How to Stack Cinder Blocks

How to Stack Cinder Blocks
Published: May 23, 2011
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
2 minute read

Things You Will Need

  • Cinder blocks
  • Mortar
  • Trowel
  • Reinforcing bar
  • Spirit level
  • Concrete

By following a few key guidelines and utilizing some commonly-found building materials, you can create a strong, sturdy wall.

  1. Lay a bed of mortar along the foundation where you plan to build your wall using the trowel. Ensure that the foundation ring is level, using your spirit level, before laying any mortar.

  2. Place the first row of cinder blocks end-to-end along your foundation ring, ensuring that there is an even amount of mortar for them to sit on, about 3/4-inch deep. Do not place any mortar between adjacent blocks, as these gaps will be filled later.

  3. Apply another layer of mortar, using the trowel, on top of this row of bricks. Use the same amount of mortar as was applied on the foundation ring.

  4. Stack the second row of bricks on top of the first, alternating each brick so that the middle of the brick on the second row lines up vertically with the gap between the two blocks of the first row.

  5. Repeat these steps until the desired wall height is attained.

  6. Place a length of reinforcing bar through each of the two recesses in each brick on the upper wall edge. These reinforcing bars should be as long as the wall is high, and will easily fit through the recesses in all the bricks through the wall and will sit on the foundation ring.

  7. Fill these recesses containing one reinforcing bar each with concrete to finalize and strengthen the wall.

  8. Allow the wall and concrete to cure for at least one week.

Tips

Check the wall for accuracy using the spirit level periodically to avoid any mistakes before they become permanent.

Warnings

Build the wall one story high at a time, allowing each story one week to cure before building any higher.

Photo Credits

Photos.com/Photos.com/Getty Images

Photos.com/Photos.com/Getty Images

Brandy Alexander

Brandy Alexander has been writing professionally since 2001. She is a glass artist with a Web design and technical writing background. Alexander runs her own art-glass business and has been a contributor to "Glass Line Magazine" as well as…

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