Key Takeaways

Factor	Average Cost
Cinder block wall cost per block (materials only)	$1 – $5
Cinder block wall cost per square foot (installed)	$15 – $30
Cinder block wall cost per linear foot (installed)	$60 – $240
Average cost to build a 25′ long cinder block wall	$1,500 – $6,000

Cinder Block Wall Cost

The cost to build a cinder block wall depends on the size and height of the wall. Here are some average costs for different wall lengths and heights:

Linear Feet	4′ Tall	6′ Tall	8′ Tall
10′	$600 – $1,200	$900 – $1,800	$1,200 – $2,400
15′	$900 – $1,800	$1,350 – $2,700	$1,800 – $3,600
25′	$1,500 – $3,000	$2,250 – $4,500	$3,000 – $6,000
50′	$3,000 – $6,000	$4,500 – $9,000	$6,000 – $12,000
100′	$6,000 – $12,000	$9,000 – $18,000	$12,000 – $24,000
150′	$9,000 – $18,000	$13,500 – $27,000	$18,000 – $36,000
200′	$12,000 – $24,000	$18,000 – $36,000	$24,000 – $48,000

As you can see, the costs can add up quickly for longer and taller walls. The total cost will depend on the specific dimensions, block type, labor rates in your area, and other factors. Use our block wall cost calculator below to estimate the cost for your project.

Block Wall Cost Calculator

To calculate the cost of a cinder block wall, you’ll need to know the length and height of the wall, as well as the current price of materials and labor in your area. With that information, you can use this formula:

Wall Square Footage x Cost Per Square Foot = Total Wall Cost

For example, let’s say you want to build a wall that is 50 feet long and 6 feet tall. The total square footage would be 300 (50 x 6 = 300). If the average cost per square foot in your area is $20, the estimated total cost of the wall would be $6,000 (300 x $20 = $6,000).

Of course, this is just a rough estimate. The actual cost will depend on the specific block type, any customizations or finishes, the complexity of the job, and the rates charged by local masons. For a more accurate estimate, contact several masonry contractors in your area to get bids on your project. You can also check out our detailed guides on cinder block fence cost, retaining wall cost, garage building cost, and more below.

How Much Is A Block Wall Per Square Foot?

A cinder block wall typically costs between $15 and $30 per square foot installed. Here’s how that breaks down:

Construction Factor	Average Cost Per Square Foot
Materials	$5 – $13
Labor	$10 – $17
Total Cost Installed	$15 – $30

The material costs cover the cinder blocks themselves, as well as mortar, rebar, gravel, and other supplies. The labor costs are for the masons who will build the wall. These rates can vary significantly by location. In general, you can expect to pay on the higher end of the range in urban areas with a high cost of living.

Block Wall Cost Per Linear Foot

Another way to look at cinder block wall cost is by linear foot. This factors in the height of the wall, giving you a better sense of the total project cost. Here are the average costs per linear foot for different wall heights:

Wall Height	Average Cost Per Linear Foot
4′	$60 – $120
6′	$90 – $180
8′	$120 – $240

So for example, a 25-foot long wall that is 6 feet tall would cost between $2,250 and $4,500 based on the $90 to $180 per linear foot price range.

Labor Cost To Lay A Concrete Block Wall

If you already have the materials and just need to hire a mason to build the wall, here are the average labor costs you can expect:

Rate Type	Average Cost
Per Block	$5 – $10
Per Square Foot	$10 – $17
Hourly	$35 – $100

Most masons will price the job based on the number of blocks or the square footage of the wall. Some may work on an hourly rate instead, especially for smaller projects. Expect to pay more per hour for a more experienced mason.

Cost To Install A Cinder Block Wall By Type

The cost of your cinder block wall will depend on what you’re using it for. Different types of walls require different construction techniques, materials, and finishing. Here are the average costs for some of the most common types of cinder block walls:

Block Wall Type	Average Cost Per Square Foot
Block Fence	$15 – $30
Block Retaining Wall	$20 – $35
Block Garage Wall	$10 – $35
Block Shed Wall	$8 – $16
Block House Wall	$10 – $40
Block Foundation	$12 – $18

Let’s take a closer look at a few of these wall types and the factors that impact their cost.

