Cement Blocks vs Cinder Blocks vs Concrete Blocks | What's the Difference? (2024)

FAQs

Cement Blocks vs Cinder Blocks vs Concrete Blocks | What's the Difference? ›

Concrete block is produced from steel, wood, and cement. Cinder blocks are lighter than concrete blocks. A concrete block contains stone or sand which makes it heavier. Cinder block doesn't have any tensile strength to withstand pressure.

The difference between cement blocks and concrete blocks lies in some of the materials used to fabricate them. Cement blocks use fly ash aggregates, whereas concrete blocks use stone aggregates or fine crushed sand. Whilst cement blocks are lighter, concrete blocks are stronger.

A concrete block, also known as a cinder block in North American English, breeze block in British English, concrete masonry unit (CMU), or by various other terms, is a standard-size rectangular block used in building construction.

The production of cinder blocks revolutionized the concrete block industry and the name cinder block was popularized and stuck long after the blocks were being made. After WWII, better technology and production habits put an end to the production of cinder.

Type of blocks: Cinder blocks are hollow, typically measuring 8-in. by 8-in. by 16-in., costing $2.50 to $3 per block. Comparable concrete blocks are a little less expensive, $2 to $2.50 each.

If the conditions are right, concrete building blocks have a lifespan of 100 years or more.

Once your wall is erect, you can fill the blocks with sand to stabilize the structure. Filling cinder blocks with poured concrete is not recommended, as this will create moisture pockets within the wall, leading to wet concrete.

We manufacture jumbo concrete wall block that can be stacked for large retaining walls, barriers, or for building bins. These block are often referred to as concrete barrier block.

Concrete block homes, also known as cinder block homes, offer numerous benefits, such as being fire-resistant and a popular choice in Florida where termites pose a significant threat to wood frame structures.

Initial Costs: Typically, block construction comes with a higher upfront cost. You're looking at more expensive materials like CMU, rebar, and concrete fill.

Why aren't more houses built with cinder blocks? ›

This material may not be suitable for specific regional preferences. Concrete block homes might not be the best choice for all communities. Unfortunately, this could mean that the product may not be accepted in all areas. Pre-molded, this building material won't allow you to create many unique designs.

Cinder block doesn'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 them. Concrete block is far stronger than a cinder block.

Homes built with walls of a single wythe of split face or concrete block are more prone to water leakage, and therefore the foundation could also become compromised. Any crack or fracture is a pathway for more moisture to intrude and cause more extensive damage.

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 block foundation walls.

Constructing a cinder block fire pit is a very easy as well as very easy procedure, although there are a couple of methods that you can do.

You've seen some of the advantages of both concrete block and wood frame construction, but what is the cost difference? For the equivalent square footage, concrete block homes tend to be more expensive to build.

In short, the difference between cement vs concrete is easy to clear once we know all the basics of their compositions. Cement is a binding agent made from limestone and clay; whereas concrete is a building material created through the proper mixing of cement, water, sand, and rock.

A concrete block is one of several precast concrete products used in construction. The term precast refers to the fact that the blocks are formed and hardened before they are brought to the job site. Most concrete blocks have one or more hollow cavities, and their sides may be cast smooth or with a design.

The vast majority of structures are built with standard concrete blocks. They may be lighter than the dense option, but they still provide strength, combined with thermal insulation. Aerated blocks are light, but they're also weak. You shouldn't use them for anything that will need to carry a load.

Poured Concrete and Block Wall Foundation Costs

Is a poured concrete foundation cheaper than a block wall foundation? Usually, the cost of construction varies from place to place. But as a matter of fact, poured walls cost about 20% less than block foundation walls.