The first step in using concrete blocks is selecting the right type of concrete block products for a project. A standard concrete block is 8 inches, but you can obtain other lengths for special projects. Many use half blocks at the ends of runs of cement blocks. These half blocks have rounded or square corners.

In recent years, makers have created concrete blocks with style. Some have decorative sides. Some come in a variety of colors. Some concrete blocks have insulation. When considering using concrete blocks for your construction job, think about the following:

1. Is energy efficiency important to your concrete block construction?

2. is it important to use decorative concrete block?

3. What tools do you need to properly complete your concrete block construction?

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Prepare the footing for concrete blocks

Before constructing the concrete block walls, create a footing. Pour a concrete footing deep enough into the ground so that it is below the frost line. A good rule is to make the footing twice as deep as the wall will be thick. It should also be twice as wide as the wall. In some cases, you may need to insert a drain line. Check with local government officials to ensure you meet building regulations regarding footers.

I recommend: Bob Vila gives tips on creating a footing for your concrete block construction. Leys discusses footings for residential buildings.

Determine the amount of concrete blocks and concrete block materials needed

The size block you use determines the amount of cement block products needed. If you use 4 x 4 x 16, 6 x 4 x 16, or 8 x 4 x 16 blocks, you use 225 blocks per 100 square feet of wall. Larger blocks decrease the amount needed. For every 100 4-inch blocks, you use 6 cubic feet of mortar. Use 7 1/2 cubic feet of mortar for 100 8-inch blocks.

I recommend: Concrete Network offers a calculator to determine how much material is needed. Cencrete shows a variety of concrete blocks types you can use in your construction project.

Lay the concrete blocks

One cannot simply lay blocks on top of the ground. After you have created a footing and placed stakes at each corner, stretch a string tautly from one corner to the next. Use a level to check the string, since it will serve as a guideline for the blocks. Lay out a course of blocks on top of the footing. Do not use mortar. Determine how many blocks you need for the side. Remove the blocks and get ready to actually lay the blocks. Begin with the corner block. Place a line of the mortar approximately 1 inch deep and 8 inches wide on the footing where the block will lay. Do all four of the corners. Continue with the rest of the base of blocks. After each five cement blocks, use a level to check the alignment.

I recommend: Ace Hardware offers tips and ideas on using concrete blocks. Dulley discusses the methods of creating energy efficient concrete homes.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When working with concrete blocks, make sure that you use the correct blocks in the correct place. The design of each block lets you know where to use it. Corner blocks are often different from others.

Building with concrete block is one of the most time-tested construction methods around, and has many advantages that may not be readily apparent.

Also known in the industry as concrete masonry units, concrete blocks are flexible, allowing the building contractor to make last-minute changes with few disruptions to the job and creating the option for future expansion.

Concrete blocks offer an excellent R-value for insulation, and the block's hollow core helps promote breathability in the product, allowing water to channel downward toward the foundation drain tile.

Block manufacturers create the product in a controlled environment, so you can count on it to perform as you expect. If a concrete block foundation does happen to crack, it cracks in a predictable manner that a mason can easily repair. Finally, concrete block construction is one of the most affordable building options around, with prices staying pretty stable over time.

Whether you're building a foundation for a residential project or a block commercial building, consider:

1. The many different sizes of concrete block available.
2. Decorative concrete block options such as split-face block.
3. Affordability compared to other building methods.

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Decide on the size of concrete block

Concrete block is available in several different sizes. Some smaller projects may call for the 8 inch version, which is a less expensive option. Local building codes may require you to use 12 inch block for the added stability of your project. Note that other sizes are available but are less commonly used including 4, 6 and even 16 inch.

I recommend: Orco Block is a California block manufacturer. Grand Blanc Cement is a concrete block manufacturer serving the Midwest, North Central and Southern regions.They offer many different concrete products, including specialized sizes. The Cinder & Concrete Block Corporation is one of the concrete block manufacturers in the Baltimore area, and lists concrete block sizes and shapes available.

Concrete blocks can be a beautiful building option

When you think about block, you may find it hard to get excited. But manufacturers have come a long way, offering concrete block products in many stylish options for many different kinds of applications.

I recommend: Split-faced concrete block is an option that hearkens back to the 1800s, when buildings were constructed with fieldstone. The rugged appearance can add architectural interest to the construction project. These decorative concrete blocks may add to your cost, but have timeless appeal. Using split-faced block also eliminates the need for brick veneer to finish off the exterior of the foundation. Think about colored block, glazed block or scored block for a different look for your concrete block project. Oldcastle is North America's largest producer of masonry units in a wide variety of styles, including glazed block in hundreds of color choices and innovative green building products. Consider a retaining or decorative wall on your property made from dry-stacked Keystone concrete block.

Develop a relationship with your concrete block products supplier

Don't struggle with the numbers--allow your local concrete blocks suppliers to give you a ballpark estimate of your project. They can supply you with plenty of information on ordering the block and mortar. They can also help to figure the labor costs and connect you with one of the local masons on their trades list.

