How to Build a Porch with Cinder Block
- Lay out the dimensions of your cinder block porch on a sheet of graph paper...
- Excavate the area. Remove all the dirt at least 8 inches deep inside...
- Lay your perimeter wall, setting blocks in mortar on the concrete.
- Fill the interior of your perimeter with gravel and sand.
Can you build a porch with cinder blocks?
Cinder blocks are great for building structures that have a sturdy foundation. Cinder blocks can be used to build anything from walls, floors, and foundations of buildings, as well as building a cinder block porch The cinder block is made up of cement so it’s able to withstand heavy weight without getting damaged easily.
How can I build a porch on a brick wall?
The brick facade actually covers a concrete block foundation which is easily seen in the photo below. Because of its height, a subfloor needs to be constructed to hold the concrete porch floor. Filling the porch cavity with stone or concrete block might be an option but it would take consider fill to raise the porch floor to the appropriate level.
How to build a concrete wall with cinder block?
Remember to build a leveled footing where the cinder block will be placed. The poured concrete footing should be twice the width of the intended concrete wall. So, for an 8-inch-wide cinder block, the footing should be at least 16 inches wide. Use only high-strength concrete for building the concrete wall footing.
How do you raise the floor of a concrete porch?
Because of its height, a subfloor needs to be constructed to hold the concrete porch floor. Filling the porch cavity with stone or concrete block might be an option but it would take consider fill to raise the porch floor to the appropriate level.
How do you lay a block porch foundation?
0:004:00Building a Concrete Block Foundation - Bob Vila - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOkay the first first step in putting in any foundation is to get a footing in the ground. Usually atMoreOkay the first first step in putting in any foundation is to get a footing in the ground. Usually at 16 inches wide.
How do you build a cinder block front step?
0:547:14How To Build Cinder Block Steps - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd then a step so stack stack step. And so I want to get that first this back part here set in andMoreAnd then a step so stack stack step. And so I want to get that first this back part here set in and put some gravel. Down some sand down level that out and then get that first row of cinder blocks on.
Is it cheaper to pour concrete or use cinder blocks?
For your reference, the average cost of building a poured concrete wall is $10 to $60 per square foot or around $2,900 to $10,350 for a complete wall. Meanwhile, it would cost you around $3 to $5.50 per square foot to construct a cinder block wall.
Do cinder blocks need a footing?
All concrete block walls — both structural and non-structural — require a solid, poured concrete footing. Use Quikrete 5000 for footing construction because of its high strength and quickly it strengthens.
How do you lay cinder blocks?
0:563:10How to Build A Concrete Block Wall - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPress. The first block the corner block. Into the mortar bed to create a 3/8 inch mortar joint. MakeMorePress. The first block the corner block. Into the mortar bed to create a 3/8 inch mortar joint. Make sure the block is level and properly aligned before proceeding to the next block.
How do you build porch steps?
2:387:49How to Build Porch Stairs | Ask This Old House - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe have six stringers spaced 16 inches apart and this 2 by 6 will hold them together at the top. AndMoreWe have six stringers spaced 16 inches apart and this 2 by 6 will hold them together at the top. And another 2 by 6 will hold them across the bottom. This toe-kick will stiffen up the bottom.
How long do cinder blocks last?
How Long Do Cinder Blocks Last? Cinder blocks will last for years and years – up to 100 years.
Is there a difference between concrete block and cinder block?
A concrete block contains stone or sand which makes it heavier. Cinder blocks don't have any tensile strength to withstand pressure. Concrete block is a hard, durable substance. As cinder blocks are not very inflexible, many building codes prohibit to use a cinder block.
How long will a cinder block foundation last?
Foundations. Poured concrete block bases and slab foundations will last for a lifetime, 80 to 100 years or more, given they have been constructed with precision. The termite proofing of the base, 12 years, provided the chemical barriers remain intact.
Do you fill cinder blocks with concrete?
In short, no. Cinder blocks do not need to be filled to be effective, but it depends on what you're building.
Which is cheaper poured or block foundation?
Poured Concrete and Block Wall Foundation Costs Usually, the cost of construction varies from place to place. But as a matter of fact, poured walls cost about 20% less than the block foundation walls.
Do cinder block walls need rebar?
Do you need rebar? Yes. Concrete and masonry do not withstand tension. Tension is absorbed by reinforcing.
How do you build wall block steps?
0:152:11How to Build Steps Using Retaining Wall Units - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipStart by installing and leveling a base course on top of a compacted leveling pad. Use either baseMoreStart by installing and leveling a base course on top of a compacted leveling pad. Use either base units or wall units level the entire area of the steps.
How do you build paver steps on concrete?
0:353:32The Proper Way to Install a Paver Step - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe will level this area out with sand and start our stone base. So now what we're going to do isMoreWe will level this area out with sand and start our stone base. So now what we're going to do is square up and install our first block as a base of our steps.
