Blockwork prices: How Much Do Cinder Blocks Cost? [2023 Data]
How Much Do Cinder Blocks Cost? [2023 Data]
How Much Do Cinder Blocks Cost? [2023 Data]
Photo: Jonathan / Adobe Stock
Cinder block walls cost around $1,980
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Cinder block costs depend on the size of the wall you’re building, but on average, you can expect to pay about $1,980 on the project. Most homeowners spend about $360 for a small, simple DIY project, while cinder block costs can run upwards of $3,600 for larger, more complex jobs. Factors that impact cinder block costs include customization, reinforcements, sealing, and more.
| Minimum Cost | National Average Cost | Maximum Cost |
|---|---|---|
| $360 | $1,980 | $3,600 |
Cinder Block Walls Cost Factors
Cinder block walls can enclose a garden or add privacy to your backyard. It’s a popular material choice for building outdoor walls, because it is affordable but doesn’t sacrifice durability. A cinder block wall costs about $1,980 for an 8-by-15-foot wall, including the cost of the blocks, mortar, and professional installation. The same size wall can cost as low as $360 for just the materials, or it may cost up to $3,600 for more expensive blocks and professional installation.
A new cinder block wall around your yard will cost an average of $1,980, although the prices depend on the price of the blocks you choose and whether you install the wall yourself or hire a professional.
Cost per Square Foot
Cinder block walls cost about $10 to $30 per square foot for the materials, like blocks and mortar, plus professional installation. The materials cost about $3 to $6 per square foot. A professionally installed 8-by-15-foot cinder block wall may cost $1,200 to $3,600, while a DIY wall may cost around $360 to $720.
Cinder Blocks vs. Concrete Blocks
The terms cinder block and concrete block are often used interchangeably, and both items are similarly made with cement, water, and aggregate content. The term cinder block today usually refers to blocks with hollow centers that are lighter in weight. Both options are similar in cost, around $1 to $3 per block.
Pallet Costs
If you want to source your blocks in bulk to construct a wall, consider buying a pallet for about $115 to $225. Pallets hold about 80 cinder blocks each. There may be additional fees to buy a pallet, including delivery for $50 to $200, and a refundable deposit on the pallet for about $20.
Accessibility
Whether you want to install the walls yourself or you plan to work with a mason, someone will need to deliver all those heavy cinder blocks to the project site. There may be additional charges if the site is difficult to access. Typically, delivering the blocks will cost $50 to $200.
Labor
You can expect labor costs to run between $10 and $17 per square foot if you hire a local fencing company to build your wall. This equates to $34 to $100 per hour to build a cinder block wall. Some contractors may charge a minimum rate of $200 to $400 to cover the first two to three hours of work. Each mason will be able to lay upward of 90 to 120 blocks in a day.
Permits
Permits for cinder block walls range from around $50 to $500. Building walls can be a big project, and your municipality will likely require permits, especially for load-bearing walls.
Cinder Block Wall Cost by Type
Photo: clintspencer / E+ / Getty Images
You may be considering cinder blocks for their versatility. You’ve probably seen them used around garden beds or fire pits, but they can also work for various wall projects.
Retaining Wall
Cinder block retaining walls cost about $60 to $200 per linear foot. These walls need to be able to withstand the weight of soil they are retaining, and the higher cost accounts for excavation and reinforcements.
Garage or Shed
For garage or shed walls, you’ll spend about $8 to $40 per square foot. Costs will increase if you plan to add insulation, electricity, and heating to the garage or shed.
Foundation or Basement
Foundations and basement walls need to have strong reinforcements to support the weight of the house. Cinder block foundations or basement walls cost about $10 to $20 per square foot.
Cinder Block Fence Costs
A cinder block fence will cost about $10 to $30 per square foot, including the cost of professional installation.
Cinder Block Cost by Type
There are many different types of cinder blocks to choose from. As you plan your project, keep these cinder block prices in mind.
