9 best building blocks

Building blocks are widely used in the repair and construction of new structures. Compared to bricks, blocks have a more attractive cost, masonry is carried out faster due to large sizes, and sound and heat insulation is higher. Such materials are made from various mixtures of quartz, sand, cement and additives, using several technologies, which distinguishes about 7 types of such goods at once. We have prepared a ranking of the best building blocks for the construction of houses, partitions, garages, fencing, formwork and lining the foundation, which will help you navigate the existing diversity and guide when choosing products for a particular case.

The best slag blocks

This is the cheapest building material, which is produced by molding the mixture, which includes slag.

The filler is a by-product of the metallurgical industry, so its extraction is inexpensive. For density, the mixture is subjected to vibration. Most often, the material is used for the construction of non-residential facilities.

Sand-bottom double-hollow 390x190x188 mm with an open bottom - for a large hangar

This is the best cinder block for the construction of a large hangar or another enterprise due to two huge voids inside it, which helped to lighten the weight twice, while maintaining the standard size for such a product.

With a weight of 15 kg, blocks will be easier to put up for masonry, and high walls will be built much faster due to the dimensions of each rectangular element 390x190x188 mm.

Pros:

• open bottom promotes deep penetration of the solution into the blocks and a good bundle between each row;
• 15 kg lighter than most other types of this group of goods;
• structure strength is M100;
• it is convenient to take up the large holes with your hand when applying materials to the top and laying;
• 90 units fit on the pallet, which allows compactly to transport large lots to large-scale construction;
• smooth outer edges may be left without further finishing, if that is not required by the design of the building.

Minuses:

• increased consumption of the solution due to large voids in which it falls;
• cost from 37 p per piece;
• because of the large cavity and thin walls, it withstands severe frosts worse;
• if dropped from a height, then a high probability of splitting into parts.

The best gas silicate blocks

Such materials are created from cement filled with hydrogen, which facilitates the final weight and gives increased noise and heat insulation due to the thin smallest walls between concrete cells, which do not allow sound waves to be reflected, and poorly transfer heat to the outside.

Use blocks for the construction of load-bearing walls with a mandatory lining, since the porous structure absorbs moisture and collapses.

D600 B3.5 1 Grade Poritep Gas Silicate Unit - for a two-story private house

These are the best gas silicate building blocks, which are well suited for the construction of load-bearing walls of a residential building of several floors due to their high density with an indicator of M600, which can withstand heavy loads.

The building element has a snow-white color with ideally smooth edges, which is convenient for dry laying for storage and during the forcing of the walls. The absence of voids in the construction contributes to the moderate consumption of the solution and the ability to create a masonry of great height.

Pros:

• very smooth surface allows to finish blocks from the inside with the minimum thickness of plaster or putty;
• the huge dimensions with a length of 625 mm and a height of 250 mm allow the walls to be erected quickly;
• the ability to choose the width of the available range from 50 to 500 mm, which facilitates laying in one row and provides a thick wall size;
• high density of material M600;
• the low thermal conductivity of 0.13 contributes to the preservation of warmth and comfort in the house;
• vapor permeability not higher than 0.16 will not allow mold and fungus to form at the corners of the structure;
• shrinkage after drying masonry will not exceed 0.28 mm / m;
• frost resistance is 100F;
• material is completely non-flammable.

Minuses:

• it is very inconvenient to lift huge blocks up and put them in a row (large size and nothing to hold on to);
• the cost of 2600 rubles per m3;
• It will take two people to gently lay large items on the wall.

GAS-SILICATE PARTITION THERMOCUBE D500 600x250x100 - for quickly creating partitions

This is the best gas silicate block for the construction of durable partitions, which can then hang furniture or appliances. The strength of the material is 500 kg / cm2, which will withstand the load from the dowels, unlike the walls of plasterboard.

The goods are produced in dimensions of 600x250x100 mm, which allows you to quickly lay a large area vertically, but does not take up much space in width (only 10 cm).

Pros:

• the good smooth surface of both the bottom and the side facilitates smooth erection and subsequent finishing;
• the thermocube has an indicator of strength M500, which ensures high reliability of the structure;
• huge panels have an acceptable weight of only 15 kg, which allows them to be carried and put to one person without an assistant;
• 80 pieces fit on the pallet at once, which is advantageous when the machine delivers a large lot to the construction site;
• 1280 units fit in one truck;
• economical use of the solution due to the absence of voids.

