What’s actually slowing this PC down?
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
ThatPainter is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn More
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Cinder blocks earn their place in DIY projects because they are modular, durable and easy to rearrange. The strongest documented builds use them for a raised bed, planter bench, bench, fire-pit surround and outdoor bar base. Seven more ideas below are concrete-project concepts that can inspire block adaptations, but they are not published, tested cinder-block plans. That distinction matters whenever a project carries people, heat, soil pressure or exercise loads.
Recommended Free Tools
Why cinder blocks work so well for outdoor DIY
A standard masonry block gives you a heavy, stackable module with a hollow core and a flat bearing surface. You can create a base by arranging blocks, add wood or another top material, then alter the layout without demolishing a poured structure. That makes blocks useful for gardens, seating and outdoor work areas where dimensions may change over time.
#1 Best Overall
- PERFECT FOR WOOD STOVES AND FIREPLACES: Our fire bricks are made from high-quality clay and are designed to withstand high temperatures, making them ideal for use in wood stoves, fireplaces, and other heating applications.
- INSULATING MATERIAL: Fire bricks are made from a dense, insulating material that helps to retain heat and reduce the amount of heat lost through the chimney or fireplace. This can help to save on heating costs and improve the efficiency of your heating system.
- DURABLE AND LONG-LASTING: Fire bricks are highly durable and can withstand prolonged exposure to high temperatures, making them a long-lasting investment for your home.
- EASY TO INSTALL: Fire bricks are easy to install and can be used in a variety of applications. They can be used to line the inside of a fireplace or wood stove, or they can be stacked to create a sturdy foundation for a hearth.
- VERSATILE: Fire bricks can be used in a variety of heating applications, including wood stoves, fireplaces, and ovens. They are also commonly used in industrial applications, such as foundry ovens and kilns.
The simplicity has limits. A dry stack that is suitable for a low garden bed is not automatically suitable for a retaining wall, seat, bar supporting appliances or exercise equipment. The projects below identify what the cited instructions actually establish and where a builder would be making an adaptation.
The 13 project ideas
1. Raised garden bed — directly documented block build
University of Missouri Extension describes stacked concrete blocks as a simple raised-bed method. For beds under two feet tall, its guidance says blocks can be stacked without mortar or footings. Offset the joints between layers rather than aligning every seam; the interlocked pattern improves stability.
- Mark a level rectangle or other footprint where the bed will receive adequate sun.
- Lay the first course evenly, checking that corners meet and the blocks do not rock.
- Add courses with each layer’s seams offset from the layer below.
- Keep the structure below two feet if you are relying on the cited dry-stack guidance, then fill it with growing medium suited to the plants.
This is a garden-bed recommendation, not a specification for a tall retaining wall. Soil pressure, frost, slopes and local construction requirements can change the design.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →2. Cinder-block planter bench — directly documented project
A Home Depot Canada project combines eight-inch blocks with cedar posts to make a bench whose block openings hold plants. The listed materials include landscape adhesive, hardware mesh, landscape fabric, potting mix and plants, in addition to the blocks and posts.
- Lay out the block footprint and dry-fit the courses so the post openings line up.
- Build no more than four blocks in height, following that project’s recommendation.
- Secure the blocks and cedar with a landscape adhesive intended for the assembly; do not assume an adhesive is appropriate for every dry-stack design.
- Use hardware mesh and landscape fabric where the planter cavities need support and separation, then add potting mix and plants.
- Check that the seat surface is fully supported and that the finished unit cannot rock before anyone sits down.
The four-block limit is specific to this retailer project, not a universal engineering rule for every bench.
3. Outdoor block-and-post bench — directly documented arrangement
The same Home Depot Canada instructions show a simpler outdoor bench made from blocks and cedar posts. The blocks provide the supports while the posts form the seat. The assembly must be secured rather than left as loose pieces.
