Had to choose between stacking brick and laying block for a foundation job in Tucson

I took on a small foundation job last month and had to decide between using traditional brick or concrete block for the stem wall. I went with block after a buddy told me it holds up better against the desert heat and soil shifts we get here. The block was easier to lay because the cells let me pour rebar and grout straight down without extra framing. It cost me about 40 bucks more for the materials, but I saved a full day of work compared to brick. The homeowner was happy with how solid it feels, and I havent had any callbacks yet. Has anyone else run into this choice on a job out west?

2 comments

2 Comments

the_evan9d ago

Solid move, block handles that Tucson soil way better than brick.

sean_martin449d ago

Ha! So your buddy finally gave you some good advice for once huh? Next thing you'll tell me he didn't try to sell you a timeshare in the middle of the desert. But seriously, 40 bucks extra for a full day saved is a no brainer. I bet that grout pour was satisfying too, like watching concrete Tetris work perfectly. Ever have a brick job where you had to stop halfway through the day because the mortar was drying into dust from the heat?