How to Build a Breeze Block Wall

Stacks of breeze blocks sitting next to each other.
What You'll Need
Ready-mix cement
Shovel
Level
High-density breeze blocks
Trowel
Mortar
Low-density breeze blocks
Paint (optional)
What You'll Need
Ready-mix cement
Shovel
Level
High-density breeze blocks
Trowel
Mortar
Low-density breeze blocks
Paint (optional)

A breeze block is a typical building block made of concrete and ash. These concrete blocks are usually known as breeze blocks or cinder blocks even if ash is not present in them. In some parts of the world, these concrete blocks can also be manufactured along with gravel, clinker, and sand, used as fillers.

They are used in a variety of construction projects since they come in many different weights and densities, depending on the fillers being used and on the manufacturing method. Usually, building a foundation requires that high-density blocks be used while you can use lower density types for building garage or garden walls. Here’s how you can build a breeze block wall.

Prepare the Cement

First, the foundation for the breeze blocks will have to be laid. It will need to be at least twice as wide as the wall, keeping this in mind, mix the appropriate amount of cement from a ready-made solution.

Lay the Foundation

Next you'll need to dig a hole to set your foundation in. As mentioned in the previous step, make this hole twice as wide as the wall you're laying. However, you will also need to make the depth of the hole twice the thickness of the breeze blocks. Compact the dirt at the bottom of the hole and level it as you go.

Use high-density breeze blocks to lay the large part of the foundation. Break out your level again to keep checking the foundation as you put it down. Then, pour the cement mixture over the blocks to fill in the holes and gaps, all the way up to the lip of the hole. Wait for the cement to dry before putting up additional bricks for the wall.

Lay the First Row

Estimate how many breeze blocks will be needed for each row simply by placing them over the foundation in a dry run. Do not use the mortar yet. Once you have determined the exact number, remove the blocks and use a trowel to spread a layer of mortar on the foundation. Start from the corner so that the wall is even.

After applying the mortar, start placing the first row of breeze blocks. Inside the holes of each of the breeze blocks, pour some mixed cement. This ensures that the blocks will remain completely fixed in place. Once the first row is laid, use a level to ensure that the breeze blocks are aligned and level. If the blocks are not leveled perfectly, fix them, preferably before the cement and mortar dry.

Build the Wall

Let the cement on the first row dry completely before placing the second row on top of it. Then, place another layer of mortar on top of the dried row of breeze blocks. Take care to apply mortar on the edges of the blocks as well.

Begin from the corner of the first row and, in a fashion similar to the first row, begin to place the second. This time, however, make sure that the vertical joints are alternated. This gives the wall more strength.

In order to do this, you may have to place a smaller block at the corner of the second row. Pour cement into the holes of the breeze blocks once more for strength, and then continue adding layers using this process until you have achieved the height you were looking for.

Once your block wall has dried, make sure you use any finishing treatments that it may need. You can also give your wall a little bit of style by adding paint to the concrete surface; your options are only limited by the creativity of your imagination.