Concrete Blocks vs. Cinder Blocks: What's the Difference?

Ever wondered what the difference is between concrete blocks and cinder blocks? While they might look similar, these building materials have key differences in weight, strength, durability, and cost. In this video, we break it all down so you can make the right choice for your next project! 🏗️🔍

📌 Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:48 What Are Concrete Blocks?
01:45 What Are Cinder Blocks?
02:42 Weight & Strength Differences
03:31 Durability & Longevity
04:13 Uses in Construction
05:00 Cost Comparison
05:36 Which One Should You Use?
06:09 Environmental Impact
07:01 Conclusion

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#Construction #BuildingMaterials #ConcreteBlocks #CinderBlocks #DIY #HomeImprovement #HistoryOfSimpleThings #Architecture #Engineering #Sustainability #ConstructionMaterials

[possum]

The comments are the reason to watch this basic video. Lots of lived experience. Thanks

[branbello]

You missed the fact that cinder blocks are supposed to be filled in with concrete and reinforced with rebars

[NN-sjfg]

True "cinder blocks" have not been manufactured since 1947. Unfortunately, hollow concrete blocks look like cinder blocks and therefore are commonly miscalled cinder blocks.

[HeartlessTinMan]

A standard 16X8X8 solid concrete block weighs about 70 pounds
A standard 16X8X8 hollow concrete block weighs 25 to 35 pounds
A standard 16X8X8 cinder block weighs about 15 pounds
I don't know where you would even get an actual cinder block today. I haven't seen any since the 80's and those were old inventory.

[vantrogh]

In the US, we use CMU (Concrete Masonry Unit). Combine with Steel Rebar, it can creates foundation wall for home. That means it can be load bearing wall. People use the term CMU, Cinder block, concrete block interchangeably. I think this channel need to consult the people in the respective field, in this case, construction, before creating this type of video 😢

[boblordylordyhowie]

We, in the UK, have 3 types of block, Dense Concrete Block, Hollow Concrete Block and Breeze Block (not the decorative hollow design block, they are light compared to other same size blocks), aka Thermalite Aerated which contains fly ash. They are all used, but it depends on the context of the building as to what can be used.

[Mannyarruda-di]

As bricklayer for 40 years, I can definitely say cinder blocks can be used for load bearing wall, this Video person has no clue what he’s saying !!

[doernerrr]

I had a house that was on a crawl space for which the builder used light-weight blocks for the structural piers. After about 30 years the blocks became fragile and started to crumble. Replacing them would have cost about $40K. Fortunately I got divorced and the wife got the house so it's her problem. Bottom line, don't use light-weight block in structural applications and be careful who you marry.

[ericarachel]

where I worked we had a building built with cinder bloks, its easy to tell by the bluish color due to the ashes used, it is a pet peeve of mine when people say cinder blocks when meaning concrete blocks

[Erik-rphi]

I built a split level home with 10 ft. high cinder block retaining wall in Los Angeles. Building Codes are the highest in the nation because of earthquakes. Every hollow had 5'8" rebar and the blocks had U shapeded opening so every layer had 5/8" hort. rebars. Then the whole thing filled with concrete and then 2 coats of rubberized paint on the soil side. Them a 1/2" foam sheet to keep the dirt off the paint. Then the soil was compacted against the wall. Very sturdy.

[larrydean]

Holy shit.I think a concrete block company paid for this video.

[JasonDillon-ff]

I live in Sacramento (CA) and there are buildings where paint has worn off and the old clay filler blocks are exposing the reddish color of the clay used to make them.

[mikebritton]

Things are rarely as simple as they seem. Thank you for explaining this one. I'll pay better attention to my future projects.

[jimprice]

We don't use cinder blocks or solid concrete blocks in California. Our blocks are made of concrete and hollow with rebar passed through them and filled with concrete for earthquake protection.

[Goldsteinphoto]

The house that we are building in Mexico has poured concrete/rebar columns and beams. The concrete blocks fill in the walls and may add some strength but the load is mostly on the beams and columns.

[davidhandyman]

I built a strong room by laying the concrete version of cinder blocks without mortar but with reinforcing bar vertically in each cavity and horizontally every second course then infilling all the cavities with concrete.

[jeffreyhughes]

Growing up in West Virginia, we had real cinder blocks well into the 80s. I still have some that I brought back to show people the difference. Cinder blocks feel glassier (like glass beads) and have darker bluish color to them. Like the video said they’re a lot lighter to handle.

[andybilakshow]

I'm 60. Been in the construction for almost that long. I'm old school already dang..
I have a different take on all this. If I remember correctly, "cinder block" is something other than concrete.
The two in the video are both Concrete. YES? It's just that one his 'core' the other is solid.
The differnce between the two is drastic. Meaning there are specific uses for each.
The "core" block with wire in apropriate places is way better for building walls. I don't know 8' high or more. The wire does two things. It holds everything in place and can allow for cracks without loosing performance.
The solid concrete blocs are more suited for short retaining walls or pavers. I would never use them to build a house? It's impractical because you don't need all that compressive strength. SMH

[Facefur]

While the narrative sounds correct, the pictures present a distorted view. Concrete blocks are, as it says, the most common, but most of what was shown are concrete blocks. There are blocks made of poured concrete as shown, but most are made from a relatively dry mix of sand, fine stone, (as opposed to crushed cinders or furnace slag) and Portland cement. Both mixes are placed in molds, vibrated to eliminate air pockets, and cured with steam. Both can be solid or have hollows to reduce weight. Either way, some form of reinforcing is required to keep walls from shifting or buckling.

[frankiefeeves]

This video was over after the first couple of minutes. After that he just says the same things in different ways. Dude’s fighting for his life for that yt check 😂