Your Materials Inspiration Starts here.

Surface Shop is an expansive purveyor of exquisite natural stone products from around the globe. Whether you’re brushing up on the difference between marble and limestone on Surface Culture, our wide-ranging blog, or working with one of our national distributors on a personal project, we’re excited you’re here.

7 Best Exterior Cinder Block Wall Covering Ideas

Improving your home’s curb appeal is crucial for raising its total worth and creating a fantastic first impression.

One essential component in doing this is using eye-catching external wall coverings. They are renowned for their strength and adaptability. Exterior cinder block walls are a prime candidate for a variety of different wall coverings because they frequently lack the visual appeal that homeowners want.

Although these concrete block walls are durable and strong, if not treated properly, they can have a very boring and industrial appearance.

Surface Shop has been in the business of making walls, especially dull, boring exterior cinder block walls, look amazing using natural stone veneer products from around the world. This blog post provides homeowners with original ideas, such as natural stone as well as lots of others, for covering exterior cinder block walls so they look amazing instead of a bland eyesore.

We can help you decide whether to paint cinder block walls a different color or just make your cement block walls seem better overall. Here are seven great home improvement ways to improve the look of your cinder block walls and give the outside of your house more character and charm.

Natural Coverings

Adding natural features to any manmade outdoor spaces has an indisputable appeal. They produce a harmonious fit with the surroundings and improve aesthetics.

Natural coverings have a special ability to breathe new life and vitality into otherwise simple and functional constructions, such as cinder block walls.

Natural coverings are aesthetically pleasing and functional because of their adaptability and timeless appeal.

They can provide texture, soften the hard edges of concrete block walls, and make the space feel cozier and more natural look. In this section, we’ll look at two common natural covering solutions: stone veneer and climbing plants.

1. Stone Veneer

Stone veneers can significantly improve the appearance of cinder block walls by giving them a classic natural style. Here are the various kinds of stone veneer, along with installation guidelines and methods for a smooth finish.

Types of Stone Veneer

Natural Stone Veneer: Real stone provides the most genuine appearance. Cost can vary, but is unmatched in durability.
Manufactured Stone Veneer: This less complicated-to-install alternative resembles natural stone and is made of lightweight materials like concrete and pigment.
Cultured Stone Veneer: This material resembles artificial stone, but it frequently contains fiberglass or acrylic to lighten its weight and increase longevity.

Installing Stone Veneer on Cinder Block Walls

Surface Preparation: Thoroughly wipe off the cinder block wall to remove dirt or debris. Most of the time you’ll want to use some form of a moisture barrier, especially in humid regions like Florida.
Application of Adhesive or Mortar: Prepare mortar according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Use the correct adhesive, such as a polymer modified thinset for the stone veneer being installed.
Stone Positioning: Begin at the bottom and work your way up. Each stone should have a thick layer of cement or glue applied to the back before being firmly pressed into the wall.

Techniques for a Natural and Seamless Appearance

Joint Staggering: Steer clear of vertical joint alignment. To evoke the unpredictability of natural stone, space them apart.
Blending Stones: To achieve a more organic appearance and to harmonize colors, combine stones from several boxes.
Shaping Stones: To shape stones, use a chisel or saw to fit them snugly around corners and uneven surfaces.

Common Challenges and Considerations

Corner and Edge Treatments: To create a smooth edge wrap, use corner pieces if they are available.
Grouting: Use grout or cement to close up spaces between stones. Smooth the joints with a trowel for a finished appearance.
Sealing: To ensure the stone veneer’s long-lasting resilience, use a sealant to shield it from moisture and stains.

Surface Shop has a complete line up of natural stone veneer products, from traditional loose drystack masonry to high output panel systems, to large format natural stone tiles in trendiest colors and finishes so you’re sure to find the perfect stone for your project. By carefully choosing and applying stone veneer, you can give your cinder block walls a lovely, organic appearance and give your house more character and improve its aesthetic appeal.

2. Climbing Plants

Add climbing plants to your external cinder block walls for a cost effective option to change the look of a boring space. These plants transform ordinary cement block walls into living tapestries by adding vivid greens, lovely blossoms, and delicious aromas.

This is a how-to for choosing, growing, and trimming climbing plants for your concrete block walls.