How do you pour concrete steps?
1:5112:22Pouring Concrete Steps (How To Pour Concrete Steps) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo the key to pouring these steps number one is the low slump concrete. And then you know gettingMoreSo the key to pouring these steps number one is the low slump concrete. And then you know getting the concrete in place filling filling up your stairs.
How do you install precast concrete steps?
Steps for Installing Precast Concrete Stairs:Step 1: Remove the steps. ... Step 2: Clean up debris. ... Step 3: Prevent ground movement. ... Step 4: Prep the base. ... Step 5: Add rerod posts into the ground. ... Step 6: Take rerod to run lengthwise across the length of the form.More items...
Do I Need A Permit To Build A Porch?
A permit is required for any deck that is higher than 30 inches off the ground. This rule applies to the majority of decks.
Does Building A Porch Increase Property Value?
Property value is often thought to increase by adding a porch. There are two main reasons for this belief: porches look nice, and they provide extra space for residents of the home.
How long is a cinder block wall?
Mortar is the glue that holds them together below and to the sides. Concrete or cinder blocks are 16 inches long, 8 inches high, and 8 inches wide.
How many square feet are there in a cinder block wall?
The typical cinder block is 8 by 16 inches, meaning that a cinder block covers an area of 1.125 square feet. The total cinder blocks needed will be 1.125 times the area of the wall, but be sure to subtract the openings such as windows, doors or any other architectural feature. The wall area is calculated by height times its length.
What is a cement wall?
Tip. A concrete or cement wall is sometimes called a cement wall. But this is only informal—the true term is concrete or cinder block wall. Cement is a fine binding ingredient that, along with other materials such as sand and gravel, forms concrete. Cement is never used on its own to make a wall.
How wide should a cinder block be?
The poured concrete footing should be twice the width of the intended concrete wall. So, for an 8-inch-wide cinder block, the footing should be at least 16 inches wide. Use only high-strength concrete for building the concrete wall footing.
How deep should a foundation be?
Normally a foundation wall with seven rows of blocks will be 24 inches wide and 12 inches deep and should have a footing 30 inches below grade. Remember to build a leveled footing where the cinder block will be placed.
What do you need to fill cavities in a wall?
Some of the cavities may need to be filled with either mortar or concrete. You may also need to run horizontal rebar the length of the wall, between every third course of blocks.
When to run jointing tool between blocks?
Every so often , when the mortar between the joints becomes putty-like or stiff enough to imprint your finger, run the jointing tool between the blocks to smooth out the mortar.
What are the steps to build a concrete porch?
These include; marking and excavating, assembling and leveling forms, mixing and pouring concrete, finalizing the concrete, and many more. Let’s discuss the steps in detail:
How thick is a concrete porch?
The general thickness of a concrete slab is four inches. However, the porch concrete slab needs some features to be added for safety and durability measures.
How deep should I dig in a sandbox?
With a shovel, you can excavate the area by hand. Alternatively, you may rent a mini-excavator. As you dig, aim to reach about 6 to 8-inches deep.
Can you build a deck over a concrete slab?
Yes. Even if your concrete slab is in the worst condition, building a raised deck over it is possible. However, you must be aware of certain situations and follow the right steps. Here’s how to build a raised deck on a concrete slab:
Do you want to transform the appearance of your backyard?
Do you want to transform the appearance of your backyard? If so, consider building a concrete porch. They are elegant, durable, and easy to clean and maintain. It is therefore critical to create a concrete porch best without sacrificing the quality.
Do you need a metal sheathing for a raised porch?
Since you’re dealing with a raised porch, you’ll need quite a significant amount of material to fill the porch to a suitable level.
How to make a wall with cinder blocks?
Start by simply laying out the cinder blocks for the first course of your wall. The goal here is simple: You’re determining the number of blocks necessary for the desired wall size. As you place the blocks, remember to leave a 3/8-inch gap between each one.
How big is a cinder block?
You may already know that cinder blocks are sold in nominal dimensions that assume the presence of, and take into account, a 3/8-inch mortar joint. So, though the standard block may be billed as 8″ x 8″ x 16″, it actually measures 7-5/8″ x 7-5/8″ x 15-5/8″.
How to butter a corner block?
While for the corner blocks you applied mortar only to the footing, you’ll need to “butter” one end of each of the middle blocks to adhere it to the adjacent block. Do this by adding mortar to the flanges—the edges that jut out from the block’s body. Here’s how to do the buttering: Stand the block upright on one end.
What is a half block?
Known as half blocks, these smaller blocks are used to create a running bond pattern that lends strength to the wall. (To continue the pattern, begin alternate courses with half blocks.) Once both corners are in place, run a mason’s line between them to serve as a height guide for the blocks to be added in the middle.
