Masonry

: The term masonry can also refer to Freemasonry

Concrete block

Blocks of cinder concrete ("cinder blocks" or "breezeblocks"), ordinary concrete ("concrete blocks"), or hollow tile are generically known as "building blocks." They are usually much larger than ordinary bricks and so are much faster to lay for a wall of a given size. Furthermore, cinder and tile blocks have much lower water absorption than brick masonry. They are often used as the structural core for veneered brick masonry, or are used alone for the walls of factories, garages, and other "industrial" buildings where appearance is not a significant factor. Such blocks often receive a stucco surface for decoration. Surface-bonding cement is sometimes used in this application and can impart extra strength to a block wall.

Related Topics:
Breezeblock - Water - Stucco - Cement

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Some concrete blocks are colored, and some employ a "break face", which allows the reproduction of an appearance similar to quarried stone, such as brownstone. For applications such as roadway sound control walls the patterns may be complex and even artistic.

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