The Cost of Cinder Blocks

Last Updated on December 9, 2021
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

Many people who want to build a durable and reliable house choose cinder blocks as the main building material. Such raw materials are famous for their characteristics of strength and flexibility in work.

The cinder blocks are known as CMU, consist of Portland cement, water, and aggregates. They are used to make foundations or walls and can be found in both commercial and residential settings. The energy efficiency features mean that it is good at preventing heat loss during cold weather, while the strength makes them ideal for protecting against high winds as well as earthquakes.

How much do cinder blocks cost?

Buying cinder blocks can be a budget-friendly option. They’re easy to find and come in different sizes, so the cost will depend on what you need for your project. On average, it will cost somewhere between $1.5 and $3 per piece.

For example, at Lowe’s, the common sized 8-in x 8-in x 16-in cinder blocks cost $1.35 each, and they sell them in bulk discounts as well.

The concrete blocks at Menard’s cost less than $2 each. According to their official website, the standard eight-inch block retails for just $1.50, and the smaller four-inch construction brick goes for around the same price.

Cinder block details

The most common cinder blocks found in stores will be the rockface variety, but they come with a variety of surface finishes such as cobblestone, brick, or ashlar. However, these are not as commonly found compared to their more basic counterpart.

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

The standard size for cinder blocks is 8 by 8 by 16 inches, but it can be found in other sizes as well.

Cinder blocks can be found in two forms: solid or hollow with two to three cores. If you use an empty cinder block during construction, you will need to fill it with slag to ensure high thermal insulation characteristics. Such work is considered difficult.

Like the foam block, the cinder blocks do not have the most correct geometry. For this reason, during construction, they must be put in place and polished to form smooth surfaces.

There is also a colored version of cinder blocks on the market. Fences, gables, or pillars are most often built of such materials.

Many buyers believe that the cinder block can only be rectangular, but today we can find blocks with very different shapes.

What are the extra costs?

If you need to purchase in bulk and have it delivered, some retailers may charge a flat fee of around $85-$120 for shipping. This fee can be waived if the minimum spending requirement is met.

Important things to consider

One of the most important advantages of this material is that it is fireproof.

Like with anything else, problems can appear over time. For example, natural cracking as the concrete shrinks or the movement of walls is common in exterior stucco wall construction. Additionally, if dirt built up on the surface and water seeps into it from below to cause stains, these would become an issue.

Cinder blocks are cheap, easy to install, and lightweight. They’re also low-maintenance with high durability.

The cinder block structures are easy to repair; not only an experienced master but also a beginner can easily cope with these works.

The cinder block is an excellent choice for building a private house, as it is not a “target” for different rats, mice, and insects. Because parasites are not interested in this material, it is not a must to carry out regular disinsection. Also, this product is not subject to rot, like in the case of natural wood.

Typical Uses

A plain and unadorned wall made of stucco that separates rooms or sections within a building.

Cinder block is one of the main materials used as backups for cavity walls.

Basement walls or foundation.

To prevent water from penetrating, coatings may be applied to the block. These include Portland cement paint, latex paint, rubber-based coating, or urethane.

How can I save money?

Bulk buying is a great way to save money, as the product can be up to 30 percent cheaper than usual if bought in big enough quantities.