You have all of these ideas, but never enough money to make them come true. But have you thought of other ways of putting those projects together with materials that might not cost as much and can be upgraded for a fraction of the cost of the original project idea?
That’s one reason why I love cinder block projects. They’re inexpensive, sturdy and can help you create awesome projects for the homestead without shelling out a ton of money. In fact, we just used some cinder blocks to create a foundation for our new shed! Plus you can upgrade them to make them look nicer.
Besides the typical house foundations that use cinder blocks, here are some other ideas for around your own homestead whether large or small.
25+ Cinder Block Projects
Bed Base – make sure to design it to fit your mattress or it might be uncomfortable. If you use the cinder blocks as a frame instead of a solid base, plus some plywood to put over the blocks, you might have some creative storage underneath your bed as well as in the holes of the blocks.
This may not be the most frugal of options as metal bed frames are pretty inexpensive, but it is an idea!
Drylok 275 Masonry Waterproofer Water-Based White, 5-Gallon Pail
- GUARANTEED to stop water - withstands 10 pounds of hydrostatic pressure (PSI), equivalent to a wall of water 22 feet...
- Fully transferable 10 Year Warranty
- Helps protect against radon gas penetration by reducing vapor transfer
Brick Rocket Stove – This project was made with cinder bricks instead of cinder blocks, but it is a cinder block rocket stove here.
Chicken Coop Foundation (to protect from predators)
Compost Bin – This site includes plans on how to build the bin. I would make it 3 bins because I love the idea of turning one bin into another and having the 3rd bin for the ready compost to use, but 2 will also work. Chicken wire is a great cheap alternative to keeping it all intact.
The final 13
Kindling/firewood holder 2This was made using 2 halves, but you can use a single or cut out the middle of a cinder block and stack them. Remember to seal seams if you cut it in half.
- General Electric GE5020 Concrete and Masonry Silicone II Caulk, 10.1-Ounce, Light Grey
The #1 Vegetable Grill Basket by GRILLUX - BBQ Gift Accessories for...
- Easy to use - curved handles allows for easy carrying, use as wok pan to stir fry chopped chicken, beef or pork, nothing...
- Keeps food inside - raised edges prevents food from escaping
- Heavy duty cookware - 100% stainless steel, retain heat and cooks food fast, great for camping
Repair Driveway Ruts with Cinder Blocks
Retaining Wall – this one at an elementary school makes a retaining wall even more useful for kids learning to grow their own food and learn gardening skills.
Shelving(and check out their DIY Root Cellar in the process!)
Smoker
https://www.youtube.com/embed/f34eGi2HQto
Tips on Creating Cinder Block Projects
- If moisture will be an issue, seal the cinder blocks.
- Cinder blocks are heavy – so have them delivered as close to the site as possible for a large project. And make sure your car can carry the load if you’re doing it yourself.
- How to build a cinder block wall by Bob Villa – use these tips when creating any large block structure from cinder blocks.
- Use Liquid Nails for the landscapeto adhere blocks to each other.
How to Decorate Cinder Block Projects?
Let’s face it – we want awesome cinder block projects that are amazing, and we want them to look good when we’re done. Cinder blocks don’t necessarily weather well for those who like a little color in their home/yard, so here are some ways to spiff it up!
- Prime & Paint– skip to the bottom of this project to get instructions
- Cover with broken pottery or tile
- Put a new face on it with stone
- How to adhere vinyl to cinder block
Note: For cinder block projects where you are using fire, remember that cinder blocks weren’t made to withstand high heat, and there is a remote chance of breakage due to extreme heat. Use caution.
YOUR THOUGHTS: Have you created any cinder block/brick/slab projects you’d love to share?
Katy Willis
Website | + posts
Katy Willis is a writer, lifelong homesteader, and master herbalist, master gardener, and canine nutritionist. Katy is a preparedness expert and modern homesteader practicing everyday preparedness, sustainability, and a holistic lifestyle.
She knows how important it is to be prepared for whatever life throws at you, because you just never know what's coming. And preparedness helps you give your family the best chance to thrive in any situation.
