10 Creative Ways to Use Cinder Blocks in Your Home - Trendey (2024)

“The simple things are also the most extraordinary things, and only the wise can see them.” – Paulo Coelho

Few things are more lowly than the common cinder block. But few things are more adaptable, more transformable than this basic concrete box.

From fire pits to planters, from benches to walls, it’s easy and affordable to create something delightfully useful out of these basic concrete objects.

Scroll through our best cinder block ideas then head to your local home improvement warehouse to start your own DIY cinder block project.

1. Build an Outdoor Cinder Block Bench

If you’re looking for an outdoor project that has both moxie and character, try creating a bench with cinder blocks! To construct your outdoor bench with cinder blocks, all you need are four sturdy wooden planks and eight comfortable cinder blocks. S

tack the blocks two-by-two and create four short columns. Place the wooden planks across the columns to create a bench seat. With this creative feat of practical construction, you will have an outdoor seating area that is fun and functional!

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2. Use As An Artistic Piece

For cinder blocks, the options are virtually endless. Whether you’re looking to liven up your backyard or add a touch of creativity to your patio area, cinder blocks can be used in plenty of ways to spruce up any outdoor space with ease. Opt for building a cinder block sculpture for an attention-grabbing focal point sure to turn heads.

Or, if you’re going for something slightly more subtle, try carving into them and painting the decorative features; this could easily create a beautiful mosaic art piece. No matter which routes you take with cinder block ideas, you’ll be able to make any garden or patio area look its best in no time!

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3. Build a TV Wall Shelf

Why not transform old cinder blocks into TV wall shelves? You actually just need some basic supplies to create this chic piece – cinder blocks, wood planks, as well as all the materials associated with preparing your TV wall for mounting.

Try stacking three cinder blocks together and securing two wood planks across the top. Secure the shelf to the wall for an industrial yet decorative addition to your living room. It’s amazing how just a few simple materials can transform any space into something special!

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4. Design Stunning Planter Boxes

Cinder block planter boxes are a creative way to bring life and organic beauty to your outdoor space. Not only do planter boxes look great, but they can also be used in multiple ways.

If you’re feeling adventurous, why not create tiers of planter boxes along the edges of your patio or garden? This can provide color and texture to enhance the atmosphere of your outdoor area, as well as make planting options abundant.

or example, you might decide to have different plants in each planter box, ranging from flowering shrubs to herb gardens! Whatever route you choose, planter boxes are sure to brighten up any outdoor space.

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5. Elevate Your Plant Shelves

Adding cinder block shelves to your home is a great way to bring natural and rustic charm while displaying greenery. Using cinder blocks to create the foundation of a shelf adds texture and character. To use cinder block shelves for potted plants, measure out and drill support holes in each cinder block and secure them together with brackets.

Place a wooden board on top of the cinder blocks to provide stability for the plants, making sure that it fits perfectly within the length and width of your cinder block shelf set-up. Once assembled, fill up each shelf with beautiful potted plants to instantly transform any room into a nature paradise.

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5. Optimize Under-Bed Organization

Add a little creativity to your under-the-bed storage or shoe shelf by using cinder blocks. Cinder blocks offer the best mix of practicality, flexibility, and stability all in one. The stable base can easily hold many items under your bed, such as sweaters, shoes, and even small tools.

With some straps and foam pads, they can be used as shelves for displaying frequently used items like books, baskets, and picture frames. Not only will cinder blocks improve the look of your home décor but they are also a cost-effective solution for tidying up your bed area.

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6. Turn Cinder Blocks into a Table

Bring industrial chic style to your home with cinder block tables! For a rustic but glamorous look, cinder blocks can be paired with a glass or wood countertop. As cinder blocks are made of concrete and come in various shapes and sizes, they are the perfect material for an urban-chic centerpiece to any room.

Whether you’re looking for a sturdy outdoor table for guests or need extra seating for an unexpected party, cinder block tables provide the perfect mix of function and form. And best of all? They are affordable too!

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7. Make a Cinder Block Raised Bed

Create your own raised garden spot with a cinder block plant bed! Constructing raised beds is an accessible and creative gardening solution that can help you gain more control over the environment around your plants. With cinder block raised beds, you can choose how big or small to make them and how wide you want the pathways in between.

This makes them ideal for vegetable gardens as they’re super efficient when it comes to space-saving, plus the blocks are great at retaining moisture around the roots through their breathable yet permeable build. For those of us in colder climates, raised beds allow our soil to warm up quicker during spring planting!

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8. Create a Sofa with Cushions

Add a cinder block sofa to your home for an easy, yet creative seating solution. Complete with throw pillows, blankets, and cushions, cinder blocks can make for a comfortable and stylish piece of furniture that will fit any budget.

