17+ Creative Cinder Block Outdoor Ideas & Designs For 2024 (2024)

Last Updated on March 29, 2020 by Kimberly Crawford

Cinder blocks are one of the most commonly used materials when making your home garden.

They are sturdy and offer great barriers to your plants. If you have some leftover cinder blocks in your house, here are some ideas of how to use them

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In this article

17+ Creative Cinder Block Outdoor Ideas & Designs For 2024 (2)

1. Simple Cinder Block Potting Table

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You can use cinder blocks as potting tables for your plants. You can pass planks of wood through the holes and raise the table to your desired height.

It is recommended that you use six cinder blocks in one arrangement so that you have a firmer table. Two for the ends and two for the middle. You will have a larger potting area and a stronger base for your table.

2. Raised Garden Bed Using Cinder Blocks

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Cinder blocks can also be used to raise garden beds. You can do this if you do not want your garden to interfere with your lawn. You may also be growing plants that are not suited for the soil in that area.

You can raise the garden bed from the ground and prevent cross-contamination of the garden soil. They can also be used on the porch or terrace to support your kitchen garden.

3. DIY Cinder Block Planter

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Apart from being used as garden bed supports, cinder blocks also make great planters. All you need is some plastic sheeting, garden soil, and seedlings. Line the interior of the cinder block with the plastic. Fill in the space with soil up to three-quarters of the way.

Transplant the seedlings into the soil, add some water, and you are done. You can make different arrangements using the blocks and grow a variety of plants.

4. Building Concrete Block Raised Garden Bed

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5. DIY Concrete Vases

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Concrete vases are great DIY projects. All you need is rapid setting cement, plastic containers of different sizes, cooking spray, and a mixing bucket.

Mix the cement as per the instructions on the packaging. Spray the inside walls of the bigger container with cooking spray.

Pour some of the cement mixture into the bigger container to form the base. Spray the outside of the small container and then place it onto the cement base.

Fill around the small container until your desired height. Let the mixture set and separate the containers once fully dry. You now have your concrete vase ready for your next plant.

The above is one way in which you can make a simple concrete vase. There are different designs that you can come up with, depending on the types of molds that you have.

6. Concrete block raised bed with eggplants and marigolds

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7. DIY Succulent Outdoor Bench

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You can use cinder blocks to make outdoor benches. The process is quite similar to how you make a potting table.

Place some cinder blocks on the ground to form the base of the bench.

Place a plank on top and use your cinder block planters for the armrests. Aloe Vera and Cacti make for great succulent benches.

8. Simple Cinder Block Outdoor Bench

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9. Cinder block raised beds for herb garden

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10. How to make a cinder block bench for less than $30

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11. Stenciled Cinder block Pool Umbrella Weight and Planter

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12. Gopher-proof raised garden bed

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13. Using cinder blocks for planters and border

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14. Mosaic cinder block planters

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15. Cinder block dining table

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16. Cinder block fire pit

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17. Cinder block waterfall

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Pros and cons of cinder block raised beds

As seen earlier, cinder blocks are solid foundations for raised garden beds. However, there are some drawbacks to using them for this purpose.

When used for a long time, they can cause indentations on the surface where they are placed. When used in the yard, they affect the growth of the lawn and leave unwanted yellow patches when removed. Cinder blocks are also porous meaning they can allow seepage of harmful fertilizer to the surrounding area.

Are cinder blocks safe for raised beds?

Cinder blocks are not only safe but are also solid foundations for your raised beds. They also allow you to create unique arrangements, given that they are easily movable.

Can you grow tomatoes in cinder blocks?

Cinder blocks can be used to grow a variety of plants, tomatoes included. They have a wide enough area allowing for the plant to take root and flourish.

Their porous nature also provides excellent drainage of the soil, reducing the chances of waterlogging.

How much does a cinder block cost?

Cinder blocks can be made from a variety of materials and also come in different shapes and sizes.

The difference in cost is not that great. A standard 2X4 cinder block will cost you as little as $1.

