Which is better... Block or Poured exterior walls...

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block walls versus poured walls, which exterior walls are stronger, concrete walls, ICF walls, house outside walls,
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[@colinfrancis8309]

"first, cost. We're not doing cost, because block is far cheaper"

[@rotemtomhagbi1937]

Well the block is cheaper but the labor will more expensive raising the wall and than pouring concrete.

[@halibut1249]

Why wouldn't block always be cheaper?? Sure, it's one row at a time, but you only add cement at joints. The formwork for solid cement pours would add a lot of precision labor. But if you need the extra strength, then you have no choice.

[@uncle_Samssubjects]

Block everytime..mistakes made with blocks are alot easier and cheaper to fix

[@JackTalyorD]

Block has to be cheaper by a massive margin. Without even knowing cost or pice or labour. Formwork carpet by trade. You just have to look at design. As soon as it's not structurally required they use block work in building hands down. Hundreds of different building over 20 years. And the only poured the bare minimum where possible. I'm talking 1 Meter high 2 Meter wide selection blocked to save money.

[@randypenning974]

Block cost more when your stem is on flat ground. It’s easier to form a two foot stem. But if you are on hillsides block is cheaper. Once we have to stack panel it gets expensive. I do both

[@jonguy4337]

As a contractor for 34 years If you can afford it pour the walls end of story

[@chriswiggins4842]

Block in my opinion is not an option for foundation walls

[@GarySmith-ss1ee]

@@363.2McMasters not to mention a standard basement will cost you about $10,000 with block maybe around 15,000 if you core fill it and put Steel in it versus about 65,000 for poured concrete walls, right now here in my hometown there is a 3000 ft house being built and the homeowner wanted poured walls, the price tag on this basement is $125,000, regular people cannot afford that and if you core fill block there is not much difference in the strength

[@LegacyLife_555]

@@363.2McMasters that’s utter crap..I make my living by making those walls you say they don’t use yet I get $65 an hour to do that job that doesn’t exist

[@LegacyLife_555]

@@363.2McMasters there’s not a commercial building made of block in my city I’d even say the whole South Island of New Zealand..maybe if they’re going for that look but not because of strength..moron for block you use 12mm reo weak bar maybe a 16mm but hardly ever but with tilt slab or pre cast it can be up to 52mm nearly 200kg a bar..you can’t make a block wall as strong as you can make pre cast (or poured as you call it) I’ve done this for 30yrs prove me wrong and I’ll take a video proving wrong right back

[@LegacyLife_555]

@@GarySmith-ss1ee there’s a massive difference in strength you can’t understand what you obviously haven’t done..there’s no way to get bars at the needed centres with block to make it as strong and reo filled concrete..fuck price I’m talking quality over quantity block work is quantity reo work is quality..reo bar on block is to hold shape it is semi part of structural but if block is used then block cancels that out because bar placement is impossible without creating big gaps between blocks

[@wakka9876]

Lets compare these two products First - im not going to compare that Second - I'm not going to compare that third - This is why I like product A Thank you for listening to my ted talk

[@illdoctrine9329]

😂😂😂😂

[@jomartalanegra9438]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@MChanDor]

😂😂😂 LMHO 🤣🤣🤣. Thanks for that laugh 😂🤣. It's a GOOD belly 😂 Can't stop laughing 😄😅😆😂🤣.

[@jordanamundson4129]

"What is better? Paper or plastic bags?... we didn't really ask anyone, but I like paper. What do you think?" - Internet guy

[@adriansaidan1736]

Rather "what's better, paper or plastic? It depends on local manufacturing and economy, so we cannot generalize" Perfectly reasonable engineering considerations by this "internet guy"

[@sophial3151]

Paper in plastic.

[@davidmc62]

Paper👍

[@peterparker9286]

Kinda hard to clean the a$$ with plastic

[@docriley7837]

Paper doesn't hold piss

[@whymewhoa]

“First, cost. The things are different so we’ll just take compare and contrast and throw it out the window.”

[@mikebrown7324]

Superior walls. Precast walls dropped in on site. In my experience it ends up being cheaper than poured walls in the end due to saved time and labor. Plus it is already insulated and ready for drywall.

