What Are Concrete Blocks?
Concrete blocks are formed from a blend of cement, water, sand, gravel, or crushed stone. This mixture is molded and cured into form for a strong block. Concrete masonry units (CMUs) are the most familiar of these with its rectangular shape and hollow chambers. Other shapes and types are used for residential, industrial, and commercial projects. Concrete block sizes depend on their use with building foundations, walls, or landscaping features.
Concrete Block Usage
Concrete blocks have versatile applications in both construction and home DIY projects.
- Concrete blocks are used to make partition walls that divide interior spaces.
- Due to their sturdiness, they can be used to create load-bearing walls. These support the weight of upper floors and roofs.
- They’re also used to make retaining walls that prevent soil erosion.
- Their uses can extend to DIY projects like building planters, outdoor benches, and decorative retaining walls and landscaping.
- With the proper lining, some concrete blocks can be used to make chimneys and fireplaces.
Types of Concrete Blocks
While your project’s requirements will determine which type of concrete block is most suitable, there are advantages that all concrete blocks share.
- Durability, very resistant to fire, pests, and weather.
- Thermal insulation, especially hollow core blocks.
- Sound insulation, great for reducing noise.
- Very budget conscious.
- Adaptability, easy to design with and construct around.
Cored or Hollow Concrete Blocks
Cored concrete blocks are the most common type of concrete blocks available. They contain hollow cores that help with insulation and weight reduction. Block sizes and weights vary, with the most common size being 8-in H x 8-in W x 16-in L.
An interlocking concrete block adds stability to a construction project. They’re used to create retaining walls and structures like simple buildings. Because of their superior weight capacity, they can be used on both load-bearing and non-load-bearing walls. These blocks are available in colors like gray, brown, and off white to fit various needs.
Fence Blocks
Fence blocks are specifically designed for constructing fences and boundary walls. They are fabricated to provide both function and decorative properties for residential fences, commercial borders, and garden walls and dividers. Blocks can have slots and grooves for better stacking and alignment, along with the ability to interlock for added stability. Fence blocks can have a hollow core for weight reduction and adding rebar reinforcement.
Dobie Blocks
Dobie blocks are precast concrete blocks used to support and maintain the position of steel rebar prior to and during the concrete pour. The prominent feature is the embedded wire tie that will secure the rebar in place. This prevents the rebar from being too close to the surface which may contribute to concrete erosion. They are inexpensive, strong, and durable despite their small size, commonly two to four inches in height.
Deck Blocks
Deck blocks are designed to support the wooden posts and beams of freestanding decks without the need for digging or having to pour concrete footers. They can help reduce decking costs and labor and simplify the construction process. Deck blocks are recognized by their stable pyramid shape and the channels or grooves that will hold 4-in x 4-in or 6-in x 6-in vertical posts. Other deck blocks can have a metal bracket that can adjust the height and level.
Deck blocks are best for lower profile decks and any uneven ground will need prep work before installation.
Lintel Blocks
Lintel blocks are CMUs that are placed horizontally above doors, window and pass-through in masonry walls. They have a U-shaped channel that will hold rebar and concrete. This fill makes the block function as a reinforced beam that is integrated into the wall. Being the same size as standard cored blocks, this also gives the wall a seamless look.
Retaining Wall Blocks
Retaining wall block helps create level outdoor structures on sloped terrains. They can bear the pressure of soil to prevent soil erosion. Interlocking features helps alignment to stack them securely without any extra support. They’re available in assorted sizes and shapes to suit different projects and can make straight, curved, or terraced walls and designs.
Planter Wall Blocks
Planter wall blocks are specifically designed to build retaining walls that can also function as planters. They are also great for constructing raised garden beds. Made of concrete or stone, they combine function and décor for landscaping designs. Planter blocks have built-in grooves for adding wood boards and getting ready for soil and plants. Shapes are square or round, with most having a center hole for adding rod bars for stability and anchoring.