Suitable Climbing Plants for Cinder Block Walls

Think about growth patterns, sunshine, and the environment while selecting climbing plants. Here are a few well-liked varieties:

English Ivy (Hedera helix): Adaptable to many climates, hardy, evergreen, and happy in both sun and shade.
Clematis: Huge, lovely flowers that need well-drained soil and full sun instead of partial shade.
Climbing Roses: Gorgeous flowers with a sweet scent; needs full sun and frequent trimming.
Bougainvillea: Bright hues, ample sun, and warm conditions are ideal for this plant.
Jasmine (Jasminum spp.): Aromatic blooms that thrive in warm areas with full to partial sun.
Wisteria: a vigorous plant that produces cascading blossoms; best in sunny locations but requires strong support.

Selecting and Planting Climbing Plants

Soil Preparation: Make sure the soil is rich and drains effectively. Use compost to amend sandy or heavy clay soil.
Distance: Give plants three to five feet of space between them for good growth.
Planting: Create a hole that is the same depth but twice as wide as the root ball. Soil backfill, plant, and water well.
Supporting Structure: A few inches from the wall, set up trellises, wires, or mesh to let air circulate and stop water damage.

Training Climbing Plants

Using Wires and Trellises: Run wires horizontally across the wall or install trellises. Use garden twine or gentle ties to secure the main stems.
Mesh Supports: Weave stems through the mesh after firmly fastening it to the wall.
Regular Maintenance: To preserve shape and encourage healthy development, regularly monitor growth, mentor new sprouts, and trim dead or excessive branches.

By carefully choosing and caring for climbing plants, you can add a lush, green covering to your cinder block walls, improving the outside beauty of your home and infusing your surroundings with the peacefulness of nature.

Artificial Coverings

Due to their remarkable ability to imitate natural materials, affordability, and ease of installation, artificial coverings are becoming more and more popular among homeowners.

These solutions provide a valuable and affordable means of improving the appearance of cinder block walls without compromising their longevity or elegance. Here are the two best artificial coverings that you should use:

3. Faux Stone Panels

With a wide selection of colors, textures, and patterns, faux stone panels are an adaptable and affordable substitute for real stone. They are a great option for improving cinder block walls since they may accommodate a wide range of aesthetic preferences.

Selecting and Purchasing Faux Stone Panels

Panel Thickness and Size: Choose panels that complement the size of your wall and the style you want. Thicker panels can achieve more depth and realism.
Colors and Textures: Pick a look that complements the exterior of your house. Faux stone panels come in many different designs, from elegant river rock to rustic ledgestone.
Method of Installation: Choose between panels that are fastened with screws, adhesives, or a combination of the two.

Installing Faux Stone Panels on Cinder Block Walls

Surface Preparation: Thoroughly clean and clear any dirt or debris from the cinder block wall. Make sure the surface is dry before proceeding.
Applying Adhesive or Screws: Place adhesive or screws according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Apply adhesive evenly on the back of each panel if you plan to use it. Mark and drill pilot holes in the wall for screws.
Panel Alignment for a Smooth Finish: Make sure every panel in the wall is level as you work your way up from the bottom. To set the glue or tighten screws as necessary, press down firmly.

Enhancing the Realism of Faux Stone Panels

Using Caulk or Grout: To replicate mortar joints, fill in the spaces between panels with caulk or grout. Select a hue that complements or enhances the panels.
Blending Panels: To minimize color shifts and provide a more organic look, combine panels from several boxes.

Following these instructions can give your cinder block walls a gorgeous, authentic stone appearance. Faux stone panels are a reasonably priced and simple-to-install alternative that may drastically change the outside of your house with little work.

4. Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding is an enduring and low-maintenance choice for covering external cinder block walls. It is a sensible option for improving the external appearance of your home because it provides good resistance to fading, weathering, and moisture damage.

Styles and Profiles of Vinyl Siding

There are numerous kinds and profiles of vinyl siding that can be used with different architectural designs.

Clapboard: Perfect for historic and colonial-style homes, it has long, horizontal panels that overlap one another.
Dutch Lap: Decorative grooves provide depth and shadow lines to the clapboard, making it an excellent choice for historical and craftsman-style homes.
Board and Batten: Vertical panels that alternate between wide and narrow boards to create a farmhouse or rustic aesthetic.