Rank #2
- 1/12 Scale Accessories for Dollhouse: there are 24 pieces of gray mini cinder blocks in the package, which are sufficient to meet your decorative needs, so you can apply the ABS blocks for dollhouse buildings, you can also share them with your family and close friends
- Mini Bricks: these miniature cinder blocks are approx. 1.18 x 0.6 inches/ 3 x 1.5 cm, suitable for 1/12 scale doll house building, so you can choose the miniature building bricks with confidence, please check the size carefully before purchasing
- Versatile Uses: these mini building blocks can be applied as sand table scene scenery building accessories, plant landscape decorations, model train village kit and so on, and these dollhouse bricks can be served as gifts for family members, miniature enthusiasts, classmates and colleagues
- Safe and Reliable Material: these mini blocks come with hollow designs, relatively light, made of abs materials, which are realistic and firm, not easy to break or deform; These miniature cinder bricks will bring you long time application and make your models more realistic
- Combine Fun and Skill Improvement: these 1/12 scale mini bricks have realistic appearance, which can attract your little ones' attention; You can make use of them to cultivate little ones' creativity and patience, mini real bricks allow you to DIY dollhouse scenes and build fake buildings with your family members, have a pleasant time
Use a level surface, keep the supports symmetrically spaced and verify that each post bears evenly. Because the source gives an arrangement rather than a load rating, do not treat the design as approved for unusually high loads, public seating or a long unsupported span.
4. Fire-pit surround — directly documented surround project
The Home Depot fire-pit guide uses concrete pavers or blocks to form a ring or surround. Its siting instruction is the critical part: choose a location safely away from buildings and low-hanging tree branches.
- Check local fire restrictions before selecting a site.
- Clear combustible vegetation and place the surround on a stable, noncombustible area appropriate for the fire-pit product.
- Arrange the blocks or pavers as the guide shows, keeping the ring even and accessible for ash removal.
- Follow the fire-pit manufacturer’s operating and clearance instructions every time you burn.
This is a surround, not a code-compliant masonry fireplace. Fireplace construction is addressed separately by model masonry and building codes, and local jurisdictions may impose additional clearances or bans.
5. Outdoor bar or kitchen base — directly documented block build
QUIKRETE documents an outdoor bar built with concrete block and a surface-bonding material. The project starts on a level concrete slab and emphasizes carefully leveling the first course; errors in that course carry through the entire bar.
- Prepare or use a level concrete slab capable of supporting the intended bar.
- Dry-lay the first course, checking level and alignment in both directions.
- Build the block body and apply the specified surface-bonding material according to its instructions.
- Plan openings and service routes before closing the walls.
- Customize the top and compartments for features such as a grill, refrigerator, shelves or sink, provided the selected appliances and utilities are designed for outdoor use.
Cement-based work requires eye protection and waterproof gloves. Appliance, gas, electrical and plumbing connections require their own product instructions and any required permits.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute6. Outdoor potting counter — concrete catalog idea adapted to blocks
QUIKRETE lists an outdoor potting counter in its project catalog, but the listing does not establish a cinder-block design. You can adapt the idea by using blocks as a support base and adding a weather-resistant worktop.
Rank #3
- Abundant to Use: you will get 50 pieces of EVA foam blocks, size for each block is about 8 x 4 x 2.4 inches, ideal to build toy houses or buildings, to play games and enjoy with family and close friends; Notice: the product is newly made, the material is tasteless, and the pigment painted on the surface has a slight smell; It can be placed in a ventilated place and blown for two days, and the smell will dissipate without causing harm to children
- Reliable Material: foam building blocks are made of nice EVA foam material, smooth and with no burrs, safe to play, compact and light in weight, easy to carry and will not cause scratches or bring a burden; if the product is dirty, you can wash it with water or dish soap, you can't brush it with a brush, which will scratch the surface of the product, you can use a rag
- Have Fun and Learn: cinder blocks can also be teaching toys, to inspire imagination and cultivate manual skills, with these tools you can also let your students them participate in simple projects about science, technology, engineering or mathematics, develop motor skills and hand eye coordination, to learn knowledge while having fun stacking
- Gift for Loved Ones: the large foam blocks can be ideal gifts for your family and friends, to let them have fun in stacking and construction, creating DIY buildings, if you are a teacher, you can also use these in the classroom, so students can relax at spare time
- Realistic and Classic: fake foam brick is in actual size for the bricks, the color is realistic as real, not easy to fade, serve you for a long time, and you can also use them as decorations for construction themed parties or photo props
Keep the counter height and footprint comfortable for standing work, provide a stable top that cannot slide, and leave room for soil, tools and drainage water. Treat the adaptation as your own design: the catalog entry supplies the concept, not block dimensions, fastening details or a tested load rating.
