Concrete Block (CMU) Sizes, Shapes, and Finishes

Concrete blocks, also known as Concrete Masonry Units or CMUs, provide very durable structural and non-structural partitions. They are generally used as a backup wall that gets covered with a finish material or exposed in utilitarian spaces like mechanical rooms or basements. They can be painted to provide a cleaner finish, but they are also manufactured with different finishes that help improve the aesthetic quality over the traditional gray CMU.

Nominal vs. Actual Dimensions

As with brick, CMUs have actual dimensions and nominal dimensions.  The nominal dimension of a CMU is the actual dimension plus the width of the mortar joint.  Typical CMU mortar joints are 3/8".  The nominal dimension works within the 4" grid that other construction materials follow. The graphic below shows the difference between nominal and actual sizes.

Concrete Block (CMU) Sizes

Concrete Masonry Units (CMUs) are manufactured in a variety of sizes.  They are identified by their depth – i.e. the thickness of the wall they create.  For instance, a 6" CMU is nominally 6" deep while a 10" CMU is nominally 10" deep.

Concrete blocks also come in half-sizes, which are helpful in reducing the need to cut blocks in the field at corners or the end of walls. The architect should always attempt to design buildings using the nominal dimensions to the nearest half-block size to reduce waste and labor due to cut blocks.

The following table provides concrete block sizes in both nominal and actual dimensions. While 4", 6", 8", 10", and 12" are the standard sizes, some manufacturers offer other sizes not listed below.

CMU SIZE	NOMINAL DIMENSIONS D X H X L (INCHES)	ACTUAL DIMENSIONS D X H X L (INCHES)
4" CMU Full Block	4" x 8" x 16"	3 5/8" x 7 5/8" x 15 5/8"
4" CMU Half-Block	4" x 8" x 8"	3 5/8" x 7 5/8" x 7 5/8"
6" CMU Full Block	6" x 8" x 16"	5 5/8" x 7 5/8" x 15 5/8"
6" CMU Half-Block	6" x 8" x 8"	5 5/8" x 7 5/8" x 7 5/8"
8" CMU Full Block	8" x 8" x 16"	7 5/8" x 7 5/8" x 15 5/8"
8" CMU Half-Block	8" x 8" x 8"	7 5/8" x 7 5/8" x 7 5/8"
10" CMU Full Block	10" x 8" x 16"	9 5/8" x 7 5/8" x 15 5/8"
10" CMU Half-Block	10" x 8" x 8"	9 5/8" x 7 5/8" x 7 5/8"
12" CMU Full Block	12" x 8" x 16"	11 5/8" x 7 5/8" x 15 5/8"
12" CMU Half-Block	12" x 8" x 8"	11 5/8" x 7 5/8" x 7 5/8"

Concrete Masonry Unit (CMU) Specifications

CMU manufacturers must conform to ASTM standards when fabricating concrete blocks. The standards identify appropriate materials, compressive strength, dimensional tolerance, moisture absorption, and other performance characteristics.

Concrete brick is made from concrete similar to concrete block, but concrete bricks are fabricated in sizes that match traditional clay bricks (i.e. 2 2/3" tall).

The weight of concrete masonry units varies depending on the density of concrete mix used. There are three classifications of CMU: lightweight (less than 105 lb/ft³), medium weight (between 105 lb/ft³ and 125 lb/ft, and normal weight (more than 125 lb/ft³. Lighter CMUs are less expensive, require less labor to install, and tend to have better fire resistance properties. Heavier units tend to reduce sound transmission, have much higher compressive strengths, and have greater thermal storage capacity; however, they are more expensive and cost more to install. Architects must specify the CMU weight if a particular weight is required.

The following table provides the ASTM standards that apply to concrete masonry units. ASTM C90 covers most conventional CMU construction and is the standard referenced by the ICC codes.

ASTM DESIGNATION	TYPE OF CMU
ATSM C55	Concrete Brick
ASTM C73	Calcium Silicate Face Brick
ASTM C90	Load Bearing Concrete Masonry Units
ASTM C139	CMUs for construction of Catch Basins and Manholes
ASTM C744	Prefaced Concrete and Calcium Silicate Masonry Units
ASTM C936	Solid Interlocking Concrete Paving Units
ASTM C1372	Segmental Retaining Wall Units

Concrete Masonry Unit (CMU) Shapes

There are an almost infinite number of CMU shapes available. The images below cover the most common shapes, but you should check with your local CMU manufacturer if you need special shapes or finishes.

Concrete Masonry Unit (CMU) Surface Finishes

As with shapes, there are a large number of finish options so you can make the utilitarian gray concrete block look much more aesthetically pleasing. Be sure to meet with your local CMU representative to learn about what types of finishes they offer and at what cost premium.

Colored CMU

Pigments can be added to both the concrete block as well as the mortar. This allows for the block and mortar to blend together or to have a sharp contrast. Keep in mind that there will be a natural variation in the color of the CMUs, even if they come from the same manufacturing batch. Therefore, it is important that the architect review at least 3 sample blocks that demonstrate the expected color variation.

If the color needs to be consistent or exact, you may consider painting the block and mortar. Painting is generally done on the interior, but can also be accomplished on exterior surfaces. Be sure to work with your CMU manufacturer and paint supplier to select the right paint for your situation.

Glazed CMU

Glazed CMU has a tile-like glazed finish made from a resin-based coating. The coating offers a wide variety of color as well as some faux material patterns. These surfaces may offer improved resistance to graffiti and chemicals. Glazed CMU is covered via ASTM C744, but the blocks still need to adhere to the ASTM C90 standard for load bearing CMU.

Split Faced CMU

Split faced CMU is manufactured by molding two units side-by-side and then mechanically splitting them apart after firing. This creates a very rough texture that some people think looks like stone, especially since the aggregates in the block are also split or exposed.

Ribbed or scored units (graphics above in the Shapes section) can also have a split faced finish to add more texture.

Soft-Split CMU

Soft-Split CMU is made with special molds that create a split-faced appearance instead of mechanically splitting the blocks. The effect is a bit less rough than split faced. In addition, the mold means that aggregates are not exposed.

Burnished or Polished CMU

Also referred to as Ground Face CMU, concrete blocks can be burnished or polished to expose the natural aggregates in the concrete mix. It is important to work with the manufacturer to select appealing aggregate and to test the polishing process to ensure you get the aesthetic you are looking for.

Sandblasted CMU

Sandblasting concrete masonry units also exposes the aggregate, but also blasts away some of the sand and cement to create a rougher appearance. Some people believe this creates a natural weathered look instead of the smoother look of burnished or polished CMU.

Raked CMU

Raked (or Striated) units have vertical rake marks introduced during the molding process. The rake marks are not as deep as the scored or ribbed blocks identified above in the Shapes section, but they do add an appealing texture to the block. You can also specify that scored or ribbed blocks have an additional raked pattern applied for more texture.

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