Need inspirations on selecting a block wall style? Here are block walls ideas using common blocks that contractors and homeowners use when building a block wall to beautify your yard.
Getting any type of block wall installed at home is one of the biggest decisions any homeowner will make while doing home improvement outdoors. Selecting a block wall that will very likely be permanent can be a bit daunting. As a homeowner myself, I am providing some block walls ideas to help you decide your style.
You are going to learn about the styles of blocks used for building block walls most commonly used and their purpose.
After learning about these styles of blocks, these block walls ideas will help you be extra prepared to choose the style for your block wall.
This post is all about block walls ideas along with their purpose every homeowner should know about.
Common Styles of Block Walls
1. Precision Block Walls
Precision blocks are the standard blocks and sometimes referred to as cinder blocks. These blocks are 8 inches in height and available in 6,8,or 12 inches in width with a length of 16 inches. Unless you are building a retaining wall, you will use the 6-inch-wide block for a free standing wall. Precision blocks are commonly used for backyards to divide property lines. They will require mortar and rebar to secure the blocks together for the wall. The texture of the precision block is even and will be available in gray or tan, although other colors can be special ordered.
2. Slump Block Walls
Slump blocks are shorter blocks than the precision block at 6 inches in height and will have that “adobe” look to them. Please note that your wall will require more blocks than precision blocks for a same height wall. Slump blocks at 6 inches wide are again commonly used for standard free standing walls in backyards. Wider blocks are used if the wall will be a retaining wall and will again need mortar and rebar to build the wall with other building materials as well. Slump blocks are commonly bought in the color tan to keep the “adobe” style look.
3. Split Face Block Walls
Split Face blocks are just what they are called, “split face” because of their texture. They are not even and have a bumpy texture with the aggregates of the blocks exposed which are red and black. Split face blocks are precision blocks that have been “split” and therefore will be 8 inches in height and available in various widths. The “split” look can be on one side or both sides of the block. So why would that matter? Say you are building a wall with your neighbor, and one wants a smooth look and the other wants a split look, now both neighbors can have one block wall but with different looks. Also, the cost of the split face block is higher in the double sided and therefore, one neighbor may want to keep costs down with a precision style block on his or her property.
4. Large Stackable Block Walls
Large stackable blocks are simply as their name suggest, “stackable” with no need to buy mortar or rebar to build. These blocks are used for retaining purposes. Because they are not rectangle and more triangle in shape, they will not stack up even. Each layer of block will fall back a bit from its previous layer and secure itself with a small lip at the back. The front side will be split looking, and all other sides will be even. These blocks are recommended for retaining walls up to 6 feet high. Again, they are meant to retain something, such as a hill or slope. Stackable blocks are 16 inches in the front with 12 inches to the back end and 6 inches in height.
5. Small Stackable Garden Block Walls
Small stackable blocks are mostly used for gardening purposes. Hence, they are commonly referred to as “stackable garden blocks.” They are the same as the large stackable blocks with a lip on the back to secure but in a smaller size at 12 inches in the front, 10 inches in the back and 4 inches in height. Garden block walls typically are built with three to four rows.
This post was all about block walls ideas using common styles of blocks by homeowners and contractors.
Disclaimer: Contact a licensed contractor for all home improvement projects.