[@razetheblaze7554]

Yessir! Just graduated tradeschool, this is what they told us

[@sethbrandenburg941]

Fucking bolts and glue. That's all that's holding your house together. Hope to God that all the foundation is covered with dirt too because a couple good taps with a hammer and there's a hole into your basement.

[@savagecomments9195]

So how would they put the drywall in the concrete wall. They use big ass strong screws or something? Or is there like a drywall plug for concrete.?

[@silvaincyt4810]

@@savagecomments9195 treated wood frame or metal frame in between the concrete and then install drywall

[@williamfranklin6283]

100%. I've got them. Insulated, holes for wiring, zero leaks or seepage.

[@rbmwiv]

Much cheaper in my area to do blocks. Every house my dad has built since the early 70s has had block foundation or block wall in the basement. We have 1 concrete supplier and they are high, there is 3 different brick and block yards in the county so blocks have always been our go to. Also started using rubber roofing material to waterproof it before the dirt goes in. We had a plant here that made rubber roofing and if it wasn’t up to their specifications they got rid of it. You use to be able to get all you wanted free but that stopped after about a couple of years and then they started selling it very cheap. A big roll that 2 men had difficulty handling was about what plastic sheeting on the roll cost so we used that stuff on everything. I have some on a storage building. I used it and put a rubber roof on it about 35 years ago and it still is good no leaks, the sun has taken its toll on it. I went to help my dad on a job a few years ago and it was on a house he built back in 1983 and the outside of the basement walls were covered with that material. We had to dig out and expose some of the original wall and the rubber roofing looked like new. I was pleasantly surprised and impressed with how it healed up. Unfortunately that factor closed, probably went to China. Our town is full of old factories and it just is a shame we sold all our stuff to China. There use to be a Haynes plant near by and they had a store where you can get discount clothing from them and if you worked there you got a 75% discount. I know because several friends worked there and they would take me so I could use their discount. At one point in my life I could get employee discounts at almost any retailer in the county. I had friends that worked at the places and family members could get the discount so I was everyone’s family member. Those were the good ole days. I have written a small essay by accident. Sorry for the long post but sometimes you start saying something about it brings back many memories all great ones! Happy thanksgiving to anyone who reads this.

[@davidmcginnis2075]

I never read stuff this long, but yes the us government sold us down the river long time ago!!!!!!

[@tommack2832]

Happy Thanksgiving 👊

[@tomakmens2607]

God bless you

[@johnshuler1396]

Block with cement poured down through block like they do in Florida!

[@sandysimpson4785]

And throughout the Caribbean!💪💪💪💪

[@wrestleXrock]

Very strong but if there's a basement you still have a waterproofing issue at the seams

[@kamX-rz4uy]

That's what my house has in PA. Every so many feet there's a poured column of concrete in the blocks. When I got a radon system installed they hit rebar which isn't something the installers normally contend with so that made their day longer. On the outside is a waterproofing system that both prevents moisture from getting in and directs any water to the bottom where there's drainage pipes on both sides of the footer along the entire foundation. It's probably overkill for where I live as most houses here only have block walls (or old houses have stone) and no waterproofing but they can be damp when it rains a lot.

[@da10mmsocket]

Yeah grout in blocks = tough wall

[@KlodFather]

@Topjunkie - I live in the north and pouring block walls solid with slurry and fiber in it with rebar are darn near indestructible. The only thing stronger is premade walls dropped in place because they tension the steel in the wall before pouring and that shit will not crack. They key together also.

[@YouTubestopsharingmyrealname]

ICF feels like the pinnacle. I cant see going any other way.

[@vinny9988]

That's what our foundation is. Very efficient

[@dustinworrick9173]

Yep I've built a couple and I hope to build my own one day.

[@domusdebellum3042]

@@vinny9988 I wouldn't have stopped at the foundation. ICF to the trusses.

[@vinny9988]

@@domusdebellum3042 yeah that's what a smart person would do.

[@winstoncaddle4244]

Quality is in the concrete !!

[@Rezin_8]

🧠🌐🥷 exactly 🍃

[@jamesmoran8335]

So here’s the thing. Block walls are weaker laterally UNTIL you fill them with concrete

[@LifesLaboratory]

My parents just moved out of their home. They purchased it in 1955. It's a bungalow (finished full height basement with one above ground floor) built of cinder block with brick cladding. The cinder blocks go from the slab to the roof. Despite being in Canada with exposure to lots of moisture and cold winters for over 65 years, this home has never had an issue.

