what can you make with concrete blocks

• Bench. For example, you can make a bench for the deck or garden using concrete blocks. You need 12 blocks and 4 pieces of lumber to slip in the openings.
• Outdoor Kitchen. Another wonderful idea is to build yourself an outdoor kitchen. Reuse or repurpose old materials such as concrete blocks and leftover wood.
• Concrete Shelves. Need some more shelves in your home? Then make some. These are made using cinder blocks. ...
• Platform Bed. Another unusual idea can be to use these concrete blocks in the bedroom. ...
• Concrete Planters. A very simple and interesting idea is to use concrete blocks to make planters. First create a layout you like and then use adhesive to secure it.

Full Answer

How to set up concrete block forms?

Some of the tools you'll need to form your concrete slab

1. The first thing I do is make sure the sub-grade is level. ...
2. The next step is to lay out your boards for each side. ...
3. I like to use a board at least 2 - 4 feet long to nail the two side boards together. ...
4. After all the sides are nailed together, stand them up on edge. ...

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How do you build a concrete block wall?

Part 3 Part 3 of 3: Building Up and Around a Corner

1. Grab a half block. Your brick set should have half blocks included. ...
2. Spread mortar on the footing and ear of the half block. Place it directly on top of your base block.
3. Check your base blocks often with a level. ...
4. Use the same technique to build the wall up. ...
5. Strike the joints with a rubber mallet or sledgehammer. ...
6. Build up the corner with cinder blocks. ...

How to choose modular concrete block?

Overview

• The more expensive the block, the more it will look like natural stone.
• Each block system will accommodate curves, steps, corners, caps and setbacks differently. ...
• When you shop, take along a sketch of the wall’s height, length, radius of inside and outside curves, and specific features. ...

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Does a concrete block have more strength over a brick?

The major difference between both of them is compressive strength. Compressive strength is the property of any material to with stand pressure. Going by the materials clay bricks and concrete bricks are made, the concrete bricks have much more compressive strength. Second difference is water resistance.

What can you do with old blocks?

Don't toss out cinder blocks. Here are 14 ways to re-use themMake a vertical planter. What a unique idea for your garden! ... Reuse as a firewood rack. ... Repurpose as a bed. ... Make an outdoor bench. ... Make a firepit. ... Make a centerpiece.Make a lamp. ... Reuse as an outdoor bench.More items...•

What can you do with concrete block walls?

Concrete. The simplest way to cover a cinder block wall is by using surface bonding cement to create a concrete finish. Concrete helps insulate the building and keep moisture out. It creates a smooth, finished surface you can leave as is or paint.

What can you build with block?

25 Activities Using BlocksBuild a Tower with blocks. ... Play tetris with blocks made of unusual shapes. ... Pair blocks with play dough for some super construction fun. ... Take your blocks outside and try out these ideas from Kitchen Counter Chronicles.Engineer a castle in the block corner with Fun-A-Day.More items...•

What's the difference between cinder blocks and concrete blocks?

Cinder block is fabricated of- concrete and coal cinders. Concrete block is produced by steel, wood, and cement. Cinder blocks are lighter than concrete blocks. A concrete block contains stone or sand which makes it heavier.

What can I do with leftover cinder blocks?

Don't toss out the old cement block. Here are 10 fantastic ways to use them in your gardenRaised garden beds. ... Planters. ... Create a seating area. ... Build a firepit. ... Build a garden wall. ... Patio bench. ... Create a decorative tower. ... Build a garden fence.More items...•

Can you glue cinder blocks together?

Cinder blocks can be glued together. Cinder blocks are the foundation of many homes and buildings. They are typically installed with mortar between them. This mix holds them in place and once the mortar dries, they do not move at all.

Is it cheaper to build with concrete blocks?

Are Cinder Block Houses Cheaper to Build Compared to Those with Wood Framing? No! Cinder block houses cost more to build than wood framing. In addition to the blocks costing more than natural wood, the cost of concrete fill, labor, and specialized equipment/tools make the cinder blocks more expensive than wood frames.

How long do concrete blocks last?

100 yearsConcrete block is a great material when it's made correctly. It's artificial rock, when you think about it. Your builder's statement about it lasting at least 100 years is not far off when you look around you.

Can you build a house out of concrete blocks?

Concrete houses provide long-term savings and positively impact the environment. Two wall systems commonly used to build concrete homes include concrete blocks and insulated concrete forms (ICFs). Both methods furnish many of the benefits of concrete house construction.

How much weight can concrete blocks hold?

How Much Weight Can Cinder Blocks Withstand? Concrete cinder blocks are engineered to withstand over 1,700 pounds (771 kilograms) of weight per square inch.

How do you keep concrete blocks from sinking?