7. Concrete planter — concrete craft concept, not a sourced block plan
The catalog also lists a concrete planter as a forming project. A block-based version could use a block cavity as a planting pocket or combine blocks with a separate liner, but that is an untested adaptation rather than the documented project.
Use a liner when the planting mix would otherwise sit directly against a questionable surface, provide drainage that will not stain adjacent paving, and choose plants suited to the cavity’s volume and exposure. Do not assume every block core is watertight or frost-proof.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
8. Concrete-and-iron bar table — concrete craft concept, not a sourced block plan
A concrete-and-iron bar table appears in the project catalog. To reinterpret it with blocks, use blocks as a broad pedestal and add an iron or steel frame that positively connects to a top. The catalog does not provide connection details, dimensions or a stability test for that arrangement.
Keep the center of gravity low, prevent the top from rotating and check that the finished table cannot tip when someone leans on an edge.
9. Concrete coffee table — concrete craft concept, not a sourced block plan
The listed concrete coffee table is a cast-concrete idea. A block adaptation could place a slab, tile or wood top over two separated block supports, creating storage between them.
Rank #4
- A VERY UNIQUE GIFT – Surprise them with a highly original gift that is sure to be appreciated! Our 1/12 scale mini cinder blocks make the perfect accessory for an office desk, a birthday present, or a diorama accessory.
- DESIGNED WITH ACCURACY – These miniature blocks are made of real cement. They are 1/12 scale, measuring 1.2” x .6”. Their wall thickness is also to scale. They are undoubtedly the most accurate scale miniature cinder block available.
- MANY USES – Often used for diorama supplies, dollhouse miniatures, scale r/c accessories, or a cool desktop toy! These miniature blocks are extremely versatile.
- HANDMADE IN THE USA! - We only use authentic construction materials. We also keep our entire production process in-house to ensure the greatest level of quality and attention to detail.
- WARNING - CHOKING HAZARD. SMALL PARTS. NOT FOR CHILDREN UNDER 8 YEARS OLD.
Use a top wide enough to resist tipping, protect sharp corners in high-traffic areas and secure the top if children or pets could push against it. No load rating or tested block layout is supplied by the catalog listing.
10. Concrete patio chair — concrete craft concept, not a sourced block plan
QUIKRETE lists a concrete patio chair, but not a block chair construction. Blocks can suggest a pedestal or side-support concept, yet a seat needs a comfortable height, a stable back and reliable resistance to tipping.
Do not rely on loose blocks beneath a narrow seat. A wood or metal seat should bear on a broad, level support and be fastened when the design is intended for repeated use.
11. Concrete bucket stool — concrete craft concept, not a sourced block plan
The concrete bucket stool is another catalog concept rather than a documented cinder-block build. A block version might use one or more blocks as a base with a separate padded seat, but the result must be checked for rocking and edge hazards.
Keep the footprint wider than the seat’s likely tipping envelope, use a level surface and inspect the arrangement regularly if it is left outdoors.
12. Dog-bowl stand — concrete craft concept, not a sourced block plan
QUIKRETE lists a concrete dog-bowl stand without saying that it uses blocks. A block adaptation can raise bowls to a chosen height, but the cavities and edges must be safe for the animal.
Best Value
- Size: 9" x 4.5" x 1.25"; Withstands Up to 2300°F/1260°C; 12 Pieces; Material Composition: Alumina & Silica.
Use bowls that cannot slide into an opening, smooth or cap sharp edges, and place the stand where spilled water will not create a slippery path. The correct height depends on the dog, so measure the animal rather than copying a generic dimension.
13. Weight bench — concrete craft concept with a serious load warning
The catalog includes a concrete weight-bench project, but it does not establish that a cinder-block arrangement can safely carry exercise loads. A person, barbell and dynamic movement create forces that exceed a simple static furniture load.
Do not substitute stacked blocks for a designed weight bench. Any exercise adaptation needs a documented structural design, positive connections, a level foundation and a load assessment by someone qualified to evaluate it.