Conclusion

Cinder blocks are truly multi-use materials. Why not try the ideas mentioned above and spruce your home this coming season.
17+ Creative Cinder Block Outdoor Ideas & Designs For 2024 (20)

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17+ Creative Cinder Block Outdoor Ideas & Designs For 2024 (2024)

FAQs

How do you make a cinder block house look nice? ›

If you're tired of looking at that plain cinder block wall on your property, you have plenty of options for giving it a facelift. For a quick and simple cover-up, try concrete or stucco. To give the wall a more unique character, consider stone wall veneer or climbing plants.

Can you build a garden with cinder blocks? ›

You can grow just about anything you want to in a cinder block garden, provided you've got the right amount of sun exposure. That said, you will want to consider the overall aesthetic of your garden, including how tall your plants will grow.

What is the best paint for cinder block house? ›

High-quality acrylic cinder block paint is essential for this project. You want to ensure the longevity of the paint job. Low-quality paints can fade and peel quickly, in addition to looking chalky. Acrylic latex paint will provide the best smoothness and coverage for the job.

How do you keep a cinder block house warm? ›

Depending on whether the concrete block walls will be covered or if the top of the wall is exposed can really change the way they are insulated. The option for insulating concrete block walls includes spray foam insulation, injection foam insulation, polystyrene beads, foam boards, and loose-fill masonry insulation.

How long do cinder blocks last? ›

Cinder blocks may last up to 80 years if maintained properly, compared to the lesser average age of wood frame houses. Both cinder and concrete block walls require an extra decorative layer. With a proper layer of insulation, cinder block houses are energy efficient.

Can you waterproof cinder block? ›

Since concrete blocks are porous and concrete block foundations have numerous joints, they can be prone to water leaks. This is why waterproofing this substrate is so critical for the long-term performance of a concrete block foundation.

How long do concrete cinder blocks last? ›

The life span of concrete masonry units can vary depending on several factors, but in many cases, CMUs can last up to 100 years. Unlike materials like wood and some metals, concrete doesn't deteriorate over time.

How do you decorate an outdoor cinder block wall? ›

Adding materials like pebbles or smooth rocks to the cement coating can also achieve a textured appearance. You can add color to the coating by painting over the cement after coating it with a concrete primer or mixing colored pigment into the wet cement.

What do you connect cinder blocks with? ›

Mortar. Mortar is the most widely used and most popular bonding agent for joining concrete blocks together.

How do you use cinder blocks for landscaping? ›

Cinder Blocks

Keep them out of the landfill and put them to good use in your garden. Stack them similar to landscaping blocks, and you can make supportive beds for your flowers and vegetables. You can also use them to build a retaining wall.

How many cinder blocks do I need for a 4x8 garden bed? ›

Leaving a 1/4″ gap between every third cinder block, place the blocks hole side up. 20 blocks will give an interior bed area of 4′ x 8′.

Is it expensive to build with cinder blocks? ›

Cinder block walls cost about $10 to $30 per square foot for the materials, like blocks and mortar, plus professional installation. The materials cost about $3 to $6 per square foot. A professionally installed 8-by-15-foot cinder block wall may cost $1,200 to $3,600, while a DIY wall may cost around $360 to $720.

How long do cinder block garden beds last? ›

Although it costs more to create these concrete raised beds, they are pretty permanent. We plan to use ours for over 20 years, so our pro-rated cost per bed over time (for both soil and blocks) is under $18 per year.

How do you spruce up a cinder block foundation? ›

Fortunately, you have many options for improving a cinder block wall. Concrete is an inexpensive way to create a strong cover. Stucco is similar to concrete but more decorative. Vinyl panels and stone veneers are alternative decorations that match with many homes.

How do you decorate interior cinder block walls? ›

You can use fabric to cover cinder block and if you didn't want the fabric itself, pick a fabric with a cool raised pattern and paint over it. There is also wall paper. There is one way where you tear the wallpaper into pieces and paste them on the wall in whatever way you want.

Will peel and stick wallpaper stick to cinder block walls? ›

Wallpaper will adhere to drywall, new and old plaster. You can find wallpaper for concrete walls, masonry, and paneled walls. You can even wallpaper over tile and other slick, nonporous surfaces, such as concrete block, or synthetic laminate paneling.

How long can a cinder block house last? ›

Cinder block houses are known for their durability and longevity. With proper maintenance, they can last for several decades or even a century.

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