5 Things to Do with… Cinder Blocks

Cinder blocks: They are inexpensive, reliable, and strong but are light enough to be easily used in DIY projects. The hollow center reduces blocks’ overall weight and, in construction projects, allows room for insulation. DIYers can take advantage of cinder blocks’ design, leveraging it to build strong yet easy-to-assemble structures at home or in the yard. Here are five favorites:

1. MAKE A PLANTER

Annette (from outdoor living and garden shopPotted) came up with this brilliant, inexpensivewall planter feature, which gives plenty of visual interest to a standard cinder-block dividing wall. The project uses Liquid Nails to hold everything together, which means no mixing of mortar or masonry skills required.

2. MAKE A BIRDHOUSE

Lowe’s Creative Ideas shows how to use the empty space within a cinder block to createa little living spacefor your avian friends.

3. BUILD A RAISED GARDEN BED

If you’re interested in raised bed gardening and are planning to stay in your home, building your beds from cinder block (rather than wood) may prove a wise investment. Acinder-block bedwill last for decades and provides a rigid structure that you can sit upon while tending and harvesting. Plus, the open structure of the cinder blocks allows for easy insertion of stakes, trellises, and other supports.

4.建立一个欧TDOOR BENCH

For only $30this homeownercreated an outdoor room feel using a cinder block base and outdoor fabric—no masonry or mortar required, but a seriously functional, attractive space for very little money.

5. MAKE A MULTIPURPOSE TABLE

Kristin was inspired by Annette’s planter wall above but shortened the scale and added a solid wood top to make anoutdoor bar and counter space,perfect for dining out on the porch and entertaining.