How Much Do Cinder Blocks Cost?

Last Updated on May 30, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

With their interlocking modular design and durability, cinder blocks are a versatile construction component for foundations, walls, hardscaping, and landscaping projects. But as a main material purchase, understanding cinder block costs is crucial for proper budgeting and planning.

In this in-depth guide, we’ll explore the pricing, cost variables, and value considerations that come into play when buying cinder blocks. You’ll find price comparisons from major home improvement stores and tips to find the best deals. We’ll also look at expenses beyond just the blocks themselves that factor into your total project investment.

How Much Do Cinder Blocks Cost?

The cost of cinder blocks ranges on average from $0.95 to $3 per block. here are typical per-block costs:

• Solid cinder blocks: $1.50 to $2.25 per block
• Hollow cinder blocks: $0.95 to $1.25 per block
• Decorative cinder blocks: $2.25 to $3 per block

Within each range, you’ll find pricing variations based on the size, shape, and actual concrete design. These represent retail prices from major home improvement stores.

Buying in higher bulk quantities can save you 20% or more compared to per-block pricing. palette quantities with 500+ blocks offer the biggest discounts.

HomeAdvisor provides detailed information on the cost of cinder blocks, stating that the material cost to install a cinder block wall is typically between $5 and $13 per square foot, which includes the cost of the blocks themselves, as well as mortar and structural reinforcement. The average cost of a cinder block is $1 to $5 each, and the total cost to build a cinder block wall, including installation, ranges from $15 to $30 per square foot or $60 to $240 per linear foot.

HomeGuide mentions that the cost of cinder blocks is $1 to $5 per block, with a pallet of 70-90 blocks costing $115 to $225. The labor cost to lay CMU blocks adds $5 to $10 per block. The total cost to install a cinder block wall is $60 to $240 per linear foot or $15 to $30 per square foot.

Masonry Mesa discusses the cost of cinder blocks, stating that the materials needed to install a cinder block wall cost about $3 to $5.50 per square foot, including the blocks, mortar, and necessary structural reinforcements. The price of blocks can vary based on the area and demand, but standard blocks typically cost between $1.35 and $2.05 per block, depending on the width.

Block Wall Phoenix provides information on the cost of cinder blocks, mentioning that the average cost to install a block wall in Phoenix, Arizona ranges between $55 to $125 per linear foot for standard fence block. Constructing a wall out of cinder blocks will cost between $75 and $145 per linear foot.

The Main Types of Cinder Blocks

There are a few basic types of cinder blocks, each with their own cost factors:

Solid Cinder Blocks

These feature dense concrete construction without any voids or hollow spaces within the block. Their solid mass makes them the strongest and heaviest option in relation to their size.

Solid blocks typically retail for $1.25 to $2.50 each. Despite their premium cost, their exceptional compressive strength makes them ideal for structural applications like foundations, retaining walls, and load-bearing elements. They’re also more resistant to damage from moisture and weathering.

Hollow Cinder Blocks

As their name describes, these contain large cavities within the block to reduce the overall weight while maintaining significant strength. The voids usually take up 50% or more of the total volume.

Hollow blocks retail for a more affordable $0.90 to $1.50 per block. Their lighter weight and lower price point make them suitable for above-grade masonry walls, partitions, fences, planters, and other landscaping structures where ultra-high strength is not required.

Decorative Cinder Blocks

These feature textured surfaces, unique geometric shapes, varied color finishes, and face patterns to deliver aesthetic visual appeal for walls and hardscapes.

Decorative blocks range from $2 to $4 per block due to the additional manufacturing steps involved. Their ornamental look can add major curb appeal to garden beds, patios, outdoor kitchens, pool areas, and other spaces.

Factors That Impact Cinder Block Pricing

Several important variables affect the retail cost of cinder blocks:

Composition and Manufacturing Process

The quality and proportions of the raw ingredients that go into making the blocks like cement, aggregates, and admixtures significantly impact durability and cost.

