25+ Cinder Block Projects You Need for the Homestead

cinder block projects

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!

Backyard Bar

Bench

Drylok 275 Masonry Waterproofer Water-Based White, 5-Gallon Pail
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Bench 2

Bench 3

Bench with a Back

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)

Cinder Block Fire Pit

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.

Desk

Fence

Fire Pit

Fire Pit 2

Flooring or Patio Base

Foundation for Rain Barrels

The final 13

Kindling Holder

Kindling/firewood holder 2 This 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.

GE HENKEL-2816709
  • General Electric GE5020 Concrete and Masonry Silicone II Caulk, 10.1-Ounce, Light Grey

Outdoor Kitchen

Portable Outdoor Fireplace

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

Privacy Wall

Raised Garden Bed

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.

Retaining Wall 2

Shelving (and check out their DIY Root Cellar in the process!)

Shelving 2

Shelving 3

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 landscape to 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!

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?

 

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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 2024-03-28 at 15:26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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