Take Backyards from Boring to Captivating with Cool Cinder Block Design Concepts
Tired of staring out at a lackluster backyard day after day? Cinder blocks can transform boring grass and dirt into fun, stylish spaces for relaxing and entertaining. Read on to explore some captivating cinder block design concepts guaranteed to make your backyard the talk of the neighborhood.
With their weatherproof durability, industrial vibe, and budget-friendly price point, concrete cinder blocks have become a hugely popular DIY backyard building material. Below we'll overview some of the most creative ways homeowners are using humble cinder blocks to upgrade their outdoor living areas.
Cinder Block Fire Pits
One of the most popular cinder block backyard projects is hand-building custom fire pits. Fire pits create an instant cozy gathering place for roasting marshmallows with family or sipping wine round the flickering flames with friends.
Fire Pit Design Considerations
Cinder block fire pits can be designed in round, square, or sunken pit shapes. Whatever the shape, proper ventilation, drainage and nearby seating should be accounted for.
Construction involves digging a pit to desired depth, laying blocks, filling center with gravel, and topping with metal fire ring or grill grate.
Raised Cinder Block Garden Beds
Raised garden beds built from cinder blocks have better drainage and fewer weeds compared to traditional ground beds. The elevation also reduces back strain for gardeners.
Get Creative with Shapes and Sizes
Raised beds can be designed in creative shapes like curves, tiers, and narrow rows. After deciding on size and shape, fill beds with nutrient rich soil and get planting! For a snazzy upgrade, line inside walls with decorative stone or waterproof liner.
Cinder Block Planter Stands
Stacking cinder blocks into planter stands adds an unexpected modern edge to your garden design. Get creative combining blocks into patterns like ziggurats, pyramids, or color blocked designs.
Choosing Plants and Upgrades
Opt for hardy plants that thrive in well-drained planters. For extra flair, paint blocks in bright colors, or embed charming touches like outdoor string lights.
Cinder Block Bars
Build the ultimate space for entertaining by crafting an outdoor wet bar from cinder blocks. Notch blocks to hold countertops and shelving for barware and appliances.
Design Considerations
Choose waterproof countertop materials like tile, concrete, or finished wood. Consider including sinks, mini fridges, ice makers and other handy bar amenities. And don't forget the essential comfy stools and seating around the bar!
Cinder Block Seating
-
Benches: Stack cinder blocks with a wood or concrete slab on top to fashion benches. Soft weatherproof seat cushions maximize comfort. For visual interest, paint blocks in fun patterns.
-
Tables: Build tables by topping the block base with wood, metal or stone. Match with cinder block benches for a cohesive set.
Landscaping Structures
Beyond furniture, cinder blocks have tons of applications for landscaping structures like privacy walls, path lighting, arbors, pergolas and more.
Soothing Water Features
Channel your inner zen garden designer by incorporating mini ponds, cascading waterfalls, or bubbling fountains built cleverly from stacked cinder blocks.
Finishing Touches
Painting, texturing blocks, or embedding LED lights adds extra personality. For organic variety, combine blocks of different heights and colors in your designs. Mix with contrasting wood or metallic accents for industrial edge.
cinder blocks are the ultimate blank canvas for customization. Apply the innovative tips from raised planter beds to fire pits and everything in between to finally take your backyard from bleh to breathtaking!