Can You Install a Fence On a Cinder Block or Concrete Block Wall?
Cinder blocks, or concrete blocks or cement blocks as they are known in some parts of the world, are a very popular building material. Their large size means they cut labor costs, and they’re a lot cheaper than bricks.
However, if you need to build a fence on this type of wall, this does raise the question of whether you can install a fence on a cinder block wall. Here’s what you need to know.
Cinder Blocks Are Not Ideal
The first thing we need to say about installing fences on cinder block or cement block walls is that it’s not ideal. Cinder blocks are not as strong as concrete or brick, so it is a little trickier to do this correctly.
The good news is that just because it’s not easy, that does not mean it’s not possible at all.
Installing a Fence on a New Cinder Block Wall
If you are installing your fence on top of a new cinder block or cement block wall, you might be able to install your posts into the voids of the blocks during construction. Along with some cement grout, and possibly with a plate, pin or bolt through the post to hold it in place, should keep your fence posts in place.
Cinder blocks or cement blocks as they are also known have two large voids, and when these kinds of walls are built in stretcher bond (which is one of the most common ways to lay blocks and bricks) they should line up reasonably well.
As long as your posts are not too big, they should be able to fit into those voids.
Installing a Fence on an Existing Cinder Block Wall
Installing a fence on top of an existing cinder block wall is a little trickier than doing this while the wall is being built, but it is still possible, usually with the help of a custom “saddle” style baseplate.
As you can see in the image below, these baseplates are designed to go over the top and down both sides of the wall. They can then either be bolted in place, or you could use a heavy-duty construction adhesive if your fence is not too heavy and won’t be subject to wind loads etc.
Not Usually an Off the Shelf Solution
The good news is that you can install a fence on a new or existing cinder block or cement block wall.
The bad news is that it’s not something you can usually do off the shelf, and your fence company will need to create some custom solutions for your job.
There is also always the chance that when drilling or working on your fence, one or more of your blocks could crack; however, depending on the seriousness of the crack, this can usually also be repaired on-site.
If you do plan to do this kind of fence project, be sure to hire a fence pro who knows how to do complex fence installs and who can create the custom solutions you need.