[@CO2isfake]

You are lucky!

[@LifesLaboratory]

@@CO2isfake Well, they bought it for $13,000 and sold it for over $910,000, so I would say they were lucky. They also took very good care of it. The point is though, cinder block homes can and do stand up very well if built properly.

[@all4fthomas]

❤thanks for your truth because this big building next to a Wells Fargo brick building is burned down couple days ago the Wells Fargo brick building was all perfectly fine but the wood building was all burnt down. thank you so much for your truth

[@Once_in_a_Lifetime]

Whats the water table where they lived. I also assume back then, it wasn’t waterproofed or you would have mentioned that and that you had drainage tile. Just want to make sure we are comparing apple to apples.

[@LifesLaboratory]

@@Once_in_a_Lifetime The water table is deep, but there was a thick heavy clay subsoil that drained slowly. They had a tile system that drained out to the road and the roof gutters drained into the storm sewers. It was waterproofed with a tar sealant. They only ever had one basement leak and that was around a basement fireplace. My Dad dug up this portion of the wall down to the tiles and resealed it about 25 years in. No other issues, no cracks and no settling issues. You might be even more freaked out by my current home. Our basement is pressure treated wood on a concrete slab; it is only half below grade. I'm in central BC, and this construction is not uncommon out here. We live on the side of a mountain and get over five feet of snow every year. We have snow on the ground seven months of the year. There are many types of foundations that will work if you do them right.

[@jacygardner2242]

As a mason... I plead the fifth 🤣

[@bestman7776]

Lol

[@calviahill6864]

You wrong

[@jamesjones6546]

🤣 well played

[@Theironbodysensei]

👀

[@TheIegend27]

My house has brick foundations with concrete inside and it’s a 1940’s house. There is no leaks or cracks.

[@kalebgonzales4009]

Finally, someone who is using hollow blocks and reinforced concrete rather than paper and wood.

[@theautodidacticman_]

Always poured, never blocked.

[@joshuawilson1989]

Where im from we lay block then fill it in some cases . also they have rebar vertical and horizontal rebar at the top so it depends the building scenario.

[@narmale]

Still way weaker

[@Some1special]

Doesn't matter what kind of wall you have underground if you don't build it correctly and maintain it, it will fail. I've seen poured walls crack and leak just as much as brick walls.

[@DavidGarcia-wr6ge]

Yeah no shit common sense

[@Some1special]

@@DavidGarcia-wr6ge tell the dude making the video that showed a single leaf block wall going 6 ft under ground level. That's not how that's built... You would build a right angle double leaf block wall when going under ground level... It has to be as thick as it is high at the base level otherwise the wall will buckle...

[@DavidGarcia-wr6ge]

@@Some1special You're among the few people with common sense.

[@Danny-ge2my]

I think it took a week to put up all the forms, and then 6 hours to pump them. Then you come along with an air hammer while they're pumping and rattle the forms so the concrete settles to the bottom and leaves nice smooth walls. But solid poured block work just fine too !!!!

[@Militaryman64]

I like block with pored concrete as a foundation for a porch or deck.

[@justinminer1354]

I'm a young guy, but I'll probably be dead by the time a well-built block wall becomes a problem. I think I'll save a buck today.

[@duke1281]

(I really wish youtube would allow pic uploads).... my house is 124 years old... started its life as a creamery.. its all block walls.. and because of the years of life, she's showing signs of wanting to act like an accordion SLOWELY sinking... we did spend over 100k professionally installing cinderblock pillers in the basement to help stave off the movement... but I don't think it will last.. just venting...but I think we have a money pit..

[@justinminer1354]

@@duke1281 hide it with 2x4s and drywall for your mental health.

[@MikeWilberding4873]

Poured!👍🙂

[@iditarod4081]

Neither just dig down to bedrock. That's what they do in Manhattan. Then bolt and L bracket some steel studs in.

[@victorhopper6774]

watched them pour a wall on the ground then raise it up for the wall. building covered about 2 acres. each piece was about 30 feet by 20 feet high. they had that building walled in fast. its 24 years old now.