– Autoclaved aerated concrete blocks involve a more complex manufacturing process but generate an extremely strong finished product that retails 25-30% higher than traditional blocks.

– High cement content also improves longevity and raises costs. More economical blocks use higher proportions of fly ash or slag.

Block Sizes and Dimensions

Larger cinder blocks with greater height, width, and length dimensions provide more coverage per piece but also command higher pricing.

• A standard 8” x 8” x 16” block retails on the low end of the pricing spectrum.
• An oversized “jumbo block” like a 16” x 24” x 24” unit that covers over triple the area of a standard block can cost 2-3 times more.

– Non-standard sizing, like the shorter 8” height of bond beam blocks, also results in slightly higher costs due to unique production tooling.

Location and Transportation Expenses

Cinder blocks incur significant shipping costs due to their weight and bulk, which directly affects pricing:

• Regions located far from major concrete block manufacturing hubs often pay $0.25 to $0.75 more per block to account for freight expenses.
• Being in close metro proximity to where most blocks are produced typically allows for more affordable regional pricing.

Supply and Demand Dynamics

When regional concrete block demand exceeds production capacity, shortages lead to price inflation. Strong construction and development markets will experience the highest costs.

• In contrast, downturns in construction activity lead to price drops as manufacturers compete for share and sell excess inventory.

You might also like our articles about the cost of crushed limestone, Eldorado stone, or Airstone.

Retail Store Markups

Major home improvement chains apply anywhere from a 25% to 60% markup over the wholesale block price they pay suppliers. Local builders’ supply stores generally have lower markups, closer to 15-20% above wholesale costs.

Major Retailer Pricing Comparison

Where you purchase cinder blocks makes a big difference. Here are price comparisons at popular national retailers:

Home Depot

• Solid Blocks: $1.98 per block
• Hollow Blocks: $1.08 per block
• Decorative Blocks: $2.68+ per block

Home Depot frequently features Quikrete cinder block sales up to 25% off and has convenient delivery options.

Lowes

• Solid Blocks: $2.18 per block
• Hollow Blocks: $1.48 per block
• Decorative Blocks: $2.98+ per block

Pricing runs slightly higher than Home Depot. Lowe’s also offers bulk purchase discounts.

Menards

• Solid Blocks: $1.79 per block
• Hollow Blocks: $0.99 per block
• Decorative Blocks: $2.49+ per block

Known for very competitive cinder block pricing and 11% rebates in their trade areas. Limited geographic availability.

Ace Hardware

• Solid Blocks: $2.29 per block
• Hollow Blocks: $1.59 per block
• Decorative Blocks: $3.49+ per block

Pricing tends to run higher than big box competitors. Provides neighborhood convenience.

Local Suppliers

• Solid Blocks: $1.25 to $1.75 per block
• Hollow Blocks: $0.90 to $1.25 per block
• Decorative Blocks: $1.75 to $2.50 per block

No freight costs and direct wholesale pricing but minimum order quantities.

When buying large quantities, always compare quotes from multiple suppliers to find the best deal. Delivery minimums and gas surcharges also factor in.

Additional Costs

There are a few other expenses to factor into your project’s cinder block budget:

Delivery Fees

Bulk delivery of pallets of blocks on a flatbed truck often incurs a delivery fee of $50 to $150. This helps offset freight costs which can run $300+ per full truckload.

• Distance, quantity, and fuel surcharges impact total delivery costs.

Mortar, Supplies, and Tools

Mortar, rebar, bonding adhesive, concrete mix, and other building supplies will be an extra $200 to $500 depending on project scope. Rented tools and equipment add $50 to $150 per day.

• For DIY projects, a basic mason’s tool kit costs around $75.

Labor

Hiring professional masons typically runs $250 to $500 per day. Doing the block installation yourself saves significantly but requires time and physical labor.

• Gain efficiency by starting with smaller practice projects before tackling massive block jobs.

