16 Ways To Transform Concrete Blocks Into Home & Garden Treasures

Plain, gray concrete blocks might seem like they're best relegated to behind-the-scenes work, but you'd be surprised at how many ways there are to turn them into real treasures. Place your concrete blocks front and center and use them to create useful furniture and beautiful decor. They can provide structure to tables and benches and become beautiful garden art or even fountains. On their own they have a rigid, neutral aesthetic that pairs well with a minimalistic or brutalist style, but they're also easy to decorate or disguise. So grab your concrete blocks, toolbox, and any art supplies you have and get crafting!

Concrete blocks are generally easy to repurpose, since they have a regular shape and excellent durability. They're also relatively inexpensive, and you may already have some leftover from another project or be able to find reclaimed ones for a lower cost. If you're looking at your leftover building materials and wondering if you have concrete or cinder blocks, or if your cement blocks will also work, you can rest easy. Most cinder blocks are actually concrete blocks, so they can still be used. However, note that there are some differences between concrete blocks and cinder blocks so you may want to keep a closer eye on them for damage.

Whether you need to replace the stairs to your deck or want some indoor stairs to help your pets get around, concrete blocks are a good choice. If the stairs are temporary, you just need to arrange the blocks in layers where each is one row shorter than the one below it. Add something flat and solid, such as plywood or stone to the top to cover the holes. For permanent outdoor stairs, add a sublayer of sand or concrete for a firmer base and fill the gaps with sand or cement before adding the flat top.

Combine the industrial look of your concrete blocks with a more natural aesthetic by turning them into cute planters. The holes in the blocks work well for holding small plants. Paint the sides of the planter for a cute and colorful look or lean into the contrast by leaving them plain. You can also use them individually or stack them to form a plant tower, pyramid, or wall. Just make sure to add a mesh or landscape fabric to the bottom of the holes to stop the soil and plants from falling out through the bottom.

If your TV could use a new console to sit on, concrete blocks might be the solution. Stack the concrete blocks, add a flat top of wood or stone, and call it a day. You can also add wood shelves through the holes or between the layers of blocks to store your remote, assorted cables, and other items. If that sounds like a good idea but you aren't fond of the aesthetics, consider attaching some fabric to the top to form mini curtains and hide the concrete blocks from view.

Want a relaxing pool to swim or soak in? Concrete blocks are actually a great starting point. When properly assembled with rebar reinforcements and a waterproof coating, concrete block walls can form the basis of a small pool. It is time-consuming, but you can build an inground or above ground pool. If swimming isn't your favorite, you could use the blocks in a similar manner to create a small pond or pool for your garden. However, you should look at your local regulations first to determine if you need a permit of any sort before starting.

You can DIY a simple side table or outdoor dining table. All you need are your concrete blocks and something to set on top of them. Stability is important if you want a large table or plan to use a glass top. A table falling over and sending a book to the floor isn't quite as bad as a dinner table laden with plates crashing down. Make sure the legs are sturdy and aligned, and use some adhesive to keep the top from sliding over them. If the table is permanent, using mortar to hold the blocks together may be wise.

Concrete block walls are nothing new, but they're an easy and effective way to add privacy to your yard. To really transform them, add decorative touches like paint to the outside. The holes in the center can be used to hold flags, artificial flowers, or other garden decor. Simply stack the blocks for a temporary wall or dig a trench, add a gravel or sand base layer, and use mortar or another masonry mix to secure the concrete blocks. You can even use concrete breeze blocks to build your wall, making it even more decorative.

Concrete blocks don't look like much, but you can change that. A block wall makes a lovely surface for a mural, and you can stack them into fun, sculptural shapes. Don't worry if you only have a single concrete block. You can still turn it into cute seasonal decor. Painting it orange and adding a stem or spooky face will give you an easy pumpkin, but you could add a hat and make it a scarecrow. Branch out from seasonal decor by painting them like books, or use a line of blocks to create a cute train.

Turn your concrete blocks into a real treasure by building a beautiful fountain for your garden or patio. The blocks form the base of the fountain, similar to making a pool. A simple fountain would be a basic pool with a floating fountain spout in the center, but you can make it fancier. Extend one wall up and use pipes and pumps to circulate the water from the basin through the wall, or use additional blocks to create a tiered element in the center. Just make sure to water proof the blocks so it doesn't leak.

If modern nightstands are too sleek for your taste, consider using concrete blocks as a rough, brutalist alternative. You can also dress them up just like you might if you were making a table by painting the blocks or adding a top. However, the concrete blocks can also be left plain if you prefer a more industrial look. Stack them into an even pile or arrange them with some stood up on their ends, creating a more unique, angular shape. If you're worried about them scratching your floors, add some furniture pads or a rug underneath them.

Depending on the type of cooking you like to do, there are a few ways to upgrade your outdoor kitchen with concrete blocks. You can make an outdoor grill out of concrete blocks if you have some stone and a metal grate, or use them to build a simple smoker to make your own barbeque. Alternatively, concrete blocks can be turned into a custom counter for your meal prep. Just stack the blocks to fit your space, add wood boards or a stone slab on top, and finish with paint or a table cloth.

Need new shelves for your growing book collection? Combine concrete blocks with wood boards for modular, customizable shelving units. Stack the concrete blocks to create the sides of the shelves and add wood boards in between them. Stain or paint them to match your room. For taller shelves, space, add the boards between every two layers instead of every layer. For deeper shelves, add a second row of concrete blocks in front. You can leave the holes facing out for extra storage space, or turn the blocks so a flat end faces out for a sleeker look.

Garden benches are a fantastic way to enjoy your outdoor space, but they can be a bit costly and cumbersome. Instead, grab your concrete blocks and make two stacks, spaced as far apart as you want your bench to be in length. If the bench is particularly long, you may need an additional stack in the middle for extra support. Add wood to the top or through the holes in the blocks. Paint or stain the concrete and wood, add cushions, blankets, or pillows for comfort, or add carvings to make it particularly cute.

If sticking to small plants isn't enough, turn your concrete blocks into a raised garden bed that can hold larger ones. You only need to make four block walls and add your soil, compost, or other growing medium to the center. Reinforcing the walls with mortar or rebar is a good idea, especially if you'll be growing something with tenacious roots or want to keep your garden for multiple growing seasons. Not only are concrete blocks durable and affordable, but they make it easy to adjust the size and shape of your raised bed.

If entryway clutter is leaving you in a bad mood, bring your concrete blocks indoors. Turn them onto their sides and use them as shoe cubbies or add a shelf for them. You could even lay some wood across the top and turn it into a combination shoe rack and entryway table. Use the top for your keys and bag, and store your shoes underneath. Add a couple concrete blocks stacked beside the rack and use the holes to hold your umbrella, walking stick, or cane for a one stop entryway storage solution.

Give your family some extra space to sit and relax by building a deck or patio out of concrete blocks. You may need a permit to build a deck in your area, so check your local laws first. One option is to use the blocks themselves as the porch or patio instead of bricks or pavers. If your blocks have holes, those would need to be filled or covered to give you a stable walking surface. You can also use the concrete blocks as the foundation for your deck, then attach your wood boards to the top.

Make your garden a little cozier by building a fire pit. The simplest option is to build four low walls in a rectangle, with the fire in the center. However, you could also build up some of the walls to give it a more classic fireplace shape. If you already have a portable metal fire pit and are worried about pets or kids knocking it over, the concrete blocks might make a nice barrier around it. Under extreme circumstances and heat, concrete can crack. Keep an eye on your fire pit for signs of damage.