[@carbonconnection2480]

Not even a second thought, poured walls all day brotha!

[@kennethlaw5216]

@@363.2McMasters cheaper. Not stronger

[@352floridian]

​@@363.2McMasterscan we do all of the above?

[@charlesstockford5913]

We did block then filled with concrete. Now I would do poured or what my son has done is styrofoam blocks filled with concrete. It has 1/2 inch plywood on the inside that lock it all together and ready for drywall so they can use the entire basement.

[@BleuCollarFndryMTL]

Block walls known as reinforced blocks are very strong. The only additional cost is an licensed engineer must design them.

[@JohnSmith-mk1rj]

I'm an electrician in NYC (IBEW Local #3), and I was on a job site last winter where a poured concrete retaining wall fell over onto two guys and they lost their legs. To say it was horrific was an understatement. It was awful. Straight up, tho - any big building (over 15 or 20 stories) you stand in, some construction guy probably died helping to build it. Maybe more than one. I've been on job sights where up to 3 guys at once died. Temporary elevators fall, cranes drop stuff, dudes get impaled on black iron or fall from girders. It's just a fact of construction - it's a dangerous job.

[@KnowledgeSeeker78491]

That's sad

[@daviedood2503]

That's a single man's job. Military, truck driver, oil rig worker, under water welder, those guys that climb hundreds of feet or climb huge towers, constructing buildings. It's very dangerous and if u got a family, the money u brought in won't be worth ur life..

[@eyesonly4451]

My house has a walkout basement. Three sides of the basement had to be waterproof and withstand 12-feet of backfill. Engineer designed solid poured with steel rebar and 36" wide footings on the three retaining walls, and simple block on the walkout wall.

[@mhxxd4]

Now try a 45ft deep basement😂

[@ridged8]

Poured walls, it's not even close. This shouldn't even be a question

[@carlosojeda1956]

Growing up in the Caribbean poured walls are used for load bearing and block for the rest. The flat roofs are also poured concrete.

[@miztri]

I like the sound of this makes sense especially in regards to cost efficiency I would like to live in an eco-friendly home which means blocks but I also want a good solid foundation

[@jeosua]

Confused 😕 where i come from, we fill with concrete inside the block to the top.

[@mastersamurai7683]

I think it's left for cleanouts

[@r-gart]

Then you basically miss the insulation that air provides, spend (waste) a lot of concrete unnecessary and make the walls super heavy. Unless the walls are structural it doesn't make sense.

[@kennethlaw5216]

@@r-gart how do you figure. It's the exact thing as poured walls.

[@Zootycoonman223]

Poured walls in my area are 3x more expensive than masonry walls. Poured walls are stronger and more water tight but they also are more difficult to change or add holes later. They are also more expensive to customize than masonry. You could upgrade to ICF’s and almost do the labor yourself and gain some R value.

[@bigsmoke7381]

Block are cheaper and actually stronger for compression strength which is what you’re looking for when building a house on top. Concrete can crack and be much harder to fix than if the block were to crack

[@nate6795]

I was a basement waterproofer for years poured walls are by far the way to go. Even though those can also crack and leak and also the rod holes often leak as well. Just pour them right and waterproof them correctly and that shouldn’t be an issue.

[@madworld6801]

Poured walls without the doubt in my mind

[@vaseabmwe39]

Pouring walls is stupid, unless it's necessary. It makes the building a lot heavier and thermally inefficient, without gaining any benefits. You make a rigid concrete structure and then fill walls with light blocks, that's how it's done in normal countries

[@makmar4484]

Block walls are way easier to repair if poured walls crack it either going to be very expensive fix or just a patch I'm a mason btw

[@chrisp7570]

Here in S Florida, it’s mainly block. There are a few houses in my area with precast walls that have welded tabs at the corners

[@TheseusTitan]

A friend of mine built his own house and had block walls in his basement. After 15 or so years they caved in and he had to contract someone to rebuild the wall. I will never have block walls

[@aberba]

Poor job, many block walls have lasted for yrs.

