rebar would be better off the 2' centers. Ground prep is key and also good expansion and/or scorring as needed to try and catch the crack into those areas. It can/will crack, but the right prep and planning by the contractor does make a difference.