Block and CMU Construction in Nashville and Middle Tennessee
Brick Work

Block and CMU Construction

Concrete block walls for foundations, retaining walls, garages and outdoor structures, built strong and finished with stucco, brick or stone.

Concrete masonry units, usually called block, are the workhorse of masonry. They are strong, fast to lay and stable, which makes them a smart choice for foundations, garden walls, outdoor kitchen bases, garages and structures that will later be finished with another material.

We build block walls with the same care as brick. Footings are poured to the right size, courses are kept level, cells are filled with grout and steel where needed, and control joints are placed so the wall can move without cracking. A finish of stucco, stone or brick turns the wall into something you will enjoy looking at. Block is also a smart choice when the budget needs to go where people look. A well-built block structure with a stone or stucco face on the visible side gives strength inside and beauty outside.

Footings and layout

Block walls begin with a straight, level footing. We set string lines and check the first course carefully because every course above depends on it.

Reinforcement and grouting

Vertical steel and filled cells give a block wall its strength. We follow the spacing the design calls for and consolidate the grout so there are no voids.

Control joints and drainage

Control joints let the wall move. Drain pipes and gravel behind retaining block keep water pressure low and the wall stable.

Finishing options

Plain block can be painted, parged, stuccoed or faced with brick or stone. We plan the finish early so ties and ledges are in place.

What is included

  • Visit and review of plans or sketches
  • Footing excavation and pour
  • Block laying with reinforcement
  • Grouting and control joints
  • Parging, stucco or veneer finish
  • Cleanup and walk-through
Before and after

See the transformation.

Drag the handle to compare.

After: a sloped backyard with a neat stacked stone retaining wall with planted shrubs on topBefore: a sloped backyard with an eroding bare dirt slope with weedsBeforeAfter
Eroding slope held by a stone wall. From an eroding bare dirt slope with weeds to a neat stacked stone retaining wall with planted shrubs on top.
Why it works

What you get with Block and CMU Construction

Strong, stable walls

Great for structure and bases.

Steel and grout where needed

Built to the plan.

Drainage planned

Less pressure behind walls.

Finish choices

Stucco, brick or stone.

Level and plumb

Checked at every course.

Clean joints

Neat from the first course.

Try it now

Retaining Wall Block Calculator

Enter wall length and height to see courses, blocks, cap pieces and drainage stone to plan for.

How it works

Our process, start to finish.

  1. 01

    Call and schedule

    You tell us about the wall, chimney, patio or idea and the timeline, and we set a visit that fits your day.

  2. 02

    Visit and design

    We walk the property, look closely at the masonry, show brick and stone samples and talk through the layout.

  3. 03

    Measure and plan

    We measure everything, write a proposal and coordinate any association approvals or permits.

  4. 04

    Prepare the site

    We mark the work area, protect lawns and plants, excavate and set footings and bases.

  5. 05

    Build course by course

    Our masons lay brick, stone and block by hand, checking level, plumb and spacing at every stage.

  6. 06

    Finish and walk through

    We tool the joints, clean the faces, walk the project with you, share care tips and leave the site clean.

Questions

Block and CMU Construction FAQ

Is block as strong as poured concrete?

Reinforced and grouted block is very strong. The right choice depends on the job and the plans.

Can block be hidden?

Yes. Stucco, brick or stone veneer can cover it completely.

Do block walls crack?

Control joints and good footings reduce cracks. We plan both from the start.

Can I build an outdoor kitchen on block?

Yes. Block bases are common, and they are finished with stone, brick or stucco.

How long does a block wall take?

It depends on size. Walls go up quickly, and finishes add time.

Next step

Get your free Block and CMU Construction estimate.

Tell us about the project and we will call you back to talk it through.

Or call (615) 357-7797 to talk now.

Tell us about your project

We will call you back to talk it through and set up a visit.

Prefer to talk? Call (615) 357-7797. We never sell your information.

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