Block Wall Construction

Getting the first course flat and level is extremely important so take your time.

Block wall construction.

Cost can add up quickly especially if you re a novice and have never attempted a concrete block wall installation before. While some capstones can cost as little as 95 cents 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. Concrete block wall total average cost per square foot. Avoid having downspouts pointed at the retaining wall and if it s against the house keep soil and mulch well below the siding.

A concrete block is referred to as a concrete masonry unit or cmu in the construction industry. Cinder blocks don t vary much in cost regardless of the type. Prepare the concrete footing where the cinder block wall will sit. Set the blocks with a heavy rubber or plastic mallet.

Once you ve got your base set up it just takes some finesse in building the wall up and turning corners. Foundation all concrete block walls must rest on a sturdy foundation of poured concrete. Whether you re building a retaining wall or just need some extra privacy a cinder block wall is an affordable way to get the job done. Use a torpedo level to level each of the landscape retaining wall blocks front to back and a 4 or 6 ft.

Step 11 at the end of the wall set an 8x8x8 half block into the mortar bed with the smooth side facing out. The interlocking retaining wall block can be used to build walls up to 24 to 36 inches high depending on the size of the block. To set the next course of block apply a one inch thick mortar bed along top of the first course. Start the concrete footing by digging the area of the wall a few inches below the frost line the maximum depth in the ground below which the soil does not freeze during the winter consult a structural engineer to design the footing including where to install the vertical reinforcement which usually is placed.

The pilasters are made by interrupting the course of the wall with two perpendicular blocks set side by side alternating with a full block every other course. Concrete blocks can be solid or hollow with two or three cores or voids. The depth and size of the foundation will vary depending on the size of the concrete block wall and the weight it must support but a typical freestanding wall requires a foundation that is about twice as wide as the wall itself and which extends about 1 foot down below the frost line. I would strongly recommend you hire a licensed and insured concrete block wall contractor to perform the installation for you.

If you re building a long wall local building codes may require you to strengthen it by constructing core filled pilasters at intervals along its length.