What a block wall estimate includes
- Blocks: the price per block × the number of blocks, including waste. The face size sets the count; the width (4, 6, 8, 10 or 12 in) mostly sets the price.
- Cement: bags of masonry or Portland cement for the mortar, laid on the face shells of hollow blocks.
- Sand: mason sand, priced per ton (or per tonne).
- Labor: masons usually quote per square foot or square meter of wall, or per block laid.
In the US, the calculator pre-fills example prices so you can see how the estimate is built. They are not quotes: replace them with your supplier's and contractor's prices. Elsewhere the price fields start empty; enter prices in your own currency.
Example: cost of a 40 × 8 ft block wall
A 40 × 8 ft wall is 320 ft² of blockwork. With standard 8×8×16 blocks at 1.125 per square foot, that's 360 blocks, or 378 with 5% waste. Using the example prices:
| Item | Quantity | Example price | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8×8×16 concrete blocks | 378 | $2.50 each | $945 |
| Masonry cement (70 lb) | 12 bags | $16 per bag | $192 |
| Mason sand | 1.74 tons | $50 per ton | $87 |
| Labor | 320 ft² | $10 per ft² | $3,200 |
| Total | ≈ $4,424 (≈ $13.80 per ft²) |
As with brick, labor is usually the largest part of the cost. The materials for this wall come to about $1,224, or roughly $3.80 per square foot.
Concrete block and cinder block prices
The price of a concrete block depends on its size, its weight (normal or lightweight), its finish and how many you buy. Plain gray 8×8×16 blocks are the cheapest per square foot of wall. Split-face, ground-face and colored architectural blocks cost several times more. "Cinder block" is the everyday name for the same hollow concrete block, so cinder block price and concrete block price usually mean the same thing.
| Block | Covers | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 4×8×16 (4 in) | 1.125 per ft² | Partitions, veneer backing, garden walls |
| 6×8×16 (6 in) | 1.125 per ft² | Interior walls, low garden walls |
| 8×8×16 (8 in) | 1.125 per ft² | Foundations, garages, most structural walls |
| 12×8×16 (12 in) | 1.125 per ft² | Tall or heavily loaded walls, basements |
| Metric 390×190 mm | 12.5 per m² | Hollow block walls outside the US |
Wider blocks cover the same wall area, because the face is the same, but each one costs more and weighs more. Ask about pallet prices and delivery: suppliers often charge less per block on a full pallet, and the delivery charge can be a large share of a small order.
Other costs to budget for
- Footing. A concrete footing under the wall, below the frost line where that applies.
- Rebar and grout. Reinforced walls have steel bars in some cores, filled with grout or concrete.
- Bond beams and lintels over openings and along the top of the wall.
- Finish. Stucco or render, paint, a brick or stone face, or a cap along the top.
- Permits and engineering for retaining walls, tall walls and walls that carry a load.
To count blocks and mortar without prices, use the concrete block calculator. Comparing materials? The brick wall cost calculator prices the same wall in brick.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a concrete block wall cost?
It depends on the block, the height and local labor rates. Work out the blocks (1.125 per square foot for 8×8×16 blocks), price the blocks, cement and sand, and add labor. With the example prices on this page, a 40 × 8 ft wall comes to about $4,400, or $14 per square foot. Get local quotes for an accurate price.
How many concrete blocks are in a square foot?
1.125 standard 8×8×16 blocks per square foot, or 112.5 per 100 square feet. 4, 6, 10 and 12 inch wide blocks have the same 8 × 16 in face, so the count is the same.
Is a block wall cheaper than a brick wall?
Usually, per square foot. One 8×8×16 block covers the same area as about six bricks and is quicker to lay. Many block walls are then rendered or faced, which adds to the cost.
Is cinder block the same as concrete block?
For pricing and estimating, yes. "Cinder block" is the common name for hollow masonry blocks. Almost all of them are now made from concrete rather than coal cinders.
Does the estimate include a footing or rebar?
No. It covers blocks, mortar materials and wall-laying labor. Footings, rebar, grout, bond beams, finishes and permits should be priced separately.