Standard CMU Cinder Blocks
Standard Concrete Masonry Unit (CMU) cinder blocks cost $1.25 to $2.50 per block, while larger CMU blocks are $2 to $4 per block.
Standard blocks are 8”x8”x16” while larger blocks are 12”x8”x16”.
Decorative Cinder Blocks
Decorative cinder blocks cost $2 to $5 per block. Some decorative cinder block types include split-faced blocks, breeze blocks, and concrete slump blocks.
Split-faced blocks have a lot of texture, which lends to a stony look. Breeze blocks are square with cutout geometric designs. And concrete slump blocks are aptly named for their slumped appearance. These blocks are reminiscent of adobe brick.
Specialty Cinder Blocks
Specialty cinder blocks range between $1 to $3 per block. These include header blocks for roofs, L-corner blocks for building square corners, and bond beams for reinforcement.
Photo: Tim Mossholder / Unsplash
Additional Costs to Consider
Once you have an idea of how much materials and labor costs will be for your project, you can move on to budgeting for any additional costs. From customizations to removing an old wall, here are some things you should consider.
Wall Customizations
Cinder blocks cost about $1 to $3 each, but if you want to customize the blocks, the cost could be higher.
Capstones may cost an extra $0.95, while split-face blocks made to resemble natural stone may cost on the higher end of the average range at $2.30 to $3 per block.
Reinforcements
Reinforcements for load-bearing cinder block walls cost $1 to $5.25 per square foot. Building a fence around your garden likely won’t require reinforcement, but walls that will bear any weight need to be reinforced. That means they’ll either need rebar or to be filled with concrete.
Removal of Old Walls or Material
Don’t start knocking out old walls just yet. You may need to hire a structural engineer, especially if you are removing older load-bearing walls. For professional removal, budget $5 to $20 per linear foot.
Finishing
Finishing cinder block walls costs about $1.50 to $10 per square foot. If you want your cinder block walls to stand up to cracking, weathering, and deterioration, you’ll want to seal them for better protection.
Waterproofing
Applying waterproofing sealant costs $2 to $10 per square foot. This is an important step because cinder block walls are porous. Plus, the hollow cores can easily fill with rainwater. By using waterproofing sealant, you can help increase your blocks’ lifespan and avoid water damage.
Cost to Build Cinder Block Walls Yourself
You can save up to $100 per hour to install cinder block walls yourself, and you’ll spend about $360 to $720 for materials. Depending on the size of the walls, you can expect to spend about five to seven days on this project.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
Building cinder block walls is suitable for DIY projects, so long as the walls aren’t load-bearing. If you need the walls to hold any amount of weight you should hire a local masonry contractor to properly install rebar or other reinforcements. Make sure to ask the mason questions about the project, like cost estimates and material sourcing, as well as how they work.
How to Save Money on a Cinder Block Wall
For decorative or simple walls, the best way to save money is to build the cinder block wall yourself. Opt for basic cinder blocks if customization isn’t a top priority to save more money. If you do decide to DIY and you have a vehicle that can handle the weight of the blocks, consider picking up your cinder blocks or palettes rather than having them delivered.
Paige Bennett contributed to this piece.
Frequently Asked Questions
With proper installation and sealing, both poured concrete and cinder block walls can be durable options for your yard or home. Poured concrete walls do offer more durability and strength, but cinder block walls are less expensive. A concrete wall costs an average of $6,500.
Classic alternatives to cinder blocks include bricks, poured concrete, or rammed earth construction. But modern technology is making even more sustainable options, like polystyrene concrete blocks, which are made in part with recycled polystyrene to mimic the lightweightness of cinder blocks.
Hempcrete, made from hemp waste generated when hemp is turned into fibers, or timbercrete, made partly with sawdust, are other sustainable options. Ferrock is a carbon-negative alternative to cinder blocks and is made from steel dust waste and ground silica glass.