A cinder block sofa is perfect for evening cuddle sessions in front of the TV or even as a stylish guest bed quickly converted from couch to futon. An innovative cinder block sofa is the new trend setter for savvy homeowners looking for cost-effective seating options.

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9. Paint Cinder Pots For A Creative Flair

Cinder blocks provide a fantastic foundation for a creative project. Spice up an old cinder block wall with some decorative designs, or build an entire cinder block sculpture!

For more ambitious projects, why not create something totally unique; a garden pathway or make use of cinder blocks and other materials to build furniture outside?

There are plenty of cinder block project ideas on the internet for inspiration, but the possibilities are truly endless.

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10. Enhance Privacy with a Cinder Block Wall

If you’re looking for a creative cinder block project to work on, consider building a patio privacy wall! It helps to add some extra outdoor space and let’s be honest- it can look pretty cool too!

Not only that, but it can also bring some cozy warmth into your backyard if you decide to build an exposed brick wall with the blocks. Overall, this kind of project is a great DIY option if you’re looking to add something unique and special to your yard!

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FAQs

How do you make a cinder block house look nice? ›

If you're tired of looking at that plain cinder block wall on your property, you have plenty of options for giving it a facelift. For a quick and simple cover-up, try concrete or stucco. To give the wall a more unique character, consider stone wall veneer or climbing plants.

How do you reuse cinder blocks? ›

You can transform old cinder blocks into: Planters. A garden wall. The base of outdoor furniture.

What were cinder blocks used for? ›

Different Uses for Different Blocks

In general, you would use concrete blocks to build load-bearing walls, foundations, retainer walls and other structures that require extreme strength. Cinder blocks are better for decorative walls, steps, outdoor fireplaces, and smaller building projects.

What are 4 cinder blocks for? ›

4'' concrete hollow blocks are typically used for foundation walls, retaining walls, and other applications where a low-rise structure is required. 6'' concrete hollow blocks are typically used for walls that are required to have a greater load-bearing capacity.

How do you decorate interior cinder block walls? ›

If your concrete-block basement walls are dry and free of efflorescence (i.e. salt deposits) or mold, coat them with a masonry sealer or all-purpose water-base primer-sealer, and then paint with high-quality latex paint. A new wall color is an easy way to make the basement feel warmer, brighter, and more welcoming.

How do you make a cinder block wall more attractive? ›

Adding materials like pebbles or smooth rocks to the cement coating can also achieve a textured appearance. You can add color to the coating by painting over the cement after coating it with a concrete primer or mixing colored pigment into the wet cement.

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

Cinder blocks are hollow rectangle-shaped structures usually made of concrete and coal cinders which find use in construction sites. Concrete blocks often, on the other hand, are flattened constructs made of steel, wood or cement.

How long will a cinder block house last? ›

Cinder block houses are known for their durability and longevity. With proper maintenance, they can last for several decades or even a century.

What goes in between cinder blocks? ›

Lay out the first layer of cinder blocks.

Put 38 inch (0.95 cm) plywood spacers in between the blocks. You will use spacers for straight walls and walls with turns.

Can I build a house out of cinder blocks? ›

An increasing number of builders and homeowners are recognizing the benefits of using concrete blocks as the primary material in the construction of residential homes. A home built out of concrete block provides the homeowner with many benefits, including design flexibility, durability, efficiency, and other benefits.

What year did they stop making cinder blocks? ›

They haven't been manufactured since 1947 after WWII.

What are cinder blocks called now? ›

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

Why would you build a house with cinder blocks? ›

Concrete block homes are more healthy than wooden structures, as they emit fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Concrete block structures can also have exceptional sound insulation and thermal insulation. Concrete blocks are also great for areas that are prone to extreme weather.

Is it cheaper to build with cinder blocks? ›

Concrete blocks are less expensive than bricks.

This isn't the right choice for everyone. However, it will eventually pay off your initial investment because of the lower energy costs. Concrete blocks may cost three times as much as wood framing and drywall in some areas.

Is cinder block cheap to build with? ›

Cinder block walls cost about $10 to $30 per square foot for the materials, like blocks and mortar, plus professional installation. The materials cost about $3 to $6 per square foot. A professionally installed 8-by-15-foot cinder block wall may cost $1,200 to $3,600, while a DIY wall may cost around $360 to $720.

Can you build a fire pit with cinder blocks? ›

Constructing a cinder block fire pit is a very easy as well as very easy procedure, although there are a couple of methods that you can do.

How many cinder blocks does it take to make a rocket stove? ›

Materials for Your DIY Rocket Stove

The materials you'll need are three cement blocks (a.k.a. cinder blocks or concrete blocks) two patio pavers, and a brick. If you have them, a few extra bricks will help with cooking and controlling the airflow.

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