Paver Blocks
One of the most common types of concrete blocks is paver blocks. They are available in a variety of shapes, colors, and textures, able to mimic the look of stone or brick pavers. These budget friendly landscape additions are extremely durable and easily replaceable if damaged. Whether used as steppingstones for a walkway or to create a large patio space, pavers are a simple addition to your yard.
Concrete Block Sizing
Concrete blocks come in a wide variety of dimensions for many different construction jobs and DIY projects. Here are the most common sizes and weights for concrete blocks.
Concrete Block Dimensions
The most common concrete block dimensions have a length of sixteen inches for full blocks and eight inches for half blocks. Common width of a concrete block is eight inches. The height of a concrete block can range from four to twelve inches based on the type of project. Standard common block dimensions (H x W x L)
- 8 x 8 x 16 inches (most common)
- 6 x 8 x 16 inches
- 4 x 8 x 16 inches
- 10 x 8 x 16 inches
- 12 x 8 x 16 inches
Concrete Block Weight
Factors like size, density and composition of a concrete block influence its weight. The weight of a concrete block can range from 20 to more than 75 pounds.
Lightweight blocks are used for walls and partitions that don’t bear a lot of weight. Standard blocks like the 8 x 8 x 16 block used for residential and commercial projects weigh about 30-35 lbs each. Heavy-weight solid blocks, used for projects that require greater strength and durability, are the heaviest at 65-75 lbs per block.
The actual size of a block will be slightly smaller thane the common dimensions. For example, a common 8 x 8 x 16 block has an actual measurement of 7-5/8 x 7-5/8 x 15-5/8 inches.
How to Choose the Right Concrete Blocks
Choosing the appropriate type of concrete blocks for your specific project is crucial for success. Consider certain aspects like where they will be used and the load-bearing capacity you require for the best results.
If you need the blocks to support any structural weight like an upper floor or roof, blocks with a higher load-bearing capacity will be required. A higher compressive strength can help the blocks manage the intended load. Size and shape should also be considered, like standard blocks, corner blocks or lintels.
Choose blocks that will deliver the desired look you want to create for your project. The color of the block adds to the appeal. Popular choices include tan, pink or brown. A hollow or interlocking block will also create different looks. Interlocking ones used for retaining walls and fences can create a geometric pattern.
The cost of your selected blocks will be based on the blocks you select for your project. Solid blocks are more expensive than hollow blocks. Larger blocks tend to be more expensive per unit.
Most all concrete blocks are resistant to any weather-related wear and tear. For hot climates, blocks with better thermal resistance can keep your interiors cool. Lighter blocks can also reflect sunlight. For cold climates, blocks with good insulation and higher compressive strength are ideal. This is because they retain heat and can withstand freezing temperatures.
Concrete Block Projects
Learn how easy it can be to do budget-friendly DIY projects and landscaping jobs with concrete blocks.
Advantages of Concrete Blocks
Concrete blocks have quite a few advantages by using them for your construction projects.
Thermal Insulation: Concrete blocks have the ability to help regulate temperatures. Their hollow cores create air pockets that help with insulation and can be filled with foam or fiberglass for added insulation. They reduce heat transfer and energy consumption. Concrete can also absorb and store heat.
Acoustic Insulation: The dense structure of concrete blocks can contribute to a quieter environment by blocking and absorbing sound waves. This can also enhance privacy by reducing noise transmission between rooms.
Fire Resistance: Concrete blocks contribute to building safety with their fire-resistant properties. Concrete blocks can withstand elevated temperatures and retain their structures. These blocks can contain fires within certain areas and limit the spread of smoke, enhancing the safety and stability of buildings.
Economical and Sustainable: Concrete blocks are a natural choice for construction projects. They’re less expensive compared to bricks or natural stones. The larger size allows you to work with less materials, reducing costs. They’re durable and modest maintenance, easing long-term repair and replacement costs. Concrete blocks can be recycled for other purposes, reducing waste, and conserving natural resources.
Concrete blocks, in whatever form you use them, are a reliable construction choice. Lowe’s has the selection you want with the quantities to complete your projects.