There are three basic types of concrete wall construction.
Poured concrete retaining wall vs block.
Cinder blocks require less special equipment to put in place than poured concrete and are easier to lay yourself.
Block cores must be filled with pea gravel concrete.
The former is poured in a semi fluid state into pre built forms and then hardens to form a solid monolithic concrete wall.
They differ in the size of gravel used and that concrete blocks are hollow while poured concrete is solid.
A concrete block foundation can be stronger than a poured concrete foundation.
The latter consists of concrete masonry units cmu s that are joined by using mortar then assembled in a pattern similar to that used in brick masonry.
The risk of cracking in poured walls and the difficulty in repairing them makes block and plaster a more forgiving choice.
You can build a poured concrete foundation that can crack and cave in within a year and you can build a concrete block foundation that can last for hundreds of years with no failure whatsoever.
Concrete blocks precast concrete panels or poured in place concrete.
Block and concrete are strong in compression but weak in tension.
A poured wall doesn t have joints like a cinder block wall so it should come as no surprise that it is naturally easier to waterproof.
Reinforcing steel can be used to strengthen either material.
Compare the pros and cons style and durability characteristics of seven retaining wall building materials including concrete block stone veneer poured concrete brick wood gabion walls and dry stone walls.
This simple retaining wall utilizes a beautiful travertine stone cap upgrade.
Whether you have a naturally sloped property or are contouring your landscape to create visual interest retaining walls will create a clear delineation between property levels can be used to create flat.
Poured or cast walls must have horizontal steel top and bottom.
Many contractors shy away from poured concrete preferring to use cmu block with a plastered face.
According to the national association of home builders conventional 8 inch concrete cinder blocks cost around 1 46 per square foot of foundation before installation.
Reinforcing steel needs to be in block walls both vertical and horizontal.
Block walls can be as strong or stronger than poured walls.
This allows you the flexibility to choose the method that s right for your situation.
Without joints poured walls possess a greater lateral strength which essentially means they have a greater ability to resist pressure presented by water and the soil from the outside.
Poured concrete foundation walls are arguably stronger than cinder block foundation walls.
Natural stone retaining walls are an attractive and functional addition to any landscape design.
Although made from the same basic ingredients there are several important differences between poured concrete walls and walls made with concrete blocks.