Cinder blocks offer a versatile, affordable building material to create statement pieces for your backyard. With a bit of imagination, these structural blocks can be transformed into gorgeous, functional fixtures perfect for entertaining, storage, gardening and more.
Discover our top 10 game-changing DIY backyard projects you can build with basic cinder blocks.
Overview of Backyard Cinder Block Project Ideas
Before diving into the specific cinder block projects, let’s overview the benefits of using these fundamental construction units for backyard builds.
- Cinder blocks provide a sturdy, weather-resistant material for outdoor use.
- Their hollow design makes them lightweight compared to solid concrete, helping simplify builds.
- The rectangular shape and flat sides stack neatly and make structurally sound creations.
- They are extremely affordable, costing roughly $1-2 per standard block.
- Minimal tools and skills are required for assembly.
- Endless customization potential exists with decorative finishes.
These winning qualities lend cinder blocks perfectly for DIY backyard projects both functional for storage and organization, as well as aesthetically pleasing focal points.
The following 10 cinder block project ideas range from fire pits and planters, to innovative kitchens and fountains. Read on for inspiration!
#1 Cinder Block Fire Pits
Turn any backyard or patio into a cozy gathering spot after dark with a custom cinder block fire pit. Choose from circular, square or rectangular layouts depending on your space.
Design Considerations
Stack standard 8″ x 8″ x 16″ concrete blocks three high, or invest in larger formats for taller pit walls. For safety, line the interior with firebricks or a heavy-duty steel fire pit insert. Surround with crushed stone, pea gravel or pavers for aesthetics.
Up the comfort factor with weather-resistant outdoor pillows and an inviting seating area around the glow.
Decor Styles
For a natural vibe, accent with locally sourced stones and logs or tree rounds as informal seats. Or go modern with sleek concrete caps and contemporary outdoor sofa pairings.
Tips for Success
- Level ground before starting for even stacking.
- Stagger vertical block seams for stability.
- Incorporate ventilation gaps under metal pit inserts.
- Follow all local fire codes and safety best practices.
#2 Stylish Cinder Block Planters
Another way to spruce up tired exteriors is by peppering the property with greenery. Use hollow cinder blocks as inventive planters to provide drainage and protect plants from pests.
Plant Selection
Not all florals thrive in cinder block planters. Focus on varieties with shallow roots like herbs, succulents, and annual flowers. Deeper rooted plants may become root bound. Consider the individual needs of each plant regarding sun requirements, soil needs and size at maturity for proper pairings.
Design Adaptations
Drill multiple drainage holes in block bottoms to prevent waterlogging. Nest plastic grow pots inside blocks for double protection. Or completely line interior walls with landscape fabric to prevent soil contact and aid drainage.
Place water-catching saucers under blocks to protect surrounding structures from moisture damage and prevent erosion on slopes.
Style Considerations
Customize blocks with paint, stain or faux finishes like faux bois. Top with wooden trim accents or distressed shutters. Arrange blocks in geometric patterns or staggered groupings across properties for interest.
#3 Comfortable Cinder Block Benches
Create casual seating spots around patios, gardens and outdoor rooms with inventive cinder block benches. Tailor heights and lengths to suit needs.
Construction Tips
Stack blocks at least three high, applying construction adhesive between layers for stability. Level blocks side-to-side for comfort. Place wooden boards atop caps as seat rests. Or opt for one long metal bench capped over block base.
Material Considerations
Soften harsh block textures under seating areas with weather-resistant pillows and cushions. Anchor furniture coverings in place with industrial Velcro strips on inside vertical surfaces to prevent slippage.
Select rot-resistant wood species like cedar or composite boards for benches. Aluminum and galvanized steel offer durable metal alternatives.
Safety Best Practices
Ensure benches can support intended capacities to avoid collapses. Taller designs may require advanced reinforcement from rebar stakes and adhesive anchors. Always test newly built furniture without overloading to check stability and make any necessary adjustments.
#4 Productive Raised Garden Beds
Raised cinder block planting beds provide the perfect solution for urban gardeners and yards with poor drainage or compacted soil. Simply outline shapes on grass then fill frames with ideal growing mediums for healthy, bountiful harvests.
Size Considerations
Standard 8″ high blocks offer decent height, but larger 4″ x 8″ x 16″ formats better accommodate plants with deep root zones and vegetables. Lengths and widths depend on space allotted and typical mature plant diameters.
Material Fill Options
While garden soil alone provides adequate growing power, blended mixes create optimal conditions. Combine topsoil with compost, manure, coco coir or vermiculite for stellar drainage and moisture retention that supports most plants.
Enhancing Features
Elevate designs by edging beds with decorative wood or steel borders. Use rebar as horizontal trellis supports for climbing crops. Top frames with wood caps to allow seating while tending crops.
#5 Handy Cinder Block Potting Tables
Taking container gardening to the next level, these innovative cinder block potting tables provide perfect surfaces for transplanting seedlings mid-season.