What the projects require
| Project | Evidence status | Defining requirements or materials | Main concern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raised garden bed | Missouri Extension block guidance | Dry-stacked blocks; offset layers; under two feet for no-mortar, no-footing guidance | Soil pressure and material choice around edible crops |
| Planter bench | Home Depot Canada project | Eight-inch blocks, cedar posts, adhesive, hardware mesh, landscape fabric, potting mix | Secure assembly and project-specific four-block height recommendation |
| Outdoor bench | Home Depot Canada arrangement | Blocks, cedar posts and a secured assembly | Seat stability and unsupported span |
| Fire-pit surround | Home Depot project | Concrete pavers or blocks; safe siting | Clearances, local fire rules and heat exposure |
| Outdoor bar or kitchen base | QUIKRETE block project | Level concrete slab, level first course, surface-bonding material | Foundation level, appliance loads and utilities |
| Potting counter | Concrete catalog concept; block adaptation | Block supports and weather-resistant worktop | Top stability and drainage |
| Concrete planter | Concrete catalog concept; block adaptation | Block cavity or separate liner | Water retention, drainage and freeze exposure |
| Concrete-and-iron bar table | Concrete catalog concept; block adaptation | Block pedestal, iron or steel frame and top | Positive connections and tipping |
| Concrete coffee table | Concrete catalog concept; block adaptation | Block supports with slab, tile or wood top | Top movement and edge safety |
| Concrete patio chair | Concrete catalog concept; block adaptation | Broad supports and a separate seat | Tip resistance and comfort |
| Concrete bucket stool | Concrete catalog concept; block adaptation | Block base with separate seat | Rocking and sharp edges |
| Dog-bowl stand | Concrete catalog concept; block adaptation | Block support and secured bowls | Animal-safe edges and spill control |
| Weight bench | Concrete catalog concept; adaptation not established | Requires a designed, connected support system | Dynamic exercise loads and failure risk |
Safety questions to settle before building
Are cement blocks safe for an edible raised bed?
University of Maryland Extension explains that cement, cinder and concrete blocks use cement and fine aggregates, and that fly ash may be included. Product labels do not identify every aggregate, fly ash can contain heavy metals or hazardous waste, and research data on the issue is limited. The page does not provide a definitive yes-or-no answer: “Ultimately, this becomes a personal choice based on your comfort level.”
If that uncertainty concerns you, the page suggests sealing blocks with polymer paint or choosing another material. Sealing should be treated as a risk-reduction choice, not a guarantee that migration cannot occur. Use a liner or another bed material when that better fits your comfort level and growing plans.
When is dry stacking appropriate?
The under-two-foot, no-mortar guidance applies to the Missouri Extension raised-bed example. It should not be extended to tall walls, earth-retaining structures, seating supports or heavy equipment. Taller or heavily loaded construction needs a design that accounts for foundation, reinforcement, connections, drainage and local requirements.
What does drainage code actually cover?
The 2024 International Residential Code foundation-drainage provision addresses concrete or masonry foundations that retain earth and enclose below-grade usable space. It is not a universal raised-bed drainage prescription. A garden bed still needs practical drainage for its plants, but the model-code provision should not be presented as though it directly governs every planter.
Recommended Free Tools
How should fire projects be treated?
Use the fire-pit guide’s clearance advice, then check current local restrictions and the appliance or fire-pit manufacturer’s instructions. The 2018 International Building Code contains separate masonry and fireplace provisions, and local adoption varies. A block ring or surround should never be marketed as a code-compliant fireplace without a design and jurisdictional review.
A practical decision guide
- Choose the raised bed when you want the clearest dry-stack use and can keep the wall under two feet.
- Choose a planter bench or simple bench when you can secure the assembly and verify that the seating surface is stable.
- Choose the fire-pit surround only after confirming clearances, local rules and the fire feature’s instructions.
- Choose the outdoor bar base when you have a level slab and a plan for appliances, utilities and weather exposure.
- Use the seven catalog concepts as inspiration, not as ready-made block plans; each needs its own dimensions, connections and load check.
That combination of modular geometry and honest limits is the real reason these projects appeal to DIYers. Blocks make experimentation accessible, while the documented builds show exactly where a simple stack is appropriate—and where a custom structural design is required.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