[@TheseusTitan]

@@aberba His walls lasted for years too but not anywhere near as long as pour cement

[@aberba]

@@TheseusTitan in my country, it's almost never poured. But the buildings here are over 100yr. Concrete, whether blocks or poured should last for yrs when done well

[@TheseusTitan]

@@aberba That is interesting, thank you for telling me that. Do you have frost in the ground during winter? In other words, does the ground freeze from where you’re from?

[@Rezin_8]

3D printing 🤘

[@Rezin_8]

Glazing waste will be the future of concrete and construction

[@SamiKrasniqi]

I never saw a block foundation 15 years in to it that doesn’t leak, 100% poured!

[@nahbro3240]

Lmao who build blocs fondation, never seen one in canada, yall over there stoopid or what.

[@ronaldzeigler9057]

Got a warehouse, solid poured concrete & going on 75 yrs!💥

[@MrTeekay2009]

You need to take into account seismic requirements as well.

[@gregzjetz7749]

Filled block. Live on Long Island NY, house built in 1938. Basement is bone dry.

[@matthewrobillard1906]

I was a mason for 25 years, never had to fix any of my foundations…ever! Concrete always cracks…always!!

[@jamesortolano3983]

Yes this is true,retired bricklayer. I know this is true

[@rickwilson5611]

I dont know here in eastern Canada every single block basement leaks like a sieve.

[@matthewrobillard1906]

That’s not a structural issue, that’s a waterproofing issue.

[@mr.reality9741]

@@rickwilson5611 they didn’t backfill with enough gravel or mitigate the water.

[@rickwilson5611]

@@mr.reality9741 no in winter our ground freezes 4 feet deep and thaws about 25 times absolute havoc on block foundations

[@JM-fr3cd]

Which one is better... we don't know. I prefer poured walls. What a tool. 😅

[@ambassadoroftruth99]

Poured walls are better. Where I am, Labour is high, so block is almost the same price. What’s best is ICF Foundation walls-quick and easy install with continuous insulation. ICF is the way to go.

[@lesliekendall9902]

It also depends heavily on application If it is an above ground wall or waterproofing and lateral stability aren't as critical then definitely go with block and save a hell of a lot of money

[@bigchungus6801]

id go with block walls, as the ground shifts a poured wall cant flex and will crack and fixing a crack on a poured wall is alot harder to do than on a block wall, with the block wall when the ground shifts the joints in the wall act as a safety measure, thats what will crack and they are alot easier to fix, all you need is some mud and a grout bag. this coming from a guy who's worked for his dad whos been a Mason for 52 years and had built 100s of basements and walls. just my opinion 😁

[@readhistory2023]

If your foundation cracked someone screwed up. You're ground is supposed to tested for compaction so it can handle the load.

[@mhxxd4]

If your walls are flexing you did the foundation, walls, or bracing wrong. If you can't afford poured than don't do poured but done right it is superior in every way

[@TurinTuramber]

Something being stronger doesn't necessarily mean better. If a block wall is strong enough for the purpose then it's academic. Very over engineered things = badly engineered.

[@nolansmokes]

We’re very different people

[@TurinTuramber]

@@nolansmokes Over engineered means unnecessary expense, time and effort. This means your value and efficiency are trashed.

[@nolansmokes]

@@TurinTuramber actually from the perspective of pumps that makes sense

[@dragonsharker4793]

@@TurinTuramber yup, overbuilt just for the purpose of being overbuilt doesn’t mean it’s good. I agree, it can be a waste of money

[@oneangrygoy]

Block is cheaper. Period.

[@andrewwilson3431]

I did both and sticking with block. Easier to repair. Sure at first poured is better but you can’t repair it without crack injections. Masonary is better and always will be

[@johnknightiii1351]

In Vegas we have stucco walls here and almost no basements. It is mostly slab on grade. We don't have frost line problems, the footers are more than deep enough. We get below freezing every year but our ground is dry with almost no water content making the frost a non issue.

[@DungeonMiser]

It's crazy that hardly anyone goes underground in the desert. You can go from 90 to 60 degrees without any AC!

[@chrisbetts6194]

The stucco over a wood framed house is a veneer, it's not structural.