How can I prevent my concrete from sinking?Seal all open cracks and joints with a polyurethane or silicone caulk. ... Make sure downspouts are discharging at least five feet away from any concrete slab – the farther the better.More items...•

Will cinder blocks explode in a fire?

Cinder blocks generally do not explode in a fire pit. But you need to ensure that you aren't using compressed concrete blocks. Instead, your cinder blocks should be porous enough to vent steam. If your cinder blocks aren't porous enough, the build-up of steam can cause an explosion.

How do you cover interior concrete block walls?

A well-prepared block wall doesn't require surface bonding cement. A first scratch coat followed by a second coat of stucco can be applied directly to the wall. If the block is smooth or has soil that can't be removed, use a surface bonding cement followed by the scratch coat.

How do you finish an interior concrete block wall?

Begin by priming the blocks to improve the adhesion of your finish coat. For interior applications, water-based latex primer and finish paint should work fine. If you are painting basement walls, use a bright, light-toned paint to maximize the light in the space and to make it feel a bit larger and more spacious.

Can you put paneling on concrete walls?

If you are looking for ways to finish your basement, you may be considering paneling your concrete walls. One of the quickest ways to panel the basement or other cement walls is to glue the paneling directly to the cement. Paneling can be glued to cement.

Can you put peel and stick wallpaper over cinder block walls?

You can even wallpaper over tile and other slick, nonporous surfaces, such as concrete block, or synthetic laminate paneling.

What are concrete blocks used for?

Greetings from i Creative Ideas! Concrete, cement, and cinder blocks are large rectangular bricks commonly used in constructions. They are also inexpensive and reliable materials for many home and garden DIY projects. With some creativity and time, you can repurpose these smart blocks into practical furniture or decorative pieces at home or in your garden. Here at i Creative Ideas, we have come up with a rounded up more than 20 creative uses of concrete blocks or cinder blocks in our home and garden. Some of them are actual DIY projects and come with full tutorials. Others are just ideas for you. From indoor furniture, outdoor furniture to garden planters, we hope they will be inspirational to you and get you started on your next concrete block project. Let’s check out all these creative ideas!

What to do with cinder blocks on patio?

Paint the cinder blocks in plaid stencils and transform them into beautiful vases for your patio. (tutorial: Design Improvised)

How to make a bookshelf out of concrete blocks?

Stack the concrete blocks and two wood planks and you’ll have a nice bookshelf. (photo credit: New Zealand Design Blog)

How much does it cost to build a concrete block bench?

1. Concrete Block Garden Bench. This is a very affordable outdoor bench that costs only $30 to build. What a creative idea to make extra seating in the garden! (photo credit: Better Home and Gardens) 2. A sofa bed made with 42 white concrete blocks.

Is cinder block good for raised beds?

If you are thinking about adding a raised bed to your garden, using cinder blocks is a good choice because they are quick and easy to install, and less expensive. (photo credit: I Save A to Z , Savvy Gardening, Vintage Kids Modern World)

Can you build a fire pit from concrete blocks?

You can build an easy, affordable and functional fire pit from concrete blocks. Isn’t that cool? (tutorial: Must Add Fabric Softener)

Can you use cinder blocks as planters?

This is an easy and affordable way to create nice centerpieces using cinder blocks as the planters . (tutorial: Design Sponge)

How to make a nice entryway table?

If you want a really neat entryway table, try making one with concrete blocks. Then put tealight candles in each of the openings . This will make your hallway, entryway or room glow. It looks very cozy and inviting!

Can you make a fire pit with concrete blocks?

If you want a fire pit, don’t buy one, make one! You can use concrete blocks to easily make a really neat fire pit. It will also be very effective in keeping the fire inside the blocks and help people not get hurt.

How to make a concrete planter?

Concrete Planters. A very simple and interesting idea is to use concrete blocks to make planters. First create a layout you like and then use adhesive to secure it. Use wire mesh for the blocks in which you’ll be adding soil and plants to create a base. {found on designsponge }.

How many blocks to make a planter wall?

Make a concrete block planter wall and give it any shape you want. For one similar you’ll need 30 rectangular blocks and 7 half blocks. Cover the holes in the blocks with concrete stepping stones cut to size.

How to make a bench for a deck?

You need 12 blocks and 4 pieces of lumber to slip in the openings. You should also use adhesive. Put a mattress on the bench to make it comfortable. A lovely thing about the bench is that the concrete blocks also serve as a side tables. {found on kaylasbasement }.

Can you use concrete blocks in a bedroom?

Another unusual idea can be to use these concrete blocks in the bedroom. Use them to raise the bed and take the opportunity to also get some extra storage space for things like shoes or other small items. You can use this idea if you have a bedroom with an industrial design or with some rustic touches. {found on designsponge }.

Can you find concrete blocks in your local store?

