Making the Most of Cement and Cinder Blocks

Making the most of cement and cinder blocks can help your business foundation

By Nikki Davis
Cement and cinder blocks can be the staple to any construction or architectural project. They can be both functional and decorative depending on the size, type or style that you choose, and you can compare concrete and cinder block prices and other properties to make a decision on which type is best for your next project. The trick is to familiarize yourself with your options before jumping into a selection. You can also take classes or study online instructions before tackling a project of your own.

When you buy cinder blocks and concrete blocks, you need to ask yourself if you are looking for form and function or aesthetics. Are you looking to hold something up? to insulate? or to decorate and make an area more pleasing to the eye.

For help in making the most of cement and cinder blocks:

1. Compare basic types of cement blocks. Look at solid blocks versus cinder blocks.

2. Next, delve into the different colors, sizes and styles of each of those two categories. Decide how each would influence your project.

3. Next consider a decorative concrete block or decorative cinder blocks. Think about special finishes or how your exterior wall faces your public.

 

Look at basic cement and cinder blocks differences

Decide if you are going for solid and heavy cement blocks, or if you are looking for easier to move, more insulated and less expensive cinder blocks. If you are doing the project yourself and not hiring out, going with the less expensive and not as heavy cinder blocks may be your best option.
Try: Take advantage of the Sources of Masonry Products link. There you can find manufacturers of various building products, equipment and supplies including concrete blocks. Learn about concrete block wall advantages from AFTEC.

Check out what various vendors have to offer in concrete blocks products

Compare concrete and cinder block prices, look at different styles and compare delivery and installation costs of various concrete block providers. If you are planning on dong the project yourself, see what steps are available to emphasize the factors that are important to you be they form, function, aesthetics, environmental impact or more.
Try: See what styles are available through Kelley Blocks. Check out the many styles of concrete products available through New Holland Concrete. Check out the concrete block products from Gagne and Son. See how concrete blocks can assist you in going green with help from BuildingGreen.

Consider specialty cement and cinder blocks

You might think about vendors who offer specialty cement and cinder blocks. From highly decorative, to special locking properties, these concrete block walls may cost a premium price, but may pay off in the long run in improved aesthetics or greater ease of installation.
Try: Anchor Block offers a wide variety of standard or finished products. Check out the Enviro-Block block styles offered from Inter-Block. You might also consider the VOBB dry stack concrete blocks. Look at the decorative concrete block products from Redi-Rock.

 

  • Remember when deciding between cement and cinder blocks, that cinder blocks can be filled with concrete after they have been laid. Cinder blocks are often less expensive than solid concrete blocks because of their hollow nature, and they are also easier to initially carry and lay. All of these factors should be taken into consideration when choosing a concrete block for your project.
  • Consult your local home store to see if they offer classes on laying concrete blocks or creating concrete block retaining walls. Some people are more inclined to pickup how to do it by watching someone else as opposed to reading about it in an instruction manual.

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