[@ericolsen3932]

You get the same strength on block and concrete wall if you grout it the cinder block wall and reboard with with horizontal bars too and verticals

[@LNMarls]

Yah but have fun vibrating all those cavities where the bar is cuz you gotta do that or you'll fall victim to a call back

[@dustinworrick9173]

Poured walls with rebar is far superior over block, it's a monolithic pour. Plus cinderblock is a low grade porous mix, poured walls arent and can be poured at different PSI mixes. A 4500 lb mix would destroy cinder in a competition.

[@thomassprague1822]

As a concrete worker poured walls are better

[@mikeirvin9694]

ICF. I'm required to have a minimum 42" below finished grade frost footing in my area. Full Basements are the norm, and minimum insulation on foundation walls are required. ICFs are a perfect solution for where I live. However, for unheated spaces with foundations backfilled on both sides (such as garages, or workshops) CMU's are the preferred option. They are cheap with adequate strength and suitable for applications that don't require insulation or waterproofing. Poured concrete walls are reserved for exposed applications. They just look better for things like stairwells and retaining walls. A house might have a mostly ICF foundation, with a poured concrete wall (extending 40" or so above the garage floor to stop a car from driving into the stairwell) and stairs in the garage leading to the basement. The concrete front steps and walkway might rest on block walls built on frost footings connected to the house footings. 3 foundation types on a single home is not that uncommon here, but that changes by region.

[@ald8612]

Definitely, poured reinforced walls! Never use block below grade.

[@QueenNemesis327]

Can't you pour into the blocks?

[@Landcruiser252]

Good question can you

[@yiannimil1]

Yes

[@tublisvaj8966]

Yes you could but y? Cost double. Y not just pour it from the start

[@FactsRawTruth]

Yes but you still have the weakness of the joints and seepage through that poor walls are far better than black far far better

[@maxstrongCW]

No matter what region, block is cheaper.

[@canukchuk]

Blocks easier to fix. Poured Concrete usually cracks eventually. Poured Concrete better against water damage.

[@nmoran2046]

It’s not even a comparison pour all day winner winner chicken dinner

[@jerrodcastillo8330]

Concrete Homes are the Best👍

[@GIUL7301]

Im a contrator in Oregon. Our biggest worry is water and mold. Everything I do is poured. Do a quality job and you'll always have work.

[@randypenning974]

Block is way more precise. Because during pours there is a lot of pressure on forms. And concrete shrinks while curing. Block is the way to go in my opinion.

[@chrisfoxwell4128]

So in your world poured walls all look like fun house mirrors?

[@LNMarls]

@@chrisfoxwell4128 OP is high

[@charliekelly3173]

I poured walls for 15 years. It's precise as long as you can operate a tape measure.

[@dustinworrick9173]

I don't think concrete shrinks and depends on who's building it. New forms and a good crew can make it straight as an arrow.

[@randypenning974]

@@dustinworrick9173 I know for for a fact that it shrinks. Only been doing stem panels and block for 20 years.

[@tomdabomb3457]

I built over 300 homes with poured walls. They are super strong and I'd recommend them every time over block

[@petekobraoutdoors7324]

Block walls stand the test of time, many pyramids of Block are thousands of years old. So I'll go with Block walls.

[@chrisfoxwell4128]

Where are pyramids made with block?

[@frankhandley7648]

I like poured. but it really depends on the cost and size. Little stubby walls are easy to form and pour with the footing.

[@elnabz4731]

I would love to see the tour of this house

[@merica7050]

Are you planning on living there for 130 years

[@davidhernandez4629]

I do waterproofing and I agree poured walls are definitely easier to do 👍🏽

[@johnypitman2368]

You are absolutely right it is a regional thing. Early in my career block masons were fairly common place and so block was competitive and decorative block had advantages poured walls didn't. Today poured walls are more common. Dont forget block is self forming and poured walls require expensine form panels

[@dailodai9586]

hands down poured walls is superior to block. I've done both many many times and poured is strongest

[@benmax5260]

Block walls require less material and space to set up on the job site.

[@rocknral]

If your house hasnt got an underground basement, poured walls are an overkill in a cost scenario. Block walls can be just as strong if it is needed. Its called engineering.

[@gramanatorof4527]

I live in the tornado belt and I'd say poured!!