I recommend: The Henry Bierce Company sells concrete block and other masonry products, serving contractors and consumers in northeast Ohio. Maisel Products has been manufacturing concrete block products for nearly a century, and offers full service to the masonry contractor. In California, contact Resource Building Materials in Stanton.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Ask your building contractor or building supplier about using seconds, imperfect blocks, in an area that no one will see.
• •  Make sure that the concrete blocks delivered to the site are kept dry with a secure tarp.
• •  Find out in advance whether the building yard will accept any leftover concrete block from your project.

Concrete blocks consist of Portland cement and usually sand and gravel or industrial waste. These large rectangular blocks often have hollow centers; the open centers reduce the weight and improve insulation. Construction workers use concrete blocks in a variety of building projects and have used gray concrete blocks for years. In the past, the traditional gray concrete block construction was deemed unattractive and not for home use. However, concrete blocks are changing with the development of new styles and uses.

Concrete workers make concrete blocks more sophisticated each year. The new style of decorative concrete blocks today outperforms the standard wooden frame building. Concrete blocks in conjunction with foam insulation provide strength, energy efficiency, and sound resistance. They are colorful and stylish. When considering using concrete or cement blocks in the construction of your building consider the following:

1. Concrete blocks work well in all types of climates.

2. Decorative concrete block is colorful and decorative.

3. Concrete block suppliers offer a variety of sizes of concrete blocks.

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Use insulated concrete blocks

Insulated concrete blocks are a new style of block compared to the traditional block construction. They offer more moisture control and are more attractive. In addition, they provide warmth and are energy efficient. Insulated concrete blocks come in three basic forms: interior insulated, exterior insulated, and in-block insulated. These blocks provide homeowners with the qualities that they look for in home framing.

I recommend: Ask the Builder deals with concrete block insulation questions to ensure that you have the information that you need. All Wall System gives information as well as compares block frames to wood frames.

Try new styles of decorative cement block

Concrete blocks were once gray and cold. Today's block is much different. In addition to insulation, concrete blocks are stylish. Concrete blocks are available in a number of colors as well as sizes. Some designers create concrete blocks without holes.

I recommend: Check out the project gallery from Cinder & Concrete for visual examples of stylish and colorful concrete blocks in use. Anchor Block also offers pictures and ideas for using concrete blocks to add beauty to a location.

Consider concrete blocks for their strength

For years, builders have used concrete and concrete blocks to construct storm cellar and safety rooms. Now these strong rectangular blocks are the basis of entire homes. Consider using concrete blocks to frame homes for the strength and safety they provide.

I recommend: Examine the benefits of safety at Concrete Block Homes. The site discusses fire resistance, storm resistance, and termite resistance of concrete block materials. Chest of Books details the strength of concrete blocks and gives examples of testing results.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When thinking about concrete blocks basics, think beyond new construction. You can add insulating concrete blocks to existing buildings, too. Use concrete block products to make older buildings more beautiful and energy efficient.

Many construction projects call for the use of concrete blocks due to their durability and the fact that they can be shaped into precise forms. In a masonry company or a small home improvement business, the use of concrete block terms is essential. Knowing the correct concrete block terminology helps in the selection of the proper block for projects, in ordering concrete blocks from manufacturers and in giving educated explanations to customers.

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Porous

When discussing concrete blocks, the term porous describes a block that is designed to capture water. The water then goes through the porous material into the ground below, reducing problems with runoff. These blocks are favored for sidewalks and environmental safety projects.

I recommend: View a more detailed description of porous concrete blocks from Wise Geek.

Autoclaved aerated concrete, or autoclaved cellular concrete

An autoclaved aerated concrete block, or autoclaved cellular concrete, is made of all natural materials and includes lime, sand, cement, water and aluminum powder. This term refers to a solid block that has thermal and acoustic insulation features. Blocks of this type resist fire and termites.

I recommend: Learn more about the history and details of autoclaved aerated concrete blocks from Tool Base.

Mortar

Mortar is a paste-like consistency, sand, water and cement mixture used to lay and mend concrete blocks. The mortar is placed in cracks and between blocks. Construction workers use mortar as a binding and sealing material in laying new blocks, as well as in repairing blocks .

I recommend: View Brick Container for a detailed description of mortar used in masonry. View its history and applications with concrete blocks.

Two-core or three-core

The terminology two-core or three-core refers to the amount of holes in the hollow concrete block. Manufacturers pour cement into special molds to create the cores.

I recommend: View the images from Renovation to see the standard two- and three-core concrete block types and sizes.

Dry cast

Dry cast refers to the method used to make a concrete block. Dry-cast concrete blocks are made from a dampened rather than wet material. Because dry cast is less workable, one needs special tools and equipment to make dry-cast concrete blocks.

I recommend: Precast offers dry-cast basics as well as information about using and mixing dry cast for molds.

Solid

Solid refers to a concrete block without cores or holes. The block is a solid piece of concrete. These blocks are made with cement and little water.

I recommend: Scroll down to the grid for details of standard solid block sizes and materials under the products section from Development Alternatives.