It’s important to consider the project at hand before selecting cinder blocks for the walls you want to build. While cinder blocks are lightweight and cost-effective, they may not be as durable as concrete blocks or poured concrete if you want a long-lasting wall or load-bearing wall.
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Cost to Install Concrete Block Wall
June 2023
| Item details | Qty | Low | High | |
| Block Wall Cost Non-discounted retail pricing for: Concrete masonry block wall set with mortar on existing foundation.  Quantity includes typical waste overage, material for repair and local delivery. |
129 square feet | $453.14 | $683.70 | |
| Concrete Block Wall Installation Labor, Basic Basic labor to install concrete block wall with favorable site conditions. Excavate up to 0.3m/1ft below grade. Layout pattern to minimize cuts. Set level concrete foundation. Lay courses up to 2m/6ft tall in mortar joints. Does not include top filling. Includes planning, equipment and material acquisition, area preparation and protection, setup and cleanup. |
129 square feet | $453.14 | $683.70 | |
| Concrete Block Wall Installation Job Supplies Cost of related materials and supplies typically required to install concrete block wall including: cutting and grinding consumables, mortar and reinforcement. |
129 square feet | $453.14 | $683.70 | |
| Concrete Block Wall Installation Equipment Allowance Job related costs of specialty equipment used for job quality and efficiency, including: 115 V wet masonry saw, 5 cubic foot mortar box and small plate compactor.  Daily rental. Consumables extra. |
129 square feet | $453.14 | $683.70 | |
| Unused Minimum Labor Balance of 2 hr(s) minimum labor charge that can be applied to other tasks. |
||||
| Totals – Cost To Install Concrete Block Wall | ||||
| Average Cost per Square Foot | ||||
Custom Calculators with Homewyse Lists
Service Professionals: create a reusable estimating app that is 100% customized to your business. Start with a template or build your own (free; Account sign up required):
In June 2023 the cost to Install a Concrete Block Wall starts at $14.74 – $19.09 per square foot*. For accurate estimating, use our Cost Calculator for estimates customized to the location, size and options of your project.
To estimate costs for your project:
1.
Set Project Zip Code Enter the Zip Code for the location where labor is hired and materials purchased.
2. Specify Project Size and Options Enter the number of “square feet” required for the project.
3. Re-calculate Click the “Update” button.
NOTE: *Input the total of the finished surface area AND the area of any openings enclosed by the finished area.
Unit Costs: How Pros Price
Unlike other websites that publish pricing from unrelated jobs in the past, Homewyse creates up-to-date estimates from current Unit Costs. The Unit Cost method delivers high accuracy by using location, details and options for the unique requirements of each job. Contracting, trade, design and maintenance businesses rely on the Unit Cost method for transparency, accuracy and fair profits.
Cost to Install a Concrete Block Wall – Notes and General Information
These estimates are for BASIC work performed in serviceable conditions by qualified trade professionals using MID GRADE materials.
Work not mentioned on this page and/or work using master craftsman, premium materials and project supervision will result in HIGHER COSTS!
These estimates are NOT substitutes for written quotes from trade professionals. Homewyse strongly recommends that you contact reputable professionals for accurate assessments of work required and costs for your project – before making any decisions or commitments.
The cost estimate includes:
- Costs for local material / equipment delivery to and service provider transportation to and from the job site.
- Costs to prepare the worksite for Concrete Block Wall Installation, including costs to protect existing structure(s), finishes, materials and components.
- Labor setup time, mobilization time and minimum hourly charges that are commonly included for small Concrete Block Wall Installation jobs.
The cost estimate does NOT include:
- Costs for removing, relocating, repairing, or modifying existing framing, surfacing, HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems – or bringing those systems into compliance with current building codes.
- Costs for testing and remediation of hazardous materials (asbestos, lead, etc.).
- General contractor overhead and markup for organizing and supervising the Concrete Block Wall Installation. Add 13% to 22% to the total cost above if a general contractor will supervise this project.
- Sales tax on materials and supplies.
