How Much Do Split-Face CMU Blocks Cost in 2024?

Average CMU Block Wall Cost

Split-Face CMU Block Project Cost Factors

The material and labor costs to install split-face CMU blocks depend mainly on the project scale and number of blocks required.

Number of Blocks

Split-face blocks cost $3 to $5 each or about $15 to $40 per square foot, averaging $31 per square foot. Standard blocks measure 8-by-8-by-16 inches, which represents the nominal measurement that accounts for the width of the mortar joint—the actual dimensions are slightly less.

Suppliers often sell split-face blocks in individual blocks or pallets and they may offer various block sizes. The total number of blocks your project needs depends on the total square footage of your wall. For instance, if your wall is four feet (48 inches) high and 10 feet (120 inches) long, you’ll need four rows of 15 eight-inch blocks for a total of 90 blocks. Buffer your amounts by about 5% to account for damaged or modified blocks.

See these split-face block cost ranges based on various wall dimensions, factoring in about 5% extra blocks but not including labor or additional materials.

Style Variations

Split-face blocks are available in various styles and finishes, which can affect pricing. Surface finish options include staining or painting the block, sandblasting to create a more uniform texture, or adding clear or pigmented sealant to preserve and enhance the concrete’s natural color.

Standard blocks come in natural gray or tan shades, but custom colors are available at premium prices. Split-faced styles generally come with one split side, and costs increase for decorative patterns or dual-sided blocks for corners or doubled-sided walls to account for additional manufacturing.

Weight Capacity

Split-face block prices may vary depending on their weight capacity. Blocks used for structural load-bearing purposes, such as retaining walls and foundations, typically must comply with ASTM and building code regulations. Non-structural blocks may cost less and are reserved for decorative purposes, such as veneer siding or backsplashes.

Labor

Labor to install split-face cinder blocks costs between $11 and $18 per square foot or between $50 and $75 per hour. Installation costs for split-face blocks depend on the project’s complexity and the contractor’s expertise. If applicable, your block wall contractor’s estimate may include the cost of material delivery.

Foundations, retaining walls, and other load-bearing projects in particular may require extra work to accommodate deeper footings. Trenching for block foundations costs $5 to $12 per linear foot. Regardless of the wall type, framing and support beams for windows and doors, corners, curved walls, and complex shapes or other design features also add to the complexity and total labor costs. Filling walls with cement and rebar costs between $1 and $5.25 per square foot.

Location

The installation’s terrain and location affect its design, construction, materials, labor, and total costs. To ensure the stability and building code compliance of your structure, contractors must consider the soil conditions, site accessibility and constraints, terrain slope, and other factors. For example, sloped or rugged terrain may require excavation, ranging from $50 to $200 per cubic yard, to make it suitable and accessible for construction.

Waterproofing and Sealing

Ranging from $2 to $10 per square foot, sealing and waterproofing are essential for most split-face cement block installations. Porous cement can absorb moisture from rain and humidity, which may lead to structural damage. Recommended for new installations and every three to seven years following, sealing treatments allow water to roll off the surface of the blocks.

Other options are more complex but provide more comprehensive protection against water damage than sealant alone. Contractors often recommend adding drainage pipes, gravel, weep holes, flashing, and other waterproofing systems to your installation.

Permit

Most municipalities require a permit, which costs between $50 and $500, before your contractor proceeds with the installation. Permit requirements vary depending on the area, wall size, and wall location, but you can generally expect any load-bearing wall installation or remodeling to require a permit.

Split-Face CMU Block Cost by Project Type

The type of project and intended wall use significantly influence the site preparation, materials, and other factors that impact final costs.

Interior Block Walls

Interior block walls cost $10 to $15 per square foot, with higher costs reflecting additional materials or labor for insulation, surface finishes, and other factors. Intended primarily for decorative purposes, interior split-face walls often use higher-quality blocks.

Compared to new construction, removing a wall to replace it with a new split-face block wall adds costs for demolition. If it’s a load-bearing wall, expenses may increase to hire a structural engineer, obtain permits, purchase load-bearing blocks, and install supportive structures.

Retaining Walls or Outdoor Walls

Ranging from $23 to $40 per square foot, split-face retaining walls are built to withstand the weight of soil and prevent erosion. The main variable in retaining wall costs is excavation and grading needs since they require a level foundation.

Split-face outdoor walls are also used in other structures, including garages, sheds, and fences. Expect to pay between $8 and $40 per square foot for outdoor walls.

Split-Face Veneer Siding

Averaging between $12 and $38 per square foot, split-face concrete veneer siding is a decorative finish designed to be applied over exterior surfaces, such as brick or stone walls. These blocks aren’t load-bearing and can’t be used to build walls alone. Split-face veneer also serves interior purposes, such as kitchen backsplashes, bathrooms, and fireplaces.

Split-face concrete veneer is an alternative to other common forms of veneer, typically stone or synthetic materials, and it usually carries higher material costs than other options.

Foundation

Constructing a foundation from split-face concrete blocks costs between $15 and $23 per square foot. One of the main cost variables, site preparation is necessary to ensure a stable base and long-term structural integrity. Block foundations usually require rebar reinforcements and waterproofing. In addition to foundations, this wall type is used for crawl spaces, above-ground basements, and stem walls.

Budgeting for Split-Face CMU Blocks

Split-face cement block projects carry widely varying costs. Consider these strategies to help manage your budget:

• Get detailed estimates from several contractors to secure the best value for your investment.

• Research contractor discounts or offers for off-season projects.

• Opt for waterproofing and periodic sealing to keep your wall in good shape and prevent repair costs.

• Minimize customization or extra details to blocks.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.