Cinder Block Fence Cost

Building a cinder block fence around your property typically costs between $15 and $30 per square foot, or $60 to $240 per linear foot depending on the height. For a 6-foot tall fence, here are the average costs for some common lengths:

Linear Feet	Average Cost
10′	$600 – $2,000
30′	$1,800 – $6,000
50′	$3,000 – $9,000
100′	$6,000 – $18,000

The total cost will depend on the size of your property, the height of the fence, and any gates or decorative features you want to include. You’ll also need to factor in the cost of paint, stucco, or another finish to weatherproof the blocks and improve the appearance of the fence.

Cinder Block Retaining Wall Cost

A cinder block retaining wall is a great option if you need to level a sloped yard, prevent erosion, or create terraced landscaping. They typically cost between $20 and $35 per square foot to install.

The cost will depend on the height of the wall and the PSI rating of the blocks. Taller walls and those built on a slope will require stronger blocks and additional reinforcement, which increases the price. Decorative finishes like stucco or stone veneer will also add to the cost.

For a basic 4-foot tall retaining wall, you can expect to pay between $1,200 and $3,500 for a 25-foot long wall, or $2,400 to $7,000 for a 50-foot wall. Get free estimates from retaining wall builders near you to get an accurate price for your project.

Cinder Block Garage Cost

If you’re planning to build a detached garage on your property, cinder blocks are an affordable material choice. You can expect to pay between $10 and $35 per square foot to have the walls built.

The total cost to build the garage will depend on the size and whether you want a simple shed-like structure or a finished space with electricity, insulation, and drywall. A basic one-car garage (about 240 square feet) will cost between $2,400 and $8,400 for just the cinder block walls. A two-car garage (about 576 square feet) will cost between $5,760 and $20,160.

Of course, you’ll also need to pour a concrete slab foundation, frame and sheath the roof, install a garage door, and add any electrical, plumbing, and finishing work. The total cost for a finished detached garage typically ranges from $30,000 to $60,000.

Cost Of Building A Concrete Block Shed

A cinder block shed is a durable and low-maintenance option for storage. The walls for an 8×10 shed (80 square feet) will cost between $640 and $1,280 in materials, based on the $8 to $16 per square foot price for shed walls. For a larger 10×20 shed (200 square feet), the walls will cost between $1,600 and $3,200.

Here are the average total costs for a few common cinder block shed sizes, including materials and labor:

Size	Average Cost
8’x10′ (80 sq ft)	$2,400 – $3,520
10’x10′ (100 sq ft)	$3,000 – $4,400
10’x20′ (200 sq ft)	$6,000 – $8,800

In addition to the walls, you’ll need to pour a concrete slab, frame the roof, and install doors and windows. Electricity, insulation, and interior finishing will add even more to the total cost.

Cinder Block House Cost

Building a house with cinder block walls is an affordable alternative to a traditional wood-framed home. The walls typically cost between $10 and $40 per square foot, depending on the size of the blocks, the complexity of the design, and the finishing materials used.

For a 1,000 square foot home, you can expect to pay between $10,000 and $40,000 for just the exterior cinder block walls. Of course, you’ll also need to factor in the cost of the foundation, roof, interior framing, plumbing, electrical, and finishing work. The total cost to build a cinder block house typically ranges from $100,000 to $300,000.

While cinder block homes are very durable and require little maintenance, they do have some drawbacks. The blocks can be difficult to insulate, which may lead to higher heating and cooling costs. The thick walls also take up more space than wood framing, so you may need a larger lot to build on.

Concrete Block Foundation Or Basement Cost

If you’re building a new home or adding a basement to an existing one, you may choose to use cinder blocks for the foundation walls. A cinder block foundation typically costs between $12 and $18 per square foot, including materials and labor.

For a 1,000 square foot basement, you can expect to pay between $12,000 and $18,000 for the cinder block walls. This does not include the cost of excavation, waterproofing, insulation, or finishing the interior of the basement.

If you’re pouring a slab foundation, you can use cinder blocks for the stem walls around the perimeter. This will cost less than a full basement, but more than a simple slab. Expect to pay between $5,000 and $15,000 for a cinder block stem wall, depending on the size of the house.

