These days we are so overloaded with information, that we sometimes struggle to know what is what. In crucial situations such as construction, there should never be any room for error, you should know the correct terms and their relevance to you.
That’s why In this blog we will answer the question ‘What is the difference between a concrete block and a masonry block?’
As an established and trusted concrete provider, PPC Concrete Products aim to provide solutions for people in the construction industry. Alongside interlocking concrete blocks, we also provide concrete barriers.
For any building project, knowing the options you can select when it comes to concrete solutions can be extremely helpful when it comes to protecting access to your project, building it, and possibly saving you money.
PPC Concrete Products is here to provide the answers you may be looking for whilst giving you an insight into the quality concrete options we supply.
The demand for construction is only increasing, on a private and industrial level. Whether your work is private, or industrial, we are here to help.
What is Masonry?
In a nutshell, masonry is the practice of creating structures using stone. Masonry is a practice that has existed for almost all of our time as human beings on this earth, as there was a need for shelter to protect ourselves from harsh weather, and predators/ enemies that would be a constant threat to the lives of our ancestors.
Naturally, the results and durability of the erected structures relied entirely on the materials available to the people in the area. Some of these examples of masonry can still be seen today, in modern buildings and historical sights.
Examples of masonry include the pyramids, the Roman colosseum, the great wall of China, and so much more.
Is masonry the best way to build things?
Like with any option you are presented with in any other field of expertise, each option you are presented with has its own pros and cons, masonry is no exception.
Depending on the material you use, buildings made as a result of stone masonry can be
- Durable
- Generally weather resistant
- Has elements of soundproofing
- Long-lasting
- Fire-proof
That being said, there are weaknesses as with any other material, you may find that (depending on the material you use)
- The stone may erode in the future
- Unless made with earthquakes in mind, an earthquake could destory the structure entirely.
Again, any option you choose to build a structure is only limited by your expertise and knowledge, for example, Japanese architects in the past (and some now) have mastered the art of creating their wooden structures on curved stone. And most of these buildings have withstood the test of time, further highlighting the possibilities when you have the expertise handy.
What is the difference between a concrete block and masonry block?
As we established earlier, masonry is the practice of construction using stone, brick and/or similiar materials. With that being understood, a masonry block is a classification of any kind of block that falls within the stone, brick category, this includes concrete blocks.
So to summarise, a concrete block is essentially a kind of masonry block. Although it may seem pointless and overly-complicated to assign styles of blocks into classifications, it does help in instances where you are delegating work to others.
For example, team 1 arranges all the masonry blocks, team 2 arranges all the wood. If we didn’t have these classification it would complicate issues and make it slightly more laborious to delegate.
So in future, if someone ever mentions a masonry block to you, it could be made from concrete, it could be from stone, bricks, and anything else within that range.
Is wood a form of masonry block?
No, wood is not a form of masonry block. Although it can be used to a similar degree, wood does not have the same level of durability and longevity as masonry blocks. That being said, it is a valuable building resource that should never be underestimated.
So now that we have an understanding of masonry, let us share with you a staple in modern masonry solutions, the interlocking concrete block.
Interlocking concrete blocks explained
Interlocking Concrete Blocks are a unique form of pre-cast concrete blocks that are designed to hold together by using pre-measured studs and recesses. These concrete blocks are built with unique profiles and features, which allow them to fit perfectly into each other.
What are the advantages of interlocking concrete blocks?
- Longer lasting and more durable than a Gabion basket
- Quicker and less hassle to install
- No need for mortar, saving you money and time
- No need for steel reinforcement or shuttering
- Resistant to extreme weather conditions
- Fire-resistant properties, mitigating the spread of fire depending on the structure
- Little maintenance required
- Often, no foundation is needed before installing
- Sound resistant
- Sustainable
- Ability to stack upon each other
- Flexibility in sizes
- Appropriate for temporary and/or permanent buildings
- Unlikely to be displaced due to the interlocking function
- Can be moved with standard lifting equipment
Disadvantages of using interlocking concrete blocks
- Can’t be moved without machinery
- Can topple over if not placed on level ground
What are interlocking concrete blocks used for?
PPC Concrete Products supply interlocking concrete blocks, we can share with you what they are used for.
- Material Storage bays
- Blast walls
- Salt stores
- Crash protection
- Push walls
- Security barriers
- Segregation bays i.e recycling centres
- Retaining walls
- Industrial buildings
- Fire breaks
- Counterweights
- Roadblocks
Interlocking concrete block sizes and styles
Our team at PPC Concrete Products supplies different types of interlocking concrete blocks. Though we have a variety of options when it comes to the interlocking concrete blocks that we make.
The way our blocks are made is by having a casting of the dimensions mentioned below and depending on the option chosen, the cast is then filled with concrete. Each block has a Lifting pin anchor system embedded in the concrete at the point of casting – this is how the blocks are moved once the concrete is set.
After setting, the cast is then removed and the blocks are transported to their destination.
we offer the option for your block to be:
- Standard Blocks
- Flat Top Standard Blocks
- Rock Face Block
- Rock Face Flat Top Block
To view what these options look like, take a look at our gallery.
Here are our size options:
- 300 x 600 x 600
- 600 x 600 x 600
- 900 x 600 x 600
- 1200 x 600 x 600
- 1500 x 600 x 600
- 1800 x 600 x 600
- 400 x 800 x 800
- 800 x 800 x 800
- 1200 x 800 x 800
- 1600 x 800 x 800
Half and thirds of the sizes displayed are also offered with your order if needed.
Order interlocking concrete blocks today
As an established supplier all over the UK, PPC Concrete Products is always happy to help, which is why we encourage you to get in touch with any questions you may have or take a look at our FAQ.
In this article, we hope to have answered the question ‘What is the difference between a concrete block and a masonry block?’ Whilst also providing extra information in regard to construction and the benefits of our interlocking concrete blocks.
Take a read of our case studies to truly understand how we have provided solutions for business in the past with the use of our interlocking concrete blocks, and ultimately, how we can help you today.
Read our blog page for more insights into our passion, construction.
Address:
The Old Gasworks,
Higginshaw Lane,
Royton,
Oldham,
OL2 6HQ
Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday – 8 AM til 4 PM
Tel: 01706 655245
Email: info@ppcconcreteproducts.co.uk
