What is the difference between a cinder block and a concrete block?

Author: Ralph Rosenbaum Jr.  |  Last update: Thursday, March 27, 2025

A concrete block contains stone or sand which makes it heavier. Cinder block doesn't have any tensile strength to withstand pressure. Concrete block is a hard, durable substance. As cinder blocks are not very inflexible, many building codes prohibit the use of them.

Which is better, cinder block or concrete block?

Cost and Availability: Cinder blocks can be more cost effective for simple, lightweight builds, while concrete blocks and cement blocks might be pricier but provide greater strength and durability. Environmental Factors: Think about fire safety, thermal insulation, and soundproofing.

How can you tell if a block is concrete or cinder block?

Concrete block are solid blocks, usually a little smaller than cinder blocks.

Why are concrete blocks called cinder blocks?

You're probably familiar with concrete blocks from your local hardware store, where you may have heard some of them called cinder blocks. This is because cinder blocks were originally made in part from cinders that were left over when coal was burned (often at coal-fired plants).

When did they stop making cinder blocks?

They haven't been manufactured since 1947 after WWII.

Cinder Block Vs Concrete Block

How much are cinder blocks compared to concrete blocks?

Cinder blocks are ideal for smaller projects like building a garden wall, while you can use concrete blocks for much more heavy-duty purposes like constructing the base of a house. Both options are similar in cost, around $1 to $3 per block.

What is another name for a cinder block?

A concrete block, also known as a cinder block in North American English, breeze block in British English, or concrete masonry unit (CMU), or by various other terms, is a standard-size rectangular block used in building construction.

How long do cinder blocks last?

Cinder blocks may last up to 80 years if maintained properly, compared to the lesser average age of wood frame houses. Both cinder and concrete block walls require an extra decorative layer. With a proper layer of insulation, cinder block houses are energy efficient.

Can you build a fire pit with cinder blocks?

Yes, cinder blocks can be used to create the structure of a fireplace. However, it's crucial to ensure that the cinder blocks are fire-rated and in good condition. Any blocks showing visible cracks or damage should not be used, as they can compromise safety.

Can you use concrete for cinder blocks?

Building a concrete block wall is one of the more involved building projects that requires careful planning and a little heavy lifting, but easy to accomplish with QUIKRETE Mason Mix.

Do cinder block walls get filled with concrete?

Does a cinder block wall need a foundation? A cinder block wall needs a foundation made of poured concrete footers.

Why do concrete blocks have holes?

Concrete hollow blocks have excellent insulation properties, both thermal and acoustic. If the holes are left unfilled, the air in the blocks helps to keep a building warm in winter and cool in the summer months. These holes also help to insulate the building from loud sounds, reducing noise pollution inside.

Which side of concrete block goes up?

The wide side should face up because it provides a larger bed for the mortar.

Are cinder blocks load-bearing?

The load-bearing capacity of cinder blocks varies based on their density, with denser blocks capable of withstanding around 2600 PSI of force. Higher-density materials contribute to increased load-bearing capacity, while ultra-cinder blocks can averagely withstand 500 to 1000 PSI.

What is the strongest concrete block?

Lignacrete High Strength Block. Lignacrete 17.5, 22.5 and 30N/mm² are high strength dense concrete blocks that are ideal for walls needing exceptional loadbearing capacity. Manufactured to BS EN 771-3, these blocks are also extremely robust and durable with a technical performance that will meet most applications.

Can cinder blocks withstand heat?

Unlike wood, concrete block won't burn. Unlike steel it won't soften or bend. These facts have been confirmed in numerous “fire-wall tests” where walls have been subjected to gas flames and temperatures of up to 2000 degrees Fahrenheit for as long as 4 hours. None of the concrete walls failed structurally.

Do you need a liner for a cinder block fire pit?

If you're envisioning your fire pit as a permanent part of your backyard or patio, you'll definitely want to use a fire pit liner. Doing so can prevent you from spending time and money fixing cracked or damaged materials.

Can a cinder block house burn down?

According to the ICFA, concrete structures are more likely to remain standing through fire than structures of other materials. Unlike wood, concrete does not burn.

What is the best block for a fire pit?

Concrete blocks are highly durable and long-lasting, making them perfect for building a fire pit. When looking for the best material for building your fire pit, you'll want to pick something sturdy and long-lasting. Fortunately, concrete blocks offer that!

What are the cons of cinder block?

Cons of Using Concrete Blocks:
  • Aesthetics: Concrete blocks may lack the aesthetic appeal of bricks. ...
  • Durability: While concrete blocks are durable, they may not have the same longevity as bricks, especially in harsh weather conditions. ...
  • Sound Transmission: ...
  • Heavier Foundations:

Will water erode cinder blocks?

Concrete is a porous material, meaning that it has tiny spaces or pores within it. These pores can become filled with water, which can then seep into the concrete and cause erosion. This is especially problematic in structures that are exposed to water, such as bridges or buildings near the ocean.

Why do cinder blocks turn white?

This white substance is called Efflorescence. It generally shows up on surfaces like concrete, retaining walls, stone and even stucco. Efflorescence is a crystalline or powdery deposit of salts. It occurs when water leaves behind salt deposits on the masonry surface.

What are those huge concrete blocks called?

Concrete Barrier Block. We manufacture jumbo concrete wall block that can be stacked for large retaining walls, barriers, or for building bins. These block are often referred to as concrete barrier block.

Why is it called cinder?

The name Cinder has its origins in the English language and is derived from the words low burning ash or wood.

What can I use instead of cinder blocks?

These blocks, called PLAEX-crete, can be stacked like Lego: By content, PLAEX-crete blocks are more than 90% waste. And they're useful: They're 33% lighter than cinder blocks, and can be used to build walls in a fraction of the time.

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