Cinder Block Prices

The cost of cinder blocks varies based on the size, type, and quantity you need. Here are the average prices for some of the most common types of cinder blocks:

Block Type	Price Per Block	Description
Standard CMU cinder blocks	$1.25 – $2.50	8″x8″x16″, hollow
Half-blocks	$1.10 – $2.00	8″x8″x8″, hollow, used for wall ends
Standard solid blocks	$3.30 – $5.00	8″x8″x16″, solid
Thin solid blocks	$1.65 – $2.50	4″x8″x16″, solid
Split-faced blocks	$3.00 – $5.00	8″x8″x16″, split after curing for a natural stone look
Rounded blocks	$2.65 – $3.00	Also called “bullnose”, with one or more rounded corners
Breeze blocks	$2.70 – $4.00	4″x12″x12″, open decorative design that allows wind to pass through, other sizes available
Slump blocks	$2.00 – $2.75	6″x6″x16″ most common size, removed from mold before fully set for a slumped look

These prices are for individual blocks. If you’re buying in bulk, you may be able to get a discount. For larger projects, it’s often more economical to buy blocks by the pallet.

Pallet Of Cinder Blocks Price

A pallet of cinder blocks typically contains between 30 and 150 blocks, depending on the size and type. Here are some common pallet sizes and prices:

• 8x8x16 hollow blocks: 90 blocks per pallet, $135 to $270 per pallet
• 8x8x8 hollow half blocks: 144 blocks per pallet, $160 to $290 per pallet
• 8x8x16 solid blocks: 30 blocks per pallet, $100 to $150 per pallet
• 12x12x12 breeze blocks: 40 blocks per pallet, $110 to $160 per pallet

Prices may be lower if you buy multiple pallets at once. Delivery is often included in the price if you order a full truckload (18-24 pallets). For smaller orders, expect to pay an additional delivery fee of $50 to $150.

Decorative Cinder Blocks Prices

If you want to add some visual interest to your cinder block wall, consider using decorative blocks. Here are a few popular options and their costs:

Block Type	Cost Per Block	Description
Split-faced blocks	$3.00 – $5.00	Rough, natural-looking texture created by splitting block after curing to expose interior aggregate
Breeze blocks	$2.70 – $4.00	Decorative cut-out designs that allow wind and light through, best for non-structural uses like garden walls
Slump blocks	$2.00 – $2.75	Unique slumped appearance created by removing block from mold before fully set

These decorative blocks can be used on their own or mixed in with standard blocks for accent. They’re a great way to customize the look of your wall without adding a lot of extra cost.

Specialty Cinder Block Prices

In addition to standard rectangular blocks, there are a number of specialty cinder blocks available for specific purposes. Here are a few common types and their prices:

Block Type	Cost Per Block	Description
Capstones	$1.00 – $1.50	8″x2″x16″ blocks used to cap the top of a wall
Header blocks	$2.00 – $2.20	Blocks with open slots for roof framing
L-corner block	$2.20 – $3.30	4″x8″x16″ to 12″x8″x16″ blocks for squaring corners
Bond beam	$1.30 – $3.00	Blocks used for horizontal reinforcement

These specialty blocks are essential for ensuring the structural integrity and professional appearance of your cinder block wall. Make sure to factor them into your material costs when budgeting for your project.

Concrete (CMU) Blocks Prices

Cinder blocks are just one type of concrete masonry unit (CMU) block. Other types of CMU blocks include concrete blocks, split-face blocks, and ground-face blocks. Here are the average prices for CMU blocks based on their thickness:

Block Width (inches)	Average Cost Per Block
4″	$1.00 – $2.00
6″	$1.00 – $2.50
8″	$1.25 – $2.50
10″	$1.60 – $3.00
12″	$2.00 – $4.00

The 8-inch wide blocks are the most common and are typically used for load-bearing walls. Thinner blocks are used for non-load-bearing partition walls, while thicker blocks are used for specialty applications like sound-proofing or fire resistance.

