How Much Does a Cinder Block Wall Cost?

Cinder Block Wall Cost

Cinder blocks don't vary much in cost regardless of the type. While some capstones can cost as little as $0.95 apiece, the average cost of a cinder block is $1 to $3 each. The total cost of building a cinder block wall ranges between $9 and $12 per square foot with labor, so an 8 x 15-foot wall would cost between $1,080 and $1,440.

Determining the cost of a cinder block wall begins with calculating its surface area. Divide this figure by the surface area of one cinder block to obtain the number of cinder blocks in the wall. Add 5 to 10% for broken blocks and blocks that need to be cut (you can always return the extra blocks for a refund). Multiply this number by the cost of a cinder block to get the wall’s total material cost.

Block Wall Cost Calculator

How Much Is a Block Wall Per Square Foot?

The material cost to install a cinder block wall is typically between $3 and $5.50 per square foot, which includes the cost of the blocks themselves, mortar and structural reinforcement. The cost of these materials is fairly well standardized, although location will still be a cost variable. Labor costs range from $7 to $8.50 per square foot. Stylistic features can also affect the cost of a cinder block. For example, the average cost of a split-face block that resembles natural stone is $3 for an 8 x 8 x 16 inch block.

The total cost of hiring a professional contractor to build a typical cinder-block wall is about $570 for a simple project. This total includes the material costs in addition to labor, delivery and other charges, although complicating factors such as an unusually tall wall increase the final cost. The cost to install a retaining wall is more because it requires additional reinforcement.

Cinder Block Fence Cost

The minimum cost to build a cinder block fence is between $10 and $15 per square foot for a basic fence. The cost is greater for a fence because it’s a freestanding structure, unlike a wall that’s supported by the adjoining walls.

For example, a fence requires you to dig a deeper trench, or footing, to provide the greater support it needs. The footing on an 8-foot fence will usually be deep enough to ensure the bottom row of blocks is completely below ground level. A fence also needs to be reinforced with rebar at regular intervals based on the fence’s height, typically every 4 feet, as well as supporting columns at regular intervals. A DIYer may be able to dig the footing and install the rebar, but a professional should lay the blocks.

Cinder Block Cost

A basic 8 x 8 x 16-inch cinder block is about $2, depending on location. This material contains 25 to 40 percent Portland cement, with an aggregate of ash or coal cinders comprising the remaining portion. This composition makes cinder blocks lighter, but also weaker than concrete. Contractors typically prefer cinder blocks over concrete blocks in residential construction. Both types of blocks have open cells to contain reinforcing materials to increase strength. The open cells are also useful if plumbing or electrical lines need to be installed.

Concrete Blocks Cost

The cost of concrete blocks isn’t significantly different from cinder blocks. A cost comparison is further complicated by the fact that many even manufacturers often use the terms interchangeably. The difference is the composition of the aggregate material is fine-grained rock or sand in the case of concrete. As a result, concrete is stronger than cinder but also heavier.

CMU Block Pricing

Concrete Blocks are also known as concrete masonry units (CMUs). The cost of these blocks depends primarily on their width as follows:

These prices assume the blocks have a height of 8 inches and a length of 16 inches, with open cells. These measurements include 3/8 inch mortar, so the actual dimensions of the block itself are 3/8 inch less than that listed.

DIY Blockwork vs. Hire a Pro

Building walls with cinder blocks requires careful planning and masonry techniques, regardless of the load on the wall. However, you’re more likely to need a contractor for walls with greater structural requirements. The specific type of local block wall installer to hire depends on the wall’s purpose. You’ll need a bricklayer or mason for load-bearing walls, whereas gardeners and landscapers may be capable of building a decorative wall like a garden wall or low fence.

A purely decorative wall has no structural requirements since its only purpose is to visually separate a space. Retaining walls generally keep earth from moving down a slope, so they must support a load. However, a catastrophic failure is still unlikely, since this type of wall isn’t actually holding anything up. A wall that’s part of a building requires the greatest skill to construct because it has to support a roof.

Additional factors that indicate you should hire a local mason include walls that require reinforcement, drainage or back filling. Building a wall on a slope or one that’s unusually tall also requires a retaining wall contractor in your area. In general, a contractor should build any wall that requires a building permit.

FAQs

What’s the difference between concrete and cinder blocks?

The difference between concrete and cinder blocks is the composition of the aggregate material. Both types of blocks contain 25 to 40 percent Portland cement with aggregate materials comprising the other 60 to 75 percent. The aggregate material fine-grained rock and sand for cement blocks, and ash and coal cinders for cinder blocks.

What materials do you need to build a block wall?

The primary construction materials that you need to build a block wall are the blocks themselves, reinforcement rods (steel rebar) and the mortar. Mixing the mortar requires the mortar mix and water. The most important tools include trowels and a container for the mortar, along with shovels, hammers, chisels and personal protective equipment. You'll also need tools for cutting blocks.

How do you build a block wall?

Planning is critical for building a wall, which includes estimates for the number of blocks and amount of mortar you’ll need. Preparation is particularly important for projects that require digging, since utility lines are often buried just below ground level. Additional considerations include the need for building permits, which are typically required for walls taller than three feet.

How much does a pallet of cinder blocks weigh?

A typical 8 x 8 x 16-inch cinder block weighs at least 28 pounds, depending on the aggregate. A pallet holds 108 blocks, so a pallet of cinder blocks weighs over 28 x 108 = 3,000 pounds.

How much concrete do you need to fill a cinder block?

The total volume of the holes in a cinder block depends primarily on the length of the block. A standard 8 x 8 x 16-inch cinder block requires about 0.01 cubic yards of concrete to fill.

How much weight can a cinder block support?

International standards organization ASTM International requires cinder blocks to support at least 1,700 pounds per square inch (PSI). Many cinder blocks can support much more than this depending on the aggregate and size of the holes.

Is a poured concrete wall or block wall cheaper?

A poured concrete wall is generally cheaper due to the higher labor cost of laying the blocks.