- Permit or inspection fees (or portion thereof) required by your local building department for your overall project.
References – Concrete Block Wall Installation
- Product and Supplies Data: Home Depot Concrete and Masonry Materials Home Depot, Jun 2023, Website
- Product and Supplies Data: Menards Concrete and Masonry Materials Menards, Jun 2023, Website
- Product and Supplies Data: Lowes Concrete and Masonry Materials Lowes , Jun 2023, Website
- Product and Supplies Data: Riverside Brick Guide Riverside, Jun 2023, Website
- Labor Wages and Costs: Building a Unit-Price System Journal of Light Construction, Jun 2023, George Weissgerber
- Building with Masonry: Brick, Block and Concrete / For Pros by Pros Taunton Press, Oct 1998, Dick Kreh, ISBN 1561583367
- Outdoor Projects 1-2-3 Homer, TLC, Mar 2003, Editorial Staff, ISBN 696206730
- Project Spending Data: Harvard University JCHS Homeowner Expenditures Harvard University, Jun 2023, Website
- Labor Wages and Costs: Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Jun 2023, Staff
Concrete Block Wall Installation Budget Management
This infographic highlights decisions and site issues that can cause large cost variances in the typical Concrete Block Wall Installation budget.
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Aerated concrete blocks (gas blocks) prices, characteristics, description. Building materials wholesale and retail. Wall-Block +7(495)961-6254
Aerated concrete blocks (gas blocks) prices, characteristics, description. Building materials wholesale and retail. Wall-Block +7(495)961-6254
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Blocks for construction in Omsk from the manufacturer at a low price
Building blocks: price, types, characteristics
Evroblok LLC produces vibrocompressed concrete blocks for low and high-rise construction of different grades of strength and frost resistance. Both wall and facing material is used, which has a number of advantages and can be a worthy alternative to brick. Cooperation directly with the manufacturer guarantees you the best price for blocks to build your home.
About the range
The company manufactures:
— Wall blocks with pylons, concrete facing bricks, concrete blocks for lintels, inter-room and inter-apartment partitions, Euroblock.
– Facing blocks, stone and brick with exposed texture.
The nomenclature of vibrocompressed concrete blocks is presented in the figures:
Advantages of
Convenient reinforcement. The walls of a house made of hollow material are easy to reinforce, for example, for a one-two-story house, the bearing part will be only one block wide, that is, 190 mm.
High strength. The manufacturing technology makes it possible to achieve high strength of the material, which allows it to withstand mechanical pressure, sudden temperature changes and at the same time maintain stable dimensions.
Moisture resistant. They easily withstand different weather conditions, so they are actively used by developers throughout the country. Increased heat and sound insulation.
Lightweight formula. Compared to full-bodied, hollow options are lighter in weight and their price is much lower.
Production technology
For production, semi-dry vibrocompression technology is used: under the influence of vibration, the concrete mix liquefies, and the press at this time distributes the particles evenly over the entire shape of the block, creating a dense, slightly porous base.
Masonry of the bearing part of the wall
Hollow blocks are laid on a cement-sand mixture, which is enough to apply to the longitudinal ribs and the end face. The outer side of the masonry is insulated and lined, thereby also creating an aesthetic appearance.
Reinforcement of walls
Reinforcement of load-bearing walls is possible both vertically and horizontally. The rods of vertical reinforcement are placed in the coaxial voids of the masonry blocks.
Reinforced monolithic sections in the walls create a stable, durable frame of the building.
Insulation of walls made of concrete blocks
Choose as insulation:
- PSB-S polystyrene boards (mandatory with components providing fire protection)
- Semi-rigid mineral boards with synthetic binder (optimum density 75-125 kg/m3, water-repellent impregnation required).
- Extruded EPS boards.
Block wall cladding
Building block walls are clad in the same way as any other:
- Ceramic Facing Brick
- Plaster on insulation boards
- Siding and other materials
- Vibropressed facing blocks
superior to ceramic bricks:
col.