25 Cinder and Cement Block Projects For Your Home

Cinder or cement block projects are a great way to add new elements to your home when you are on a budget. If you are wondering what to do with your old cinder blocks, here are 25 ideas to consider. 

You might think this is a new trend, but using cinder blocks around the home has been around a long time! Many people used them in their first-homes when furniture was too expensive.  

1. Cinder block bed base

There are many options for using cinder blocks as a bed base. In this example, the cinder blocks are placed with a small distance between them. The cinder blocks run along all sides of the mattress. You can see that they use the little spaces for shoes which is a great extra storage option. 

Others have placed the cinder blocks as a full base, meaning it runs the enter length and width of the mattress, including the center. Place a wooden board on top of the cinder blocks, then add your mattress. 

2. Backyard bar

Do away with vinyl and glass and replace your decor with something more outdoorsy! A backyard bar is easy to create and gives a great look to any outdoor area. 

A great example of a cinder block bar comes from Play Dates and Parties. Three columns of cinder blocks sit atop a base of them. The top is pallets and wood and you can see there is plenty of storage below. There is a full tutorial on their website.

3. Simple cinder block bench

From Fab Everyday we have this gorgeous cinder block bench. It would be a perfect addition to a garden area! They offer a full tutorial to help you make your own.

4. DIY seating area with cinder blocks

This gorgeous cinder block seating area from Be Happy Be Me features a comfy cushioned area that is set atop a wood piece. The sides use cinder blocks that work to hold it together. The sides make an excellent place for that cup of coffee while you enjoy the sights and sounds in your yard. 

5. Colorful DIY cinder block bench

This simple bench is easy to make and features nothing but wood and cinder blocks. What makes this one special is the colors. The stain on the wood gives it a deep orange hue which complements the blue-gray painted cinder blocks perfectly. 

6. Brick rocket stove

This is my own project that we created as part of our preparedness plan. This DIY rocket stove is made of cinder bricks as opposed to cinder blocks to help let the heat transfer. 

7. Chicken coop foundation

Keep your chickens extra safe by putting a layer of blocks around the base of the chicken coop or under the checking coop exterior. This will help keep diggers out and provide them a safe environment from predators.

8. Cinder block fire pit

Creating a fire pit does not need to be expensive, or fancy. A few layers of cinder blocks on a solid platform are all you need to get those warm fall nights going. 

9. Cinder block compost bin

An easy-to-make compost bin is perfect for us preppers. The blocks create the bin area, and you can add more if needed. The chicken wire is a cheap option for keeping everything contained.

10. Cinder block desk

Simple and gorgeous! This cinder block desk from The Merry Thought features two columns of cinder blocks with a wood top. A perfect cost-effective desk for any room in the house. The cinder blocks also make great storage areas for your office goods.

11. Cinder block fencing

A unique fence idea from My Heart Song. The fence features cinder blocks at each corner with real cedar posts running through them. This fence is simple, affordable, and gives great country vibes. 

12. Cinder block grill

Create this concrete block fire pit in any size. This example is a large cooking area with grates to lay out your grub and even a pole to allow you to hang a vessel to warm up liquids. 

13. Cinder block bookshelf

The Crazy Craft Lady created this beautiful bookshelf. If you have a more rustic decor, then this is the bookshelf for you. It is cheap, easy, and looks great. While she used concrete pavers because she wanted to keep it lower, this can be done with actual concrete blocks too. The distance between the shelves may be a big higher than what is shown here. 

14. Cinder block rain barrels

Using cinder blocks to raise up rain barrels is highly recommended. When they are off the ground it reduces dirt from getting into the spout and makes it easier to access. 

15. Cinder block kindling holder

Cheap and easy! There is no reason to buy an expensive kindling holder. A few concrete blocks with wood posts and you have a good- looking holder for your firewood. Paint the blocks for a more unique look! 

16. Firewood holder

Another option for bigger pieces of firewood that may not be good for the kindle holder above. This one does require the ability to cut the blocks in half so you can use to blocks to create a bigger storage area. 

17. Outdoor grilling station from cinder blocks

If upping your grilling game is your thing, this grilling station may be just what you need. Forget those small grill sides that barely hold your utensils. Create a station that gives you plenty of space to be a true grill master. Cinder blocks are the base of this beauty and a wood butcher block style top gives it purpose and style. 

18. Outdoor portable concrete block fireplace

This creative idea allows for the fireplace to be moved to different locations in the yard. The cinder blocks are laid out to create a pit-like area and then the grills are set in between for easy cooking. Using the blocks for storage of utensils is a bonus.

19. Privacy wall

A beautiful way to get some distance from the neighbors or to create a special area where you can get in touch with nature in peace. A privacy wall made from concrete blocks can be done in many ways. I love the example here that has ledges for planters.

20. Raised garden bed

Whether you are looking to plant flowers or vegetables, a raised garden bed is a great way to do it. Using concrete blocks can elevate your entire garden and provide all the benefits of doing so.  

21. Retaining wall

This retaining wall was done at an elementary school to help prevent water from getting onto the sidewalk. It was part of a project that the kids used as a learning opportunity. Inside each cinder block flowers were planted for a more beautiful look. 

22. Colorful cinder block succulent garden

A Kailo Chic Life post has one of my favorite – and most beautiful cinder block ideas. As a fan of succulents, this cinder block wall gives me all the feels. The creative layout with colorful elements adds so much whimsy and fun to the backyard. 

23. Cinder block sofa bed

Bring the cinder blocks indoors with the adorable sofa bed concept. The base is a variety of cinder blocks with a thick foamy layer for comfort. Colorful pillows bring some warmth to the harshness of the concrete. But, painting those blocks can bring a whole new level of color pop too! 

24. Interior cinder block planter

These stunning stenciled cinder blocks are from Royal Design Studio. While they have used them as plant holders, if you flip them in a different direction they could make great bookshelves too! Proof cinder blocks can be beautiful. 

25.  Bedroom night stands from cinder blocks

Love the simplicity of these! Night stands from concrete blocks are a perfect fit for industrial decor and can be used in several ways. Here we see two one hole blocks sitting on top of each other with a wood slab on top. The other shows traditional cinder blocks side by side. The floral accent gives it a soft touch. 

Note: For cinder block projects that use 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.

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