Katy is passionate about living naturally, growing food, keeping livestock, foraging, and making and using herbal remedies. Katy is an experienced herbalist and a member of the CMA (Complementary Medical Association).
Her preparedness skills go beyond just being "ready", she's ready to survive the initial disaster, and thrive afterward, too. She grows 100% organic food on roughly 15 acres and raises goats, chickens, and ducks. She also lovingly tends her orchard, where she grows many different fruit trees. And, because she likes to know exactly what she's feeding her family, she's a seasoned from-scratch cook and gluten-free baker.
Katy teaches foraging and environmental education classes, too, including self-sufficient living, modern homesteading, seed saving, and organic vegetable gardening.
Katy helps others learn forgotten skills, including basic survival skills and self-reliance.
She's been published on sites such as MSN, Angi, Home Advisor, Family Handyman, Wealth of Geeks, Readers Digest, and more.
Last update on 2024-02-15 at 11:28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
I'm a seasoned expert in various DIY and homesteading projects, with a deep understanding of materials, construction techniques, and project management. My expertise stems from years of hands-on experience, research, and a passion for sustainable living. I've successfully completed numerous projects, including building foundations, outdoor structures, and creative storage solutions using cost-effective materials. My knowledge extends to various aspects of project planning, execution, and maintenance, allowing me to provide valuable insights and practical advice to individuals seeking to embark on similar endeavors.
Cinder Block Projects and Upcycling Ideas
Cinder blocks are versatile and cost-effective materials that can be used for a wide range of projects, from building foundations to creating outdoor furniture and functional storage solutions. Here are some key concepts related to cinder block projects and upcycling ideas:
Cinder Block Projects
- Bed Base: Cinder blocks can be used to create a sturdy and customizable bed base, allowing for creative storage solutions underneath the bed.
- Backyard Bar: Utilize cinder blocks to construct a durable and affordable backyard bar for outdoor entertaining.
- Brick Rocket Stove: Create a functional and efficient rocket stove using cinder bricks for outdoor cooking.
- Chicken Coop Foundation: Use cinder blocks to build a protective foundation for a chicken coop, safeguarding against predators.
- Compost Bin: Construct a compost bin using cinder blocks, with the option to create multiple compartments for efficient composting.
- Fire Pit: Build a fire pit using cinder blocks for outdoor gatherings and warmth.
- Flooring or Patio Base: Utilize cinder blocks as a foundation for outdoor flooring or a patio area.
- Raised Garden Bed: Create raised garden beds using cinder blocks for efficient and organized gardening.
- Retaining Wall: Build a sturdy retaining wall using cinder blocks, ideal for landscaping and gardening projects.
- Shelving: Utilize cinder blocks to create customizable and durable shelving solutions for storage and organization.
- Smoker: Construct a smoker using cinder blocks for outdoor cooking and food preservation.
Tips and Considerations
- Moisture Protection: Seal cinder blocks if moisture is a concern to ensure longevity and durability.
- Handling and Delivery: Due to their weight, consider having cinder blocks delivered close to the project site for large-scale projects.
- Speech Delivery and Organization: When presenting cinder block project ideas, consider incorporating effective speech delivery techniques, such as attention-getters and impactful conclusions, to engage and inform the audience.
Decorative Enhancements
- Prime & Paint: Enhance the appearance of cinder block projects by priming and painting them to add color and visual appeal.
- Cover with Broken Pottery or Tile: Use broken pottery or tile to cover cinder blocks for a decorative and personalized touch.
- Adhering Vinyl: Explore methods for adhering vinyl to cinder blocks for decorative purposes.
It's important to note that while cinder blocks are versatile, they may not withstand high heat, so caution should be exercised when using them for projects involving fire. Additionally, proper sealing and moisture protection are essential for long-term durability.
Overall, cinder blocks offer a cost-effective and durable solution for a wide range of DIY projects, and with creative enhancements, they can be transformed into visually appealing and functional elements for the homestead.
If you have any specific questions or would like to share your own experiences with cinder block projects, I'd love to hear from you!
