Building a cinder block wall can provide an attractive, durable, and cost-effective solution for property boundaries, retaining walls, raised garden beds, and more. However, costs can add up quickly between materials, equipment rentals, and potential labor fees. Understanding the variables that impact overall expense is key to gaining an accurate estimate and budgeting appropriately for your project.
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Cost Factors
Several considerations influence the total cost to build a cinder block wall:
- Wall size (length x height)
- Cinder block type
- Mortar type
- Labor rates
- Site conditions
- Equipment rentals
- Special treatments (stucco, paint, capstones, etc.)
Examining each of these factors more closely provides greater insight into typical price ranges.
Wall Size
The overall length and height of your planned cinder block wall has the greatest impact on material requirements and total cost. Standard cinder blocks are approximately 8 inches high by 16 inches long. As a rule of thumb, you will need approximately 6 blocks per linear foot for a single wythe (width) wall that is 8 inches high. Thus, a wall that is 20 feet long by 8 inches high will require around 120 standard blocks. Extrapolate accordingly for taller walls and remember to account for overlap if building multiple wythes.
In general, longer and taller walls will require more blocks and therefore higher material expenses. They may also take more time to construct, potentially increasing labor fees as well. Even small decorative or garden walls can utilize 50+ blocks for short spans. Estimate on the higher side if your wall has curves or angles.
Cinder Block Type
Cinder blocks are typically classified into three main categories based on density and strength:
- Lightweight – Least expensive, less strength
- Medium weight – Moderately priced, moderate strength
- Normal weight – More expensive, greatest durability
Lightweight blocks are a budget-friendly choice for shorter decorative walls and non-loadbearing applications. Normal weight blocks provide the highest compressive strength and resist weathering. In general, expect to pay more per block for normal weight than lightweight ones.
Cinder blocks also vary by texture. Smooth-faced blocks offer a cleaner, more finished look for walls that will remain exposed. Textured, split-faced blocks provide greater surface area for mortar adhesion. Ribbed blocks enhance the structural integrity of walls in loadbearing applications. Choosing fancy styles or special shapes adds to cost as well.
Mortar Type
The mortar that bonds cinder blocks together also impacts overall price. Premixed mortar is the simplest and most convenient option. Type N mortar with average compressive strength is suitable for many general use cases. For walls that require greater load-bearing capacity, Type S mortar provides high strength. The downside to premixed products is faster setting times, which can be tricky for novice DIYers.
Mixing up batch mortar on-site allows for better workability and curing time.Portland cement-lime mortars offer high flexibility, durability, and adhesion. However, they involve measuring ingredients, combining them in proper proportions, and thorough mixing. This process requires some skill and diligence to achieve optimal results. In general, expect to pay more overall for specialty batch mortar than basic prepackaged products.
Labor Costs
Constructing a cinder block wall requires back-breaking work. Blocks are heavy and mortar can be messy. Pouring footings, leveling courses, and finishing the wall surface also demand skill and precision. Unless you’re an ambitious DIYer, hiring professional masons is worth the price for proper structural integrity and aesthetics.
Masonry contractors typically charge between $25-$50 per hour for labor. Certain complex projects or site considerations may warrant higher rates. Expect to pay at least several hundred dollars for a small wall, and several thousands for a longer boundary or retaining wall. Be sure to account for labor expenses in your total cost estimate.
Site Conditions
The location and site specifics also impact the cost to build a cinder block wall. Compact, level terrain is most ideal. Prepping and pouring concrete footings on flat, stable, well-draining ground costs less than excavating, backfilling, or installing foundations on hilly, loose, or wet sites. Existing structures, trees, or obstructing elements require working carefully around too.
Accessibility is another consideration. Delivering and maneuvering equipment and materials through confined spaces or over rough terrain adds hassle and expense. Remote locations far from the contractor’s staging area or suppliers also mean higher fuel fees and transport costs that will likely get passed to the customer.
Equipment Rentals
While some DIYers opt to mix mortar and lay blocks completely by hand, renting basic masonry tools simplifies the process and produces professional results. Equipment costs accumulate the longer a project spans, so aim to work efficiently. Typical cinder block wall equipment rentals include:
- Cement mixers – $50-$100 per day
- Mortar pans – $10 per day
- Shovels and trowels – $5-$20 each per day
- Masonry hammers – $5-$10 per day
- Mason’s lines and levels – $10 per day
- Scaffolding – $50-$100 per day
Add up all equipment fees based on the estimated project length. Contractors may build these expenses into their quoted hourly rate instead.