Installing Vinyl Siding on Cinder Block Walls

Wall Surface Preparation: Give the cinder block wall a thorough cleaning, making sure that all dirt and debris are gone. Make sure it’s a dry surface.
Furring Strips and Insulation: To create a nailing surface, use masonry screws to fasten vertical furring strips to the wall. As an alternative, add more thermal protection by installing rigid foam insulation.
Attaching Siding Panels: Start by fastening a starting strip at the base of the wall. Make sure the furring strips are level before nailing the first row of siding panels to them. As directed by the manufacturer, overlap the following rows to allow for expansion and contraction.

Common Challenges and Considerations

Corner and Edge Treatments: To guarantee a polished appearance, use matching corner posts and trim pieces. Fasten these parts before assembling the main siding panels.
Expansion and Contraction: To account for temperature variations and avoid warping or buckling, provide tiny spaces between panels.
Compatibility with Other Exterior Finishes: For a unified look, make sure the vinyl siding matches other materials like stone or brick.

Following these steps, you can successfully add vinyl siding to your cinder block walls and create a long-lasting, stylish, and low-maintenance exterior.

Vinyl siding is a flexible choice that can improve the external appearance of your house while offering strong weather resistance.

5. Stucco

For external cinder block walls, stucco is a flexible and long-lasting finish that offers a smooth or textured surface that can be customized to fit a variety of architectural styles and design preferences. Long-lasting protection that also improves outdoor space with visual attractiveness.

Types of Stucco Finishes

Traditional Stucco: This traditional stucco has a textured, vintage appearance and is made of cement, sand, and water. It is quite resilient and may be painted with different colors.
Synthetic Stucco (EIFS): This variety is made out of a synthetic finish and a foam insulating board. Compared to conventional stucco, it is lighter and offers superior insulation.
Acrylic-Based Stucco: Made of acrylic resins, this stucco is less likely to break and is more flexible. It comes in a variety of hues and has a sleek, contemporary appearance.

Applying Stucco to Cinder Block Walls

Surface Preparation: Dust off any dirt or debris from the cinder block wall. Make sure the surface is just a little bit wet before stuccoing.
Mixing Stucco: Prepare the stucco mix as directed by the manufacturer. To get a thick consistency for conventional stucco, mix cement, sand, and water.
Applying the Base Coat: Using a trowel, apply a scratch coat (base coat), distributing the stucco uniformly across the surface. To improve the finish coat’s adhesion, use a scratching instrument to make grooves in the base coat. Give the base coat between 24 and 48 hours to cure.
Finish Coat Application: Mix the finish coat using a trowel and apply it on top of the cured base coat. Use several trowel techniques or brushes to create the desired texture or design. Allow the last coat to dry and cure fully.

Common Challenges and Solutions

Temperature and Moisture Control: Avoid applying stucco in extremely hot or cold temperatures, and make sure the substrate is slightly damp before application. Cover the stucco with protective materials to regulate the drying process.
Repairing: Seal cracks with a stucco repair product. Reapply a fresh coat of stucco to significant repairs so that it blends in smoothly with the original finish.
Complementing Current Finishes: When patching or extending stucco, use the same mix and application methods to match the current texture and color to create a seamless appearance.

Stucco is an excellent option for improving the outside of your house since it offers a long-lasting, adaptable finish that can turn cinder block walls into stunning architectural accents.

When it comes to any of the Artificial Covering options detailed above, all of them offer their own set of advantages and disadvantages as compared to any of the Natural Covering options, in particular when it comes to natural stone veneer vs a faux stone or stucco. Understand both the upfront and future costs associated with artificial covering options and compare that with an extremely durable product, such as stone veneer from the Surface Shop, when considering options to clad exterior cinder block walls.

Creative Finishes

Homeowners frequently want to add character and charm to their outdoor areas. Creative finishes are essential for achieving this. They turn simple cinder block walls into eye-catching elements that showcase individuality and inventiveness. Here are some creative finish ideas for covering cinder block walls.

6. Murals

Murals are a unique and customized approach to giving outside cinder block walls visual interest and individuality, turning them into breathtaking pieces of art.

They allow homeowners to showcase their artistic side and use their outdoor areas to create a striking impression.