How to make a chalk block?
Start at one end of the chalk outline you snapped in Step 1. Press the first block, a corner block, into the mortar. Be careful to create a 3/8-inch mortar joint on its underside. Don’t let the block slide out of place, as that could displace the mortar and upset the joint.
Why do people build garden walls?
Privacy, safety, security —these are only a few of the reasons that homeowners build solid, durable garden walls. Although it’s immensely satisfying to construct one, it’s certainly no easy feat.
Can you mortar only one end of a block?
You need to mortar only one end of the block, and you can ignore the web—the partitions between the hollow cores. But don’t forget to slice a V into the applied mortar with the tip of your trowel. Once you’ve done that, press the block into the mortar bed on the footing.
How high should a concrete floor be for a front porch?
The concrete floor covering for the front porch will be approximately 8 feet above the ground. Because this is new construction, a walkway from the driveway to the porch steps will also be framed and poured. Finished aggregate concrete front porch floor.
How Do They Create the Concrete Aggregate Look?
In order to create an aggregate appearance the top layer of concrete is washed away to expose the stones within the concrete.
Do front porch ideas sell personal information?
We, Front Porch Ideas and More, confirm, as stated on our privacy policy, that we do not sell personal information.
Can concrete be poured on steel sheathing?
Concrete being poured on steel sheathing. Once the concrete is poured it is sprayed with a surface retarder (see box below) and then is covered in plastic to help the curing process. Since this is going to be an aggregate porch floor the plastic will be removed in a short time and pressure washed to expose the aggregate stone.
How to measure cinder block wall?
It should be at least two times wider than the width of your block. Start by measuring the width of your future wall, then calculate the footing area. Use a tape measure to find the dimensions of the foot ing area on the ground.
What is the ear on a cinder block?
The "ears" are the 2 protrusions (also called flanges) running from top to bottom on both ends of every cinder block. Buttering the ears simply means use your trowel to apply mortar directly on top of both flanges on 1 end of a cinder block.
How to determine the width of a wall?
1. Determine the width of your wall. To determine the width of your future wall, decide how many cinder blocks you want to use for the wall width , then calculate the width using the block's measurements.
How to tie string around a footing?
Tie string along each stake to mark the perimeter of the footing area. The string will create a barrier and help you stay within the marked lines when pouring the footing. Tie string from stake to stake around the perimeter of the area. This creates 4 straight lines -- 1 for each side of your wall.
How to make a 90 degree bend in masonry?
Place steel rebars into your trench. You'll have to use a rebar bender to form an “L” shape with your steel bars. One should be placed in each corner and be about half the width of your trench on each side. Once the rebar benders are in place, apply pressure until your 90 degree bend is completed. You will also want rebar placed vertically in every other masonry core, stabilized with coarse fill grout.
What to use to remove concrete from wheelbarrow?
Use a hoe or a flat nosed shovel if any concrete sticks to the wheelbarrow.
Who is the founder of Go Masonry?
This article was co-authored by Gerber Ortiz-Vega. Gerber Ortiz-Vega is a Masonry Specialist and the Founder of GO Masonry LLC, a masonry company based in Northern Virginia. Gerber specializes in providing brick and stone laying services, concrete installations, and masonry repairs. Gerber has over four years of experience running GO Masonry and over ten years of general masonry work experience. He earned a BA in Marketing from the University of Mary Washington in 2017. This article has been viewed 121,725 times.
Basics of Building A Cinder Block Or Concrete Wall
When to Build A Cinder Block Or Concrete Block Wall
- Digging the trench for the cinder block wall's concrete footing and curing the mortar are the only weather-dependent parts of this project. If the ground is frozen, you will not be able to dig by hand, and extreme cold can affect the curing process of the mortar. Otherwise, the wall can be built at any time of year, in nearly any condition.
Estimating Number of Blocks
- Calculate the necessary cinder blocks by square feet. The typical cinder block is 8 by 16 inches, meaning that a cinder block covers an area of 1.125 square feet. The total cinder blocks needed will be 1.125 times the area of the wall, but be sure to subtract the openings such as windows, doors or any other architectural feature. The wall area is calculated by height times its length. Re…
Permits and Codes
- Free-standing concrete block walls may require permitting. Check with your local building department to determine if a permit is required. Even if the wall is exempt from permitting in your area, it may still require zoning approval. Check with your local planning department for zoning requirements.
Safety Considerations
- Working with masonry materials is labor-intensive, so take frequent breaks and stay hydrated. Keep your back straight and use your legs when lifting. Wear heavy-duty gloves when handling the concrete blocks. When pouring mortar or concrete or for any other activity that creates dust, wear breathing protection. Consult a structural engineer to design the footing including where to insta…