Alternatives To Standard Concrete Blocks

If you’re looking for an alternative to standard cinder blocks or concrete blocks, here are a few options to consider:

• Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs): These hollow foam blocks are stacked and filled with concrete to create an energy-efficient wall system. ICFs typically cost between $5 and $10 per square foot for the materials, plus labor.
• Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) Blocks: These lightweight blocks are made with cement, lime, sand, and aluminum powder. They provide good insulation and fire resistance. AAC blocks cost between $3 and $5 per square foot.
• Precast Concrete Panels: These large concrete panels are manufactured off-site and then transported and assembled on-site. They offer a fast and efficient way to build walls, but can be expensive, with prices ranging from $20 to $40 per square foot installed.
• Concrete Brick: These small, dense concrete blocks offer a more traditional brick look. They typically cost between $1 and $5 per brick, or $10 to $30 per square foot installed.

Each of these alternatives has its own pros and cons in terms of cost, installation time, energy efficiency, and appearance. Consider your specific needs and budget when choosing the best option for your project.

Blockwork Construction Price Factors

The total cost of your cinder block wall will depend on a number of factors beyond just the price of the blocks themselves. Here are some key cost factors to keep in mind:

• Wall Size: The larger the wall, the more blocks and labor required, and the higher the total cost.
• Block Size and Type: Larger blocks and specialty blocks will cost more than standard 8x8x16 blocks. Decorative faces, curves, and angles will also add to the price.
• Reinforcement: Depending on the height and use of the wall, you may need to add steel rebar or other reinforcement. This will add to the material and labor costs.
• Labor: The complexity of the wall design and the experience level of the mason will affect the labor costs. Intricate designs and specialty finishes will take more time and skill, and therefore cost more.
• Location: Labor rates and material costs vary by region. Expect to pay more in urban areas with a high cost of living.
• Permits: Depending on the size and location of your wall, you may need to obtain building permits from your local government. Permit fees can add a few hundred to a few thousand dollars to the total project cost.
• Site Prep: If your land needs to be cleared, leveled, or excavated before the wall can be built, this will add to the total cost.
• Finishing: The cost to paint, stucco, or clad your cinder block wall is not included in the basic installation price. See Cinder Block Wall Finishing Cost below for more details.

Be sure to get detailed estimates from multiple masonry contractors that include all of these cost factors. This will help you accurately budget for your cinder block wall project and avoid surprises down the road.

Standard Cinder Block Size Dimensions

Cinder blocks come in a range of sizes, but the most common is 8x8x16 inches. This means the block is 8 inches tall, 8 inches wide, and 16 inches long. Here are some other standard cinder block dimensions:

• 4x8x16 inches
• 6x8x16 inches
• 10x8x16 inches
• 12x8x16 inches

Half blocks are also available in 8x8x8 inch and 6x8x8 inch sizes. These are used to stagger the vertical joints for added strength, or to create a rounded corner.

The size of the blocks you use will depend on the height and thickness of your wall. Taller walls will require larger blocks for stability, while thicker walls will provide more insulation and soundproofing.

Cinder Block Wall Finishing Cost

Once your cinder block wall is built, you’ll need to finish it to protect it from the elements and give it a polished look. Here are some popular finishing options and their average costs per square foot:

FINISHING TYPE	AVERAGE COST PER SQUARE FOOT
Painting	$0.65 – $0.80
Waterproofing sealant	$2.00 – $10.00
Plastering / Stucco	$3.00 – $4.00
Vinyl siding	$3.30 – $6.70
Concrete finish	$1.50 – $3.50
Stone veneer	$13.00 – $30.00

Painting is the most affordable option, but it will need to be redone every few years to maintain the look and protection. Waterproofing sealant is important for exterior walls to prevent moisture damage. Stucco and concrete finishes offer a durable and low-maintenance option, while stone veneer provides a high-end look at a premium price.

The total finishing cost for your cinder block wall will depend on the size of the wall and the type of finish you choose. For example, to paint a 1,000 square foot wall would cost between $650 and $800, while adding a stone veneer to the same wall would cost between $13,000 and $30,000.

Cinder Block Wall FAQs

Is A Poured Concrete Wall Or A Block Wall Cheaper?

The cost of a poured concrete wall versus a cinder block wall will depend on the size and complexity of the project. In general, poured concrete walls are cheaper for large, simple structures like a basement or retaining wall. The cost of a poured wall ranges from $5 to $12 per square foot, while a cinder block wall costs $10 to $30 per square foot on average.

