How to Do a Concrete Block

Mold your own concrete blocks.

Purchase a concrete or brick mold from a home and garden center. These molds come in various sizes to meet your needs. Purchase a mold that resembles a traditional cinder block or a mold that embosses decorative designs on the face of the block. Some molds require the use of a proprietary liner. Consult your sales representative to see if a special liner is required for the mold you purchase. If so, purchase enough to build as many blocks as you need.

Things You'll Need

• Mold
• Liner or plastic wrap
• Concrete
• Water

Instructions

1. Place the liner into the mold or place a piece of plastic wrap inside the mold. Place something in the mold so the concrete does not stick to the mold wall. Standard plastic wrap works well.

2. Mix enough concrete in a bucket to fill the mold. Using a pre-mixed concrete such as Quikcrete reduces the supplies you need and ensures a consistent blend of sand, stone and mortar for each block. All you need to do is add water per the instructions on the packaging.

3. Pour the concrete into the mold until the concrete is level with the top of the mold. Allow adequate drying time per the instructions on the concrete packaging.

4. Place your hand over the top of the concrete and flip it upside down. If the mold is too large, place the mold on its side and carefully turn it over so the concrete rests on the ground. Pull the mold off the concrete block.

5. Pull the plastic wrap or liner off the concrete block and repeat the process for each block.

References

• Quikrete: moldable concrete