

The fully solid blocks have different applications including caping off top of a wall or to give a building additional security. Once delivered, they are much easier to lift into place than their solid counterparts. Hollow concrete blocks are also a more economical choice, since they require less raw material, time and energy to produce. It can also be reinforced with rebar, either horizontally or vertically, depending on your plans. The advantage with this material is that its lighter weight makes it easier to work with. This feature reduces the cross-sectional area of the block by about one quarter. Blocks may be solid or hollow with two or more cores. The block itself is slightly shorter in order to accommodate the mortar used to secure it in place.ĬMU Block Shapes. The standard (nominal ) size of a concrete block (stretcher block) is 8” x 8” x 16”, the actual size is 7 5/8” x 7 5/8” x 15 5/8” the block is produced to this size to account for mortar joints. Decorative finishes available or may be ornamented after installation.As a building material, concrete offers several attractive characteristics to designers and builders, including the following:

It is also known as a concrete masonry unit (CMU). Using concrete blocks on a project can even contribute to it being designated as a “green” building.Ĭoncrete block is made from Portland Cement, aggregates and water. With the variety of shapes and sizes available, they can be used as part of an attractive exterior design, as well as to add interest to interior walls. Nitterhouse Masonry Concrete Block ProductsĬoncrete masonry units are a versatile, environmentally friendly building product that can be used for a wide variety of applications.Concrete Blocks: A Sustainable Building Product.You can be sure that when you buy from Genest, you will have a low-carbon footprint for your project. Ask about custom shapes, sizes and colors for endless possibilities.Īsk about our new low-carbon formula, G-mix! This unique mix uses 50% less cement than traditionally used to produce concrete blocks and at least 5% recycled content. Blocks can be produced with textures such as Split Face, Ground Face, Polished, Shot Blasted, Brushed, Split Ribbed, and Blended Color finishes to add to the look and feel of the building. Genest Concrete’s Architectural CMUs are available in a large variety of colors, shapes and sizes. Once complete, our experienced production team inspects each block to ensure it meets today’s strict architectural demands. Our production process uses a computerized mix design and automated production process to maintain consistency. To ensure strict quality control, we select only the finest ingredients: sand, stone, aggregates, color pigments and cement. We built our reputation for quality and consistency one block at a time, and we understand the importance of these factors to our customers. As a result, Genest’s high-quality CMUs have become one of today’s most trusted and widely specified block by leading architects, engineers and commercial masons.

At Genest, we have been in the business of manufacturing concrete blocks for over 90 years and have made it our mission to source the best possible materials to exceed industry specifications.