However, cinder block walls are often cheaper for smaller, more complex projects like a garden wall or garage. The blocks are modular and easy to customize, so they require less specialized labor. Cinder block walls are also easier to insulate and finish than poured concrete.

Ultimately, the best choice for your project will depend on your specific needs and budget. Get estimates from both concrete and masonry contractors to compare the costs for your project.

What’s The Difference Between Concrete And Cinder Blocks?

Concrete blocks and cinder blocks are both types of concrete masonry units (CMUs). They are made from a mixture of Portland cement, aggregate (sand or gravel), and water, which is molded into a rectangular block shape and cured.

The main difference is the type of aggregate used:

• Concrete blocks are made with dense aggregates like sand, gravel, or crushed stone. This makes them heavier and stronger than cinder blocks.
• Cinder blocks are made with a lightweight aggregate called coal cinders, which are a byproduct of coal-burning power plants. This makes them lighter and more insulating than concrete blocks, but also less strong.

Today, true cinder blocks are less common because coal cinders are no longer widely available. Most modern “cinder blocks” are actually lightweight concrete blocks made with other types of aggregates like expanded shale or clay.

In terms of appearance, concrete and cinder blocks are similar. They both have a utilitarian gray color and a slightly rough texture. However, concrete blocks are available in a wider range of colors and finishes, including split-face and ground-face textures.

In general, concrete blocks are used for load-bearing walls and foundations, while cinder blocks are used for partition walls and non-load-bearing structures. However, the terms are often used interchangeably, so it’s important to specify the exact type and size of block you need for your project.

How Much Weight Can A Cinder Block Support?

The amount of weight a cinder block can support depends on the size and type of block, as well as how it is reinforced. Here are the minimum compressive strength ratings for different block building applications:

BLOCK BUILDING APPLICATION	MINIMUM REQUIRED WEIGHT RATING (LBS. PSI)
Non-load-bearing partitions	500 – 1,700+
Load-bearing concrete block walls	1,900+
Building construction	2,000 – 2,500+
Exterior wall of a building	3,000

For example, a standard 8x8x16 inch cinder block with a compressive strength of 1,900 PSI can support about 85,000 lbs. when used in a load-bearing wall. This is equivalent to the weight of about 10 elephants!

However, the actual load-bearing capacity of a cinder block wall depends on many factors, including the height and thickness of the wall, the type of mortar used, the amount of reinforcement, and the foundation it is built on. A structural engineer can help you determine the specific load-bearing requirements for your project.

Where To Buy Cinder Blocks?

Cinder blocks are widely available at home improvement stores, masonry supply yards, and online retailers. Here are some of the best places to buy cinder blocks, along with their typical prices and selection:

STORE	PRICE PER BLOCK	SELECTION
Home Depot	$1.10 – $1.65	Standard 8x8x16 inch, half blocks, and thin blocks in solid or hollow styles, plus cap blocks
Lowe’s	$1.10 – $5.20	Standard 8x8x16 inch, half blocks, and thin blocks in solid or hollow styles, plus cap blocks, header blocks, and decorative split-face blocks
Menards	$1.20 – $5.00	Standard 8x8x16 inch, half blocks, and thin blocks in solid or hollow styles, plus split-face blocks, corner blocks, bullnose blocks, bond beam blocks, and cap blocks

Prices may be lower if you buy in bulk or have the blocks delivered. However, delivery fees can add $50 to $150 to the total cost, so it may be cheaper to pick them up yourself if you have a large enough vehicle.

For specialty blocks or large quantities, you may need to order from a masonry supply yard or manufacturer. They can often customize blocks to your specifications and offer volume discounts. Some popular masonry suppliers include:

• Block USA
• Mutual Materials
• Oldcastle
• Angelus Block Co.
• Basalite

When ordering cinder blocks, be sure to specify the exact size, type, and quantity you need. It’s also a good idea to order a few extra blocks in case some get damaged during transport or installation.