Always build in a 10-20% budget buffer for unforeseen expenses like damaged blocks that require replacement.

Maximizing Cinder Block Affordability

Here are great tips for keeping your overall project costs down:

• Buy in bulk wherever possible to get volume discounts, saving 20% or more.
• For simple projects like planter boxes, use hollow blocks to save 25-50% compared to solid blocks.
• Take advantage of sales events & specials at major home improvement retailers.
• Compare supply quotes to find the best regional pricing. Check reviews to ensure supplier quality.
• Rent equipment for DIY installation so you don’t pay 3x more for professional masonry labor.
• Use the minimum block thickness required by building codes and reinforce with rebar rather than overbuilding.

Sample Cinder Block Projects

To provide a more tangible look at real project costs, let’s break down the pricing on a few sample cinder block jobs:

Standard 8′ x 10′ Garden Planter

For an 8’ long by 10’ wide by 1’ high cinder block planter:

• Materials:

• • 16 hollow blocks per 8’ row = 80 blocks total
  • At $1 per hollow block = $80
  • 6 bags mortar = $60
  • Decorative cap blocks = $40

• Total Materials: $180
• Rental equipment:

• • Mixer, wheelbarrow, trowel etc. = $75

• Total Project Cost: $255

This provides a budget-friendly option for a DIY weekend project that can easily be expanded.

30′ Long Retaining Wall

For a taller structural retaining wall 30’ long by 4′ high:

• Materials:

• • 140 solid blocks at $2 per block = $280
  • Rebar, adhesive, mortar = $220

• Total Materials: $500
• Rental equipment:

• • Masonry saw, mixer, etc. = $125

• Delivery fee: $100
• Total Project Cost: $725

The higher cost reflects the greater labor, structural demands, and material needs of a larger load-bearing wall.

Decorative Fire Pit Area

For a rounded 5’ diameter fire pit surface using decorative blocks:

• Materials:

• • 45 decorative blocks at $3 each = $135
  • Mortar, supplies = $50

• Total Materials: $185
• Labor

• • Masonry contractor fee = $350

• Delivery fee: $75
• Total Project Cost: $610

This example demonstrates a project where paying a professional for proper structural installation is recommended over DIY.

Final Words

Cinder blocks are a versatile and durable building material for construction and landscaping applications, but understanding their cost considerations is crucial for effective budgeting. The many factors covered in this guide, from block types and sizes to retailer pricing variances, freight fees, and labor expenses give a comprehensive overview of the costs that factor into any cinder block project.

With the right planning, sourcing, and cost-control tactics, cinder blocks can be an affordable option thanks to their modular design and ease of DIY installation. Focusing on strategic material choices for the application, buying in bulk, comparing supplier quotes, and taking advantage of sales pricing are great ways to maximize value.

The insights covered clear up the pricing picture so you can build cinder block structures and hardscapes both beautifully and cost-effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do cinder blocks last?

Properly installed cinder blocks can often last over 50 years before any deterioration issues arise. Factors impacting lifespan include using blocks of sufficient strength and quality for the application, proper reinforcement and foundations, sealing to prevent moisture damage, and allowing for some expansion and contraction.

Taking preventative measures can extend a cinder block structure’s usable life to 75-100 years.

How much does a block structure cost?

On average, installed cinder block walls cost $10 to $20 per square foot for standard residential projects, including both materials and labor. This translates to around $1,200 to $2,400 for a 20′ long x 20′ high cinder block wall. Variables like block type selected, wall height, surface finish, and rebar reinforcement impact the final cost per square foot.

Why do cinder blocks crack?

Heat expansion and contraction, ground settling beneath the blocks, inadequate or missing steel rebar reinforcement, and design loading beyond the block strength capacity are some of the most common reasons.

Maximizing longevity involves selecting the proper strength blocks for the application, using robust rebar and concrete foundations, allowing for minor movement, sealing blocks, and avoiding extreme moisture shifts. Proper curing of all concrete used is also essential.