Structural Components
Tables require two main sections: 1) A top table area for working and 2) Bottom shelving for storing potting soil bags and catching drainage spillage.
Adhere blocks together with landscape construction adhesive for stability. Height depends on that needed for comfortable use based on if working sitting or standing.
Accessory Additions
Include helpful features like electrical outlets, hose hooks and wheeled bases. Anchor hanging plant rod systems underneath to showcase overflowing floral displays.
Top surfaces can be finished raw or with adhered materials like pavers, poured concrete or stone for smooth, flat work zones.
#6 Decorative Poolside Planters
Make a stylish splash by dotting ornamental poolside planters around properties to enhance landscapes with color and texture contrast.
Prep Work Essentials
Properly waterproof cinder block interiors with multiple coats of sealing masonry paint if unlined, allowing full cure times between applications. Drill artistic drain holes along bottom edges rather than dead center to avoid pooling water on block tops.
Plant & Accessory Pairings
Select aquatic plants suited to poolside environments. Consider taller pillar candle obelisks, cascading ivy toppers and mini water features or statues as focal points. Soften block edges with outdoor foam padding and water-safe liners or fabrics.
Finishing Touches
Incorporate complementary pavers as block bases. Add LEDgrow lights along top edges for drama. Use vibrant patio or lounge cushions on tops to double seating and highlight vignettes.
#7 Cinder Block Retaining Walls
Terraced retaining walls constructed from cinder blocks elegantly resolve tricky elevation changes across properties. They also double as extra seating!
Structural Stability
Proper foundations are critical for enduring retaining walls, requiring compacted gravel bases at least 12″ deep. Embed first block rows partially below grade for anchoring. Stake vertical rebar rods down through block openings for reinforcement.
Backfill carefully in gradual lifts of 6″ or less, tamping soil behind walls as you stack for compression strength. Lean blocks backwards slightly against backfill for support.
Aesthetic Options
From natural stone or crushed rock veneers, to sleek textures like stacked stone, the design choices are limitless. Paint blocks or mortar vibrant glass fragments in between for twinkling accents. Top with wood or stone caps both functional and beautiful.
#8 Chic Outdoor Kitchens & Bars
Craft a fully-loaded entertainment space with a DIY cinder block outdoor kitchen or bar. Complete with food prep stations, storage, serving counters and more.
Equipment & Appliance Considerations
Incorporate a smoker, grill, mini fridge, kegerator tap or other specialty appliances into frame openings. Include fuel sources like propane tanks or natural gas lines during early construction phases.
Ventilate chambers underneath appliances properly to prevent dangerous gas buildups. Follow all codes and manuals for safe clearance specs and enclosure rules.
Design Details
Clad front-facing block walls in heat-resistant materials like stone veneers or fireproof cement boards. Contrast with warm wood cabinetry housing dishes, barware and pantry essentials. Top counters and prep zones in smooth concrete, butcher block or marble for durability and style.
Finishing Concepts
Incorporate a stainless steel sink, alcohol display shelving, pendant lighting, sound systems and artwork like hand-painted murals or mosaic tiles for extra personality!
#9 Coolers & Beverage Stations
Sip drinks in style with custom cinder block coolers chilling beverages perfectly. Add drains, taps and lighting for fully-functional DIY bars.
Hollow Ice Chambers
Strategically leave some cinder block chambers open for packing with bags of ice to embue cooling properties. Use waterproof caulking to seal off gaps so icy air stays inside, without melting overflow issues.
Plumbing & Electrical
Install copper pipes for beverage taps, drains and pump systems if adding cascading water features. LED lighting casts a moody ambiance. Ensure all wiring and plumbing follows local codes.
Personal Touches
Make the space your own with chalkboard paint menus, corrugated metal sidings or license plate bar signs. Match any existing architectural styles like modern, industrial, rustic and more.
#10 Whimsical Yard Art Sculptures
Add free-form concrete sculptures cast from custom wooden cinder block molds for an eternally changing art display. Shape everyday building materials into playful abstract creations dotting the landscape.
Planning Formwork
Craft molds from plywood, 2×4 lumber and wood trims to shape fluid forms before pouring concrete. Determine desired sculpture sizes, structural integrity needs and embellishment plans when drafting frames.
Casting Concepts
Line mold forms with plastic sheeting for quick release after curing concrete mixes. Make imprint textures in surfaces with rubber stamps before drying. Or press found objects like shells, tiles or glass shards into designs representing inherent beauty.
Distressing Methods
Once cured, intentionally crack, chip or scuff sculpture surfaces with hammers to mimic aged, time-worn antiquities. Stain random areas in contrasting colors for extra dimension. Apply protective sealants if displaying outdoors.
The possibilities are endless for a backyard cinder block project. Match builds to needs and style preferences using the fundamental medium of concrete blocks for handsome form and unlimited function in exterior spaces.