Types of Murals

Hand-Painted Murals: Ideal for people who are creative or who desire a unique design. These murals have the potential to be quite detailed and customized.
Stenciled Murals: These are perfect for people looking for a more methodical approach. With minimal work and expertise, stencils can produce intricate patterns and designs.
Digitally Printed Murals: Ideal for people who value accuracy and specificity. These can be applied to the wall after being expertly printed on weather-resistant materials.

Inspiration and Themes

Nature Scenes: Add a little bit of the outdoors to your wall with images of gardens, wildlife, or landscapes.
Abstract Designs: combining patterns, colors, and shapes to provide a sleek, contemporary appearance.
Cultural References: Including aspects from several cultures, such as customs, well-known sites, or historical settings.

Maintenance and Longevity

Weather-Resistant Paints: To assure endurance, select premium weather-resistant home exterior paint made for outdoor usage.
Sealants and Coatings: To shield the mural from the weather and ultraviolet light, apply a transparent sealer or protective coating on top of it.
Periodic Cleaning: To maintain the mural’s vitality, clean it regularly using mild soap and water to remove dirt and grime.

Your cinder block walls can become eye-catching canvases that express your individuality and improve the visual appeal of your house and basement walls if you choose murals for the retaining walls.

Murals provide countless opportunities for creativity and personalization, regardless of whether you choose a digitally produced image or a hand-painted masterpiece.

DIY Solutions

Thanks to the growing trend of do-it-yourself home remodeling projects, an increasing number of homeowners are taking great joy in finishing DIY projects with their own hands. It’s a wonderful chance to let your imagination run wild and customize outdoor areas using a variety of materials and a solution that is budget-friendly.

7. Wood Panels

When it comes to covering outside cinder block walls, wood panels are a practical and fashionable choice. They enhance any outdoor space with warmth, texture, and organic beauty. They may turn an ordinary wall into a focal point that complements a variety of interior design motifs.

Types of Wood Panels

Reclaimed Wood: Provides an original and rustic appearance. Although environmentally beneficial, it could need additional upkeep.
Cedar: Known for its innate resistance to insects and rot, cedar is low maintenance and long-lasting.
Composite Materials: These panels are made of plastic and wood fibers, which makes them incredibly resilient, low-maintenance, and moisture-resistant.

Installing Wood Panels on Cinder Block Walls

Surface Preparation: Give the wall made of cinder blocks a good cleaning. Put on a coat of waterproofing to keep moisture out. Furring strips can be fastened to the wall vertically to provide a nailing surface by using masonry screws.
Attachment Techniques: Press the wood panels firmly onto the furring strips after applying construction glue to their backs. An even stronger hold can be achieved by fastening the panels to the furring strips with screws.
Finishing Techniques: To bring out the natural grain and offer more protection, apply wood stain. Utilize exterior-grade paint to blend in or stand out from your current interior design.

Common Concerns and Considerations

Expansion and Contraction: To account for variations in humidity and temperature, leave little spaces between panels.
Appropriate Ventilation: To avoid rot and mold, make sure there is adequate room for air circulation behind the panels.
Suitable for Use with Other Finishes: For a unified appearance, make sure the wood panels complement other materials like vinyl siding or stone.

These instructions will help you add wood panels to your cinder block walls, giving the outside of your house a fashionable and valuable feature. In addition to being aesthetically pleasing, wood panels improve the atmosphere of your outdoor areas.

Final Thoughts

Covering your external cinder block walls is a great way to add curb appeal to your house, offer low-maintenance options, and let your inner do-it-yourselfer go. These suggestions not only improve your home’s visual appeal but also provide durable, workable solutions.

There is a suitable alternative for every taste and budget, whether you prefer the rustic appeal of wood panels, the creative freedom of murals, or the timeless elegance of stone. Here at the Surface Shop we are partial to natural stone veneer products for their unparalleled durability and timeless look that will never go out of style.

Are you prepared to update your cinder block walls? Check out all these choices to find one that best suits your outside area and visit The Surface Shop for assistance and more details. Let’s create an exterior for your house that really pops!

Shop the World's
Most Exquisite
Natural Stone Tiles
& Veneers

Table of Contents

Add a header to begin generating the table of contents

Natural Stone Cladding for your Exterior Cinder Block Walls

Create stunning Natural Stone fireplaces using our award winning pallet of products. Contact a Surface Shop Pro today to get your samples and pricing.