Special Treatments
Simple unfinished cinder block walls provide budget-friendly function. Extra treatments can enhance aesthetics but also increase costs. Common wall additions include:
- Surface stucco coating – $2-$5 per square foot
- Painting – $0.75-$2 per square foot
- Capping blocks or stones – $5-$25 each
- Decorative accents – varies
Remember that surface treatments require additional labor time and skilled effort to complete. Be sure to account for these special touches when estimating your total expense.
Cost Estimating Factors
With an understanding of all the potential variables, you can now calculate a reasonable estimate for your specific project’s total cost. Follow these steps:
- Measure the wall length and height to determine required blocks.
- Research material prices for block type and mortar selections.
- Estimate labor rate x estimated hours for construction.
- Add equipment rental fees.
- Factor in site conditions and access limitations.
- Decide on any special treatments and accents.
- Add up totals for each category to reach an estimated budget.
Keep in mind that unique complexities or unforeseen challenges could ultimately increase your end costs. Building in at least a 10-20% buffer provides a safer cushion to ensure you can cover higher-than-expected expenses. Now let’s look at some example cost scenarios.
Cost Scenarios
To gain a better feel for potential pricing ranges, here are estimated costs for sample cinder block wall projects:
Small Garden Wall
- 4 feet long by 1 foot high
- 60 lightweight blocks at $1 each – $60
- 2 bags premixed mortar at $6 per bag – $12
- DIY labor – $0
- Basic hand tools – $0
- Level backyard site – $0
- No special treatments
Total Cost: Approximately $75
Low Retaining Wall
- 25 feet long by 3 feet high
- 450 medium-weight blocks at $1.25 each – $565
- 25 bags mortar mix at $8 per bag – $200
- Professional mason labor – $50/hour x 15 hours – $750
- Equipment rental – $300
- Gentle backyard slope – $0
- Stucco coating – $3 per square foot x 75 square feet – $225
Total Cost: Approximately $2,040
Tall Structural Boundary Wall
- 40 feet long by 6 feet high
- 960 normal weight blocks at $2 each – $1920
- 40 bags Type S mortar at $12 per bag – $480
- Professional mason labor – $50/hour x 40 hours – $2000
- Equipment rental – $500
- Excavation and concrete foundation – $1200
- Painted finish – $1 per square foot x 240 square feet – $240
Total Cost: Approximately $6,340
As you can see, both wall specs and finishing choices cause pricing to vary widely. The shortest and simplest project runs just $75 in basic materials for a DIY installation. In contrast, the tallest wall with custom foundation work and finishes costs over $6000, even with budget-friendly blocks. This highlights the significant impact your specific project details can have on your total estimated price.
Cost Per Linear Foot
If you lack the time for a comprehensive estimate process, determining average cost per linear foot provides a quick ballpark range. Keep in mind pricing depends heavily on wall height, block type, and finish level.
| Wall Height | Simple Finish Cost Per Linear Foot | Decorative Finish Cost Per Linear Foot |
| 1 foot | $10 – $20 | $25 – $50 |
| 3 feet | $15 – $30 | $40 – $75 |
| 6 feet | $20 – $45 | $55 – $100 |
At the low end, a basic 1-foot wall might run as little as $10 per linear foot. For a decorative 6-foot wall, you could easily pay $100 or more per linear foot. Budget $25-$50 per linear foot for a typical 4-foot wall with stucco or paint.
DIY Cost Savings
Performing the wall construction yourself can lead to notable cost savings, especially on shorter, straightforward projects. Basic hand tools like shovels, trowels, hammers, and levels provide all the equipment you need. Watch online tutorials to learn proper block-laying and mortar-spreading techniques beforehand.
Be prepared for arduous excavation, backfilling, mixing, and repetitive block lifting however. Recruit extra hands from friends or family when possible. Your DIY labor investment can yield hundreds of dollars in savings compared to masonry contractor fees. Just be realistic about your skill level and physical stamina.
Conclusion
Building a cinder block wall requires carefully accounting for all aspects that contribute to the overall expense. These include the wall specifications, material selections, site conditions, equipment needs, specialty finishes, and labor considerations. Understanding typical factors that influence cost allows you to craft an accurate budget estimate based on your specific project details.
With realistic planning, cinder block projects can provide an affordable and long-lasting backyard feature to define boundaries, retain soil, accent garden beds, and more. Preparing for both material and labor expenses ensures your wall gets completed on time and within the intended budget. Just be sure to leave a buffer to accommodate any unforeseen costs that can arise.