How to Build Cinder Block Walls
- 1). Level the ground in the location of the cinder block wall. Use a shovel to loosen and remove any uneven areas in the dirt.
- 2). Define the outline of the wall. Lay two pieces of masonry string along the ground parallel to each other and form the layout of the wall.
- 3). Dig in the area between the string to prepare the foundation using a shovel. Dig a crevice that has a depth and width twice as wide as the cinder block.
- 4). Lay a series of 2-by-4 lumber along the masonry string and the length of the wall to form the footing. This will support the wet cement and hold the foundation in place until it drys. Prepare a mixture of cement and fill the crevice between the wooden form. Level off the cement throughout the entire foundation and cover it with a tarp. Allow the cement to dry for at least three days.
- 5). Remove the wooden form using a shovel to pry the wood away from the cement.
- 6). Mix the mortar using an empty 5-gallon paint bucket. Add sand, cement and water into the bucket, filling it half way. Prepare the mixture by spinning the mixer with your hands while wearing rubber gloves. Mix the mortar until it has the consistency of a thick paste.
- 7). Apply a 1-inch-thick layer of mortar along the foundation. Lay the first block on the foundation starting at one end of the wall and working your way to the other end. Apply a layer of mortar to the top and sides of each block, bonding it to the next one.
- 8). Apply a 1-inch-thick layer of mortar along the top of the first row of blocks. This will be used to bond the next layer of cinder blocks to the first layer. Stack the cinder blocks side-by-side and apply pressure to the block to create a firm and level seal between the blocks.
- 9). Tap the cinder blocks with your hand to adjust and align the blocks to make sure they are all even with each other.
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