Cinder Blocks: Properties, Types, Wall Styles, and Advantages

What Is Cinder Block?

Cinder blocks are totally different from concrete blocks. Concrete and cinder blocks are made from the same basic components; however, there is a special key component for cinder blocks and created for various functions.

Cinder blocks are also made of concrete, however, the mixture includes coal ash. Concrete blocks lighter than cinder blocks.

The cinder and concrete blocks are created with open cells that can accept metallic reinforcement or extra cinder for greater resistance. Concrete blocks are much stronger than cinder blocks. Some building codes explicitly require the use of cinder blocks in construction projects.

Cinder blocks are hollow rectangular structures, usually made from concrete and coal cinder that are used in construction sites. Concrete blocks, on the other hand, are usually two-dimensional constructions made of steel, wood or cement.

Cinder Block Properties

• Typically, the concrete product is similar to coal cinders.

• Much lighter compared to the latter attributable to the proportion of the combined

• It is not terribly robust, so it is generally avoided used in some places.

• They are very susceptible to bending and buckling, and repairs are often terribly expensive, so they are avoided.

• They have become almost old-fashioned because they have not been manufactured in the factory for about fifty years now.

Characteristics of Cinder Block

The concrete block is usually available for sale in standard pieces of the rectangular shape of 8 x 8 x 16 inches in dimension (approximately 20 x 20 40 cm). Usually, they are about 3/8 of an inch (about 9 mm) less than the specified size because it is necessary to leave space for the application of the mortar mix.

The concrete block may have a solid or hollow core. The latter has cavities that reduce weight, but also offer less resistance. Concrete blocks in general, are also known as concrete units for masonry (concrete masonry units or CMU in English) or masonry blocks.

Different Shapes of Cinder Blocks

There are different types of cinder blocks that can be made. Cinder blocks can be made by building requirements or choices of the owners.

These common types are as follows:

• Standard Gray Cinder Blocks:

This format offers strength and durability, fire resistance, excellent acoustic insulation qualities, energy-saving, and affordable price, meets ASTM C-90 specifications.

Common size, such as 8 inches x 8 inches x 16 inches;

Actual: 7.625 in. X 7.625 in. X 15.625 in.

• Concrete Deck Block:

It is a simple and economical method for deck construction. This type of block made with the DIY customer in mind. The platform block accepts dimensional wood.

In this block, there is no need to mix or pour cinder for the

Common size, such as 7 “x 11” x 11 “;

Actual: 7.125 in. X 10.375 in. X 10.375 in.

• Cap Concrete Block:

it is also known as a standard gray block. It also offers strength and durability, excellent fire resistance and excellent sound insulation qualities.

Common size like 4 in. 8 in. X 16 in .;

Actual: 3.625 in. X 7.625 in. X 15.625 in.

• Standard Core Block:

This type of cinder block used to build cinder walls for large structures, such as buildings, schools, etc.

Common size, like 12 in. X 8 in. X 16 in .;

Actual: 11.625 in. X 7.625 in. X 15.625 in.

• Quikrete Concrete Deck Block:

This type of block is used for deck support and fast and robust construction.

Common size, such as 10 in. X 10 in. X 10 in .;

Actual: 625 in. X 9.625 in. X 9.625 in.

Cinder Block Wall Styles

The styles of the cinder block wall can be of different types. These types or styles depend on civil construction works.

• Standard size:

This type of bock is common and known as Cinder Masonry Wall (CMW). The standard sizes for these blocks are approximately 8 by 8 by 16 inches. After joining the 3/8 masonry joints, the mortar that holds the blocks together and later, this results in the same 8x8x16.

• Half Blocks:

This type of block has the same height, but half the length on the face. After articulation, the calculation changes to 8in x 8in x 8in. Typically, this type of block is used for the smooth wall at the end or on single walls.

• Strip:

Strip blocks are unique with a chisel cut into the block and are used for casement windows. These are used mainly during shed constructions. Some contractors also refer to half a block as a strip.

• Rounded Corners:

Rounded corners are also known as ox-tip blocks. The rounded piece can be made in any corner or in the entire block. They are useful for dressing a border and avoiding a high and sharp corner.

• Articulated Beams:

For wooden doors and windows, the articulated beams are mounted to finish the work on the wall. The stop joints used to have a decorative gate or opening, as well as in cinder block structures, such as sheds.

• Header:

For structures and support, the header block is required to complete all work on the wall. Header blocks are the same size as a standard block, but with a sculpted top for the cinder slab.

• Precious Stones:

Precious stones are the final stone, usually flat and sophisticated, placed on top of a wall or building to protect and symbolize it. Common measure 4x8x16 after adding the mortar.

Advantages of Cinder Block Walls

Cinder blocks are an economical material for works. They are used for several reasons and done in different ways:

• No dressing work.

• Light in weight.

• Not much skill required.

• Structurally stronger than bricks.

• Thinner walls possible, hence giving more carpet area.

• Large in size, hence no. of joints are less. Saving in mortar.

• Better insulating against heat, sound & dampness.

• Need not require plastering.

FAQ: Cinder Blocks

What is a cinder block?

A cinder block is a hollow rectangular structure typically made from a mixture of concrete and coal cinders. They are used in construction sites for various building applications.

How do cinder blocks differ from concrete blocks?

While both cinder blocks and concrete blocks are made from the same basic components, cinder blocks include coal ash in their mixture. Concrete blocks are generally stronger and lighter compared to cinder blocks.

What are the properties of cinder blocks?

1. Typically made from concrete mixed with coal cinders.
2. Lighter compared to concrete blocks.
3. Not very robust and are prone to bending and buckling.
4. Susceptible to expensive repairs.
5. Not commonly manufactured for about fifty years.

What are the common sizes of cinder blocks?

1. Standard Gray Cinder Blocks: 8 in. x 8 in. x 16 in.
2. Concrete Deck Block: 7 in. x 11 in. x 11 in.
3. Cap Concrete Block: 4 in. x 8 in. x 16 in.
4. Standard Core Block: 12 in. x 8 in. x 16 in.
5. Quikrete Concrete Deck Block: 10 in. x 10 in. x 10 in.

What are the different types of cinder blocks?

1. Standard Gray Cinder Blocks
2. Concrete Deck Block
3. Cap Concrete Block
4. Standard Core Block
5. Quikrete Concrete Deck Block

What styles of cinder block walls are available?

1. Standard Size (Cinder Masonry Wall)
2. Half Blocks
3. Strip Blocks
4. Rounded Corners (Ox-Tip Blocks)
5. Articulated Beams
6. Header Blocks
7. Precious Stones (for wall or building tops)

What are the advantages of cinder block walls?

1. Economical material.
2. Lightweight.
3. Requires less skill to work with.
4. Structurally stronger than bricks.
5. Allows for thinner walls, increasing usable area.
6. Fewer joints, saving on mortar.
7. Better insulation against heat, sound, and dampness.
8. No need for plastering.