Standard CMU concrete blocks are the blocks people are used to seeing and are usually called cinder blocks even though their compositions are slightly different. They are regularly used for retaining walls and even building construction. You’ve probably seen CMU walls before but never realized it. Take a look at the walls of a basement or gym. CMU walls can keep their natural appearance or since it’s so strong you can add another material to its facade like brick, tile, and stone. A CMU wall with a stone or brick façade is more affordable and stronger than a solid stone or brick wall. CMU walls can also easily be painted if you don’t want to add a façade to it or leave it plain gray.

Concrete Masonry Units (CMU) comes in a variety of sizes. They are measured by their depth which ends up being the thickness of the wall. The sizes range from 4 inches to 12 inches in depth. There are also half sizes so you don’t have to worry about cutting blocks when you get to the end of the wall. CMUs also come in different weights which reflect the density of the concrete used to make them. There is light weight, medium weight, and standard weight. The weight affects the price of the blocks and the fire resistance and sound dampening effects they offer. There are also different shapes that CMU blocks come in. The best shapes to use really depend on the size of wall you are building, the wall’s use, and its environment.

Talk to our consultants at Lovell Construction Group, LLC so they can help you decide which CMU block is right for your project.