DIY Cement Block Wall Cost

If you’re handy and have some masonry experience, you may be able to save money by building a cinder block wall yourself. Here are the tools and materials you’ll need:

TOOLS	MATERIALS
– Shovel	– Crushed / compactable gravel
– Tamper	– Concrete mix
– Line chalk	– Sand
– Garden hoe for mixing	– Mortar
– Wheelbarrow	– Concrete blocks
– Block chisel / masonry chisel	– Concrete adhesive
– Tape measure
– Mason’s hammer
– 4’ long level
– Brick tongs
– Trowel
– Jointing tool / steel brick jointer
– Mason’s line / string
– Plastic mixing tub / mud or mortar pan
– Mortarboard / drywall hawk

The total cost of materials will depend on the size of your wall and the type of blocks you choose. For a basic 8x8x16 inch cinder block wall, you can expect to pay:

• $1.25 to $2.50 per block
• $3 to $5 per 80-lb. bag of concrete mix (one bag will fill about 12 blocks)
• $3 to $5 per 80-lb. bag of mortar mix (one bag will lay about 100 blocks)
• $50 to $100 for gravel and sand
• $100 to $300 for tools (if you don’t already have them)

So for a 25-foot long, 4-foot high wall (100 square feet), the materials would cost around $500 to $1,000. Add in the cost of your time and labor, and you’re looking at a total DIY cost of $1,000 to $2,000.

Of course, this assumes you have the skills and experience to build the wall correctly. If you’re not confident in your abilities, it’s better to hire a professional mason. Improperly built walls can lean, crack, or even collapse over time, which can be dangerous and costly to repair.

How Many Cinder Blocks Do I Need?

To calculate how many cinder blocks you need for your wall, first determine the total square footage of the wall. Multiply the length of the wall by the height to get the square footage. Then, add 10% to account for waste and breakage.

Next, divide the total square footage by the size of the blocks you’re using. For standard 8x8x16 inch blocks, each block covers about 0.89 square feet (including mortar joints). So, for a 100 square foot wall, you would need about 112 blocks (100 / 0.89 = 112).

Here’s a quick reference chart:

WALL SIZE (SQUARE FEET)	BLOCKS NEEDED	AVERAGE COST
100	110	$135 – $275
250	275	$345 – $685
500	555	$695 – $1,385

Keep in mind that you may need additional blocks for corners, half blocks for ends, and cap blocks for the top of the wall. Order about 10% more blocks than you think you’ll need to account for these specialty blocks and any breakage during transport or installation.

How Much Concrete Is Needed To Fill A Cinder Block?

If you’re building a reinforced cinder block wall, you’ll need to fill some or all of the blocks with concrete for added strength. The amount of concrete you’ll need depends on the size of the blocks and the number of blocks you’re filling.

Here’s a quick calculator:

NUMBER OF BLOCKS	CONCRETE (CUBIC FEET)	CONCRETE (CUBIC YARDS)
50	12.5	0.5
100	25	1
200	50	2
400	100	4

For example, if you’re filling 100 standard 8x8x16 inch cinder blocks, you’ll need about 25 cubic feet of concrete, or about 1 cubic yard. A cubic yard of concrete costs between $100 and $150, depending on the mix and any additives.

Keep in mind that you may not need to fill every block. For non-load-bearing walls, you can usually get away with filling just the corner blocks and every other block in between. For load-bearing walls, you’ll need to fill every block and reinforce with steel rebar for maximum strength.

Hiring A Block Wall Contractor

Building a cinder block wall is a big job that requires skill, experience, and specialized tools. While it’s possible to DIY, most homeowners opt to hire a professional masonry contractor to ensure the job is done right.

Here are some tips for hiring a block wall contractor:

• Get multiple bids: Get at least three detailed bids from licensed and insured masonry contractors in your area. Make sure the bids include all materials, labor, permits, and cleanup.
• Check references: Ask each contractor for references from past clients and follow up with them. Look for reviews online and check their rating with the Better Business Bureau.
• Verify licenses and insurance: Make sure the contractor is licensed and insured in your state. Ask for proof of liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance.
• Get a detailed contract: Before work begins, get a written contract that specifies the scope of work, materials to be used, timeline, payment schedule, and warranty. Read it carefully and ask questions before signing.
• Avoid large upfront payments: Most contractors will require a deposit of 10% to 50% of the total cost before starting work. Avoid paying more than 50% upfront, and never pay the full amount until the job is complete and you’re satisfied with the work