Minuses:

• m3 cost from 2600 rubles;
• 100 mm wide is more difficult to wrap around the master with short fingers.

The best keramsit blocks

This material is made of expanded clay, followed by pressing, which increases its strength and carrying capacity.

A construction product of such quality does not need lining, because it absorbs water poorly, but the unsightly look permits it to be used for auxiliary and industrial buildings.

CERAMZIT CONCRETE 8TH EMPTY M75 ALEKSIN - for construction of an enterprise

This is the best claydite-concrete block for the construction of a large enterprise, because it has dimensions of 390x190x188 mm, which ensures a quick laying process and an optimal wall thickness in two rows.

Inside there are eight voids: four long and four short, which contributes to lightening the weight and solid structure of internal partitions that do not have a solid line, and this increases the strength of the frame of the building element.

Pros:

• solution penetrates into the voids and helps to better bind the lower and upper row;
• high performance due to large dimensions;
• the internal cavities are narrow, so the solution does not overspend due to failure;
• despite the big size the mass of the block is only 15 kg;
• material density of 1200 kg / m3 can withstand severe static loads and allows you to drive out walls of great height;
• corresponds to GOST 6133-99;
• such material is well insulated internal production noise due to the 45 dB indicator on the delay of sound waves;
• perfectly protects from heat release to the outside at a thermal conductivity value of 0.17 W / (m * C), which not all brick masonry boasts;
• 120 pieces are delivered at once in the pallet;
• In the 20 ton car will fit 1680 units of goods.

Minuses:

• price from 50 rubles per item;
• unpresentable appearance of a side surface with large crushed stone (it will look bad without subsequent finishing);
• strength is not the highest (M75), so you should be careful when working, because the blocks will crack from falling;
• low frost resistance F50.

Ceramsite concrete partitioning hollow - the cheapest way to create walls inside the outbuildings

This is the best way to build partitions in the outbuildings because of the cost of a huge block of 14.50 rubles. One item can be closed immediately 390x190 mm vertical space.

The thickness of 188 mm provides the proper size for laying in one row. Sound permeability has a 41 dB delay figure, which will help reduce the propagation of sound waves when working inside.

Pros:

• robust installation in a row thanks to three longitudinal voids, which take part of the solution into the base;
• for wide grooves it is convenient to take blocks with one hand;
• medium-sized granularity of the composition provides a smooth surface that can be left without finishing for work spaces;
• walls of this material will retain heat due to a thermal conductivity not higher than 0.43;
• attractive price of 14.50 rubles per piece;
• voidness no more than 20%;
• comfortable weight of 6 kg, from which the hand is not very tired;
• 210 pieces are placed on the pallet;
• compressive strength 35 MPa;
• a car with a loading capacity of 20 tons can deliver 3360 units of goods at one time.

Minuses:

• the material is more suitable for interior work due to frost resistance F25.

The best foam blocks

Such materials are used to create bearing walls due to their high strength and low vapor permeability.

The block has clear, even forms and a finely porous structure due to the presence of hardened foam in the composition, which ensures light weight and heat insulation. You can drill the walls without special attachments, which facilitates the subsequent arrangement and wiring.

AeroStone D500 (white) 1 Grade - for the rapid construction of a cottage

This is the best foam block for construction at an accelerated pace due to its length of 625 mm. The buyer has the opportunity to choose the height of the element between 200 and 250 mm, depending on the required design dimension.

The width of the blocks are available 100/150/200/375/400 mm, which allows you to create both thin extensions on the outside, and massive bearing supports. The strength of the material M500 can withstand high loads, both static and mechanical.

Pros:

• very smooth surface provides minimal curvature with an even distribution of the solution;
• thermal conductivity is one of the lowest in this category of goods 0,118 W / (m * s);
• good resistance to low temperatures with F100;
• poorly conducts steam due to a coefficient of 0.2
• there are no voids absorbing the solution;
• no strong shrinkage after drying (no more than 0.3 mm / m);
• Completely non-flammable material will protect against flame spread in an emergency;
• when compressed strength index of 2.5 MPa;
• From the inside of the living room, a thin layer finish will be required due to the polished fine-grained wall of the foam block.