[@ML167305]

Access is a big determinant factor for me. So block is cool in poorer parts of the world where a heavy concrete truck couldn’t make it on a dirt road but a 1/2 ton truck can move a pallet at a time. Then there’s the heat and humidity factor that makes it challenging in these areas too. Case in point, the Darian gap between Panama and Columbia. Block also offers a bit less thermal transmission with more are space and is good for hot climates. As a builder, poured is clearly better but has expensive start up costs for but big forms. A guy can start out with minimal tools laying block. Then there’s the long term hydrostatic pressure where poured is king but in certain parts of the globe, PVC and waterproofing materials cost more than a week of labor of a eight man crew if they can get perforated pipe at all. Block makes sense also for making repairs to a sub-grade wall from the hydrostatic pressure in the future. It’s a lot easier to chisel out a few than a partner saw to a poured wall, pinning to the good section and so on. Fresh poured walls on the other hand have better adhesion of stucco to the outside before it’s cured out. As for running mechanical lines, 2” pex chase tubing is easier to run lines on poured whereas block fucks you unless you want to grind forever or fir out a cavity. Poured is king but block is still around for good reasons.

[@BrendaG1957]

In arid climates block walls work great. No water issues. But if you get wet seasons poured walls are much much better as long as sidewalls and pad has zero joints

[@carlwilliams7255]

Block walls takes a little more time poured walls takes one day one day to set the form and an hour and a half to pull the concrete and another evening 24 hours for it to set up and the strength the strength of the poured concrete that you're putting in which would come out stronger because if you're putting 3,000 to 40 4500 PSI poured into a poured wall it's going to hold up better than your block because you're only putting 2 in of mixture of cement that you mixed and the strength of it holding so yes poured walls for the bound foundation just a suggestion crw post

[@isrosa2894]

For basement walls that are acting as retaining walls, go with pour, for craw space foundation go with block.

[@remusgherman4602]

Depending on where you are constructed of. If you are going to make a wall underground it is better poured one but if the wall is above the ground it is better blokes.

[@danielmarion8426]

When I worked construction, I asked my crew leader what he would do if he built his house and he told me the exact same thing. Poured walls should be standard.

[@justinfowler2857]

I wanted poured crawlspace walls, but the extra 9k made that decision for me.

[@samuelt5131]

Years ago, where I live in Michigan, it was concrete blocks. Now, most are poured walls.

[@iamcondescending]

I want to make a "gun room" when I get my own house, so I think I'm going to do a hybrid. Block walls with rebar reinforcement, filled with poured cement.

[@letsbuildsomethingNOW]

Both are far better than standard construction.

[@steves835]

Obviously the best solution is to combine the two: simply crush the block and mix it into the poured wall. Duh.

[@johndough1966]

This is a non-discussion subject. Why even bother comparing, there is NO comparison. It's like comparing concrete structures to wood framed, the only discussion worth having is cost, and definitely not 'which is better'.

[@makmar4484]

I'm a mason I would say block walls because have fun repairing a poured wall if it ever cracks its going to either be very expensive or just a patch

[@barongavin5026]

Block wall will save you lots of money in cost and insulation everyone think solid will insulate better but the traped air barrier is a amazing insulator

[@briggshansen5878]

I’m in wester Washington and it is a standard to have poured walls here

[@nicholasd7731]

Poured are my top pick, since they can be water proof and are stronger.

[@blakeslocum2732]

Doing a stem wall for a 40ft shop right now. I advised them that concrete is better than CMU, but only if you have the money. Block will be just fine in the long run. We’re just doing bond beams all the way through 😂

[@harenterberge2632]

You can also pour concrete in special blocks. This make it easier to do yourself

[@pattis8945]

Monolithic Dome walls 😃 sprayed shotcrete

[@miahzzeebest701]

Yes poured is always better. That’s why all sky-rise buildings are poured.

[@dannyvazquez4822]

Yes

[@travishanson987]

As a carpenter🥴 block typically ends up straight for pulling measurements (in new construction) saying that, poured is best

[@BabyBugBug]

Poured. But block is acceptable as well. I would prefer always to do it the right way, so poured for me.

[@jeremyjones8303]

Poured walls are better, but you don't always need better and block is usually cheaper.

[@tuvoca825]

I know an adult who looks exactly like her. AND she is a super-kind lady!

[@philswift8311]

My house has both, poured for the outside and block for the interior