Cement and Cinder Blocks

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Cement and cinder blocks are used for a variety of applications. In the construction industry, cement blocks are used for building foundations. Industrial and commercial buildings may also have walls built with block. Blocks can be used to create strong fences and used in landscaping applications.

Blocks may be manufactured with hollow centers to reduce the total weight of the block. Hollow centers also allow for reinforcement with rebar. Concrete block structures provide greater stability when reinforcing columns and beams are added. Cement structures also provide a higher resistance to fire.

Concrete blocks are available in both low and high-grade density. High-grade blocks are cast with a mixture of Portland cement and sand or gravel as an aggregate. Lower density blocks use waste materials as an aggregate. Cinder or cement block use is popular for construction of homes with crawl spaces. They can provide the desired structural support at less cost than poured concrete.

Cinder blocks are created using bottom ash or fly ash. Cinder block is the common U.S. term but blocks are known by other names. In Australia, they are referred to as besser blocks. In the U.K., the term is breeze blocks. The standard size of concrete or cinder block also varies by location. Links on Business.com can help you find local suppliers for cement and cinder blocks.

Cement and Cinder Block Key Terms

Cement blocks and cinder blocks are used both for construction and decorative purposes. In building construction, cement blocks often are used for the foundation of buildings and for load-bearing purposes, while cinder blocks tend to be used for wall construction. Both come in standard sizes and shapes, but can be manufactured to fit into particular construction needs. Special shapes include a corner block for sharp corners at window and door frames, or a bull-nose block for a rounded corner in those spaces.

Cement block, concrete block

The terms cement block, or concrete block, are often used interchangeably. Cement blocks are created from a mixture of cement, water and small stones or gravel. To lighten the weight, companies manufacture concrete blocks with two or three holes, which are called two- or three-core blocks.
Try: For more information on concrete blocks, along with illustrations of many different shapes of block, visit U.S. Concrete.

Cinder block

Cinder blocks, as their name implies, contain cinders, the leftovers from burned coal. Companies combine Portland cement, water and cinders to create the blocks for masonry use. One difference between cinder blocks and concrete blocks is the weight; cinder blocks are lighter. In addition, the exterior of cinder blocks tends to have a rougher texture than that of a smoothed concrete block.
Try: wiseGEEK reviews the differences between cinder blocks and concrete blocks.

Stretcher block

Stretcher block is the term for the standard size of cement block. They are called 8-inch blocks, but the 8x8x16-inch shape actually runs 7 5/8 inches on the sides and 15 5/8 inches in length. Mortar in the joints brings the measurement up to 8 inches and 16 inches.
Try: Kight Home Center discusses stretcher blocks and shows illustrations of two- and three-core blocks.

Jamb block

A jamb block is used around window frames. The block has a recessed area at one end that provides space for the window casing to be inserted.
Try: Scroll down to Figure 2-1 for an illustration of a jamb block at Sweethaven Publishing Services. Below the illustration is a discussion of jamb block use.

LEED compliant

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is a ratings system of the non-profit U.S. Green Building Council that covers energy efficiency, materials and resources, sustainable site development, water savings, indoor environmental quality and design innovation. Some concrete block manufacturers are voluntarily producing materials that help with LEED projects.
Try: The U.S. Green Building Council provides more details about LEED and going green with construction projects. New Holland Concrete discusses details that make concrete blocks LEED compliant.

National Concrete Masonry Association (NCMA)

The National Concrete Masonry Association sets the standards for masonry construction in the United States.
Try: Learn about the mission and programs offered by the NCMA.