Minuses:

• cost of goods from 2900 rubles per m3;
• frozen foam structure is able to absorb moisture from heavy rain, so you have to spend money on a thick finish of the outer part;
• it is inconvenient to take large foam concrete blocks and to lay evenly.

The best polystyrene concrete blocks

This type of building blocks contains cement as a binder and large crushed stone with sand for filling and structure strength.

Polymer additives provide low thermal conductivity and high sound insulation, so the material is often used for insulation of existing and under construction buildings.

POLYSTYRO-LINE CONCRETE D250 595Х120 / 185; 240 / 375Х295 - for insulation of all types of low-rise buildings

These are the best polystyrene concrete blocks for facing of bearing walls, because they allow to increase their thickness by 120 or 240 mm, depending on the option chosen.

The length of the panels is presented in two types of 595 and 375 mm, which is convenient when erecting corners and facing window openings in order to make less cuts.

The material is delivered on pallets and costs 2800 rubles per m3. It has a large granular structure with polymer additives for reliable insulation.

Pros:

• the strength of the composition M250 well withstand static loads;
• low density from 150 to 600 kg / m3 provides low weight and convenience during operation when handling the blocks;
• one of the lowest thermal conductivity coefficients 0,055-0,14 W / (m * s);
• asexual structure absorbs less solution;
• high sound insulation performance;
• allowed to use in buildings up to 3 floors;
• can be put not only on mortar, but also on construction adhesives.

Minuses:

• low strength of 0.2-0.3 MPa requires very careful handling during operation;
• price from 2800 rubles per m3.

Top foundation blocks

This type of building materials is used to create a support base for buildings of different heights. Unlike strip foundations, they do not require formwork and long-term solidification. Blocks are mounted on the solution with a distance (step) between them.

FBS 9-4-4 - for laying a particularly strong foundation

This is the most suitable foundation block for a particularly strong base due to the presence of reinforcement in its structure, which increases the resistance not only to static loads, but also to seismic ones. The size of 880x400x380 mm allows you to work quickly, covering a large area at a time with one large block.

Pronounced side stiffeners ensure the integrity of the structure during installation and accidental impacts.

Pros:

• for hanging on the crane hooks there are two metal loops;
• robust reinforced concrete structure;
• withstands heavy loads;
• no voids in the structure;
• 380 mm block width allows installation in one row;
• silicate additives in the composition increase the insulating performance;
• repels moisture well, which is important when placed in a dug trench.

Minuses:

• the cost of one unit is from 845 rubles;
• a weight of 330 kg requires the use of a construction crane for laying the foundation;
• It is difficult to transport and also unload the car with these materials.

Top ceramic blocks

This material is molded clay with subsequent annealing at high temperature, which gives strength and a beautiful shade. Apply it to the laying of walls and fences.

The complex shape of the blocks allows you to quickly build structures, and have the appearance of a similar masonry, but with high performance.

Large-format ceramic block Braer 38 - to build a modern office building

This is the best ceramic block for high-speed construction methods due to the size of 380x250x219 mm, as well as a multi-floor structure that promotes light weight and high strength of the element in a row.

The alternation of cell sizes provides a chaotic arrangement of internal partitions and uniform load distribution. The outer walls are equipped with ribs, providing increased coupling with subsequent finishing materials.

Pros:

• it is convenient to take large blocks in view of numerous projections;
• strength mark M100 allows you to use them when erecting a building of several floors;
• low thermal conductivity of 0.14 W / (m * s) will retain heat well and help save on energy resources;
• weight, convenient for work, is 17 kg;
• 60 units are delivered immediately on the pallet;
• small holes do not allow the solution to go deep inside the voids, but contribute to an increased bundle of masonry;
• in a car with a lifting capacity of 20 tons, you can carry up to 1,080 pieces;
• emptiness makes 59% that will not create load of the base at thick walls;
• the material does not pull moisture inside due to the low water absorption of 11%;
• the lack of chamfer allows you to monitor the uniformity of seams

Minuses:

• the cost of one item from 100 rubles;
• needs further finishing of the facade due to the frost resistance of F50.