In case you’ve decided to build your own house, then once you’re finished you’re bound to have some leftover concrete blocks. If this is not the case, then you can still find concrete blocks in your local stores. You’re probably wondering why the interest for these items. Well, we found a few very interesting ideas for ways in which you can repurpose these concrete blocks and build furniture or decorative pieces.

What do you need to make a raised bed garden with cinder blocks?

The only other supplies you’ll need are a couple of cardboard boxes, soil and your plants.

What is a grey template for concrete?

The grey template also gives you a lot to work with since you can paint the blocks as you wish, and the grainy texture that you get with some of them just adds another great design element. There are a number of creative ways to repurpose these blocks in and outside your home to make something beautiful.

How to store things without taking up too much wall space?

A low shelf like this is a great way to store some stuff without taking up too much wall space; that way you can still make the room look spacious. All you need to do is prop up the blocks and get a board cut to shape that you want.

How to make a cool bed base?

Bed Base. You can make a really cool bed base just by laying out your blocks, and placing a piece of plywood on top to rest the mattress on. These could be painted to match your room, and my favorite part is the little storage nooks you get from the holes – perfect for shoes!

Can you use concrete blocks for totems?

Totem Sculpture. Concrete or cinder blocks don’t have to be used purely for functional reasons , you can use them to decorate like this cute totem. Paint or mosaic them however you like and stack them up to decorate any space of your garden or home. DIY Instructions and Project Credit: Flickr.

Can you plant plants in cinder blacks?

Don’t have much of a garden but still want some plant life outside? No problem! The holes in the cinder blacks are perfect for potted plants. All you need to do is arrange them in your own way to bring nature that little bit closer.

Do you need more blocks for a bench?

You’ll need more blocks for this particular bench than with others, but if you can get a good deal and prefer something that looks bolder and more solid, then this is definitely the way to go.

How to make a garden wall out of cinder blocks?

Just stack them in different ways. Then fill their holes with soil or gravel and plants.

What are cinder blocks used for?

While cinder blocks are used primarily for building a basement or foundation for a house, you can use them for a variety of other creative projects. Whether you want to fix up your outdoor patio area with unique decorations, plant some flowers using out-of-the-box materials, or try another fun DIY project, cinder blocks allow you to make use ...

How to make a compost bin?

Make an easy DIY compost bin by stacking cinder blocks to create an accessible area to keep your compost. Use chicken wire to keep any unwanted critters out.

How to store firewood in cinder blocks?

Simply place some long two by fours on either side of two cinder block placed side-by-side, and stack your firewood in between them.

How to keep bugs away from cinder blocks?

Help keep the bugs away and give your backyard a little light. Just lay and stack your cinder blocks in the design of your choice. Place citronella candles inside the holes.

How many blocks to make a rocket stove?

A rocket stove allows you to cook more efficiently. Easy to make, just stack up four cinder blocks as shown in the following video.

Can you use cinder blocks for patio furniture?

Cinder blocks can also make solid patio furniture. Just make sure to add cushions to protect your backside from the hard surface.

What is a pier block?

A deck pier block is in many ways just a simplified version of a “precast foundation”, a foundation type recognized by building codes. They’re subject to all of the same requirements as a typical footing, regardless of not being cast-in-place. They must have a sufficient bearing area (the area of the block that sits on the earth) and be a minimum of 12-inches below grade, or below the local frost depth. They cannot, however, be simply placed at grade level.#N#The connection of the deck support post to the blocks is not consistently regulated throughout the country. Some regions with high winds and concerns of uplift forces may not approve them, as there is typically no physical connection between the post and block. For lateral forces, like a post getting hit with a lawn mower, we don’t want the post kicked out. Therefore, building codes require lateral restraint at the base of a post. While pier blocks commonly have protruding concrete lugs that surround the post, there is only opinion as to whether they are of sufficient strength.#N#The small bearing area of pier blocks is limited in supporting much load. Therefore, beam and joist spans must be limited and more blocks must be used over typical construction. Overall, pier blocks are best suited for low- or ground-level decks, where smaller framing materials are common and additional posts and blocks are not an eyesore. Uplift and lateral forces on the posts are also of less concern in ground-level decks.

How deep should a block be for frost?

They must have a sufficient bearing area (the area of the block that sits on the earth) and be a minimum of 12-inches below grade, or below the local frost depth. They cannot, however, be simply placed at grade level.

Can pier blocks be used on a deck?

Overall, pier blocks are best suited for low- or ground-level decks, where smaller framing materials are common and additional posts and blocks are not an eyesore.

Is there a physical connection between a deck support post and a block?

Some regions with high winds and concerns of uplift forces may not approve them, as there is typically no physical connection between the post and block.

Do pier blocks have lugs?

While pier blocks commonly have protruding concrete lugs that surround the post, there is only opinion as to whether they are of sufficient strength. The small bearing area of pier blocks is limited in supporting much load.