Basalite 8-inch Standard Concrete Block
Basalite's 8-inch standard block earns a best-in-class spot for its consistent dimensional tolerances and reliable compressive strength, which make it a strong choice for structural and retaining wall work in the Concrete Blocks category. Compared with the lighter hollow options on this list, Basalite trades slightly higher unit weight for improved durability and a smoother face finish, and its regional manufacturing footprint often delivers cost predictability and lower lead times for contractors.
Reliable load-bearing
Thermal-mass hero
Reliable load-bearing
Thermal-mass hero
Review Summary
"Users report the Basalite 8-inch block is durable with consistent dimensions and good structural performance; a few buyers noted occasional chipped edges at delivery but overall reliability for construction projects."
Classic workhorse
8-inch standard concrete masonry unit engineered for load-bearing walls.
Classic workhorse
8-inch standard concrete masonry unit engineered for load-bearing walls.
Increased Safety & Security
Time-Saving Convenience
Basalite's 8-inch standard block earns a best-in-class spot for its consistent dimensional tolerances and reliable compressive strength, which make it a strong choice for structural and retaining wall work in the Concrete Blocks category. Compared with the lighter hollow options on this list, Basalite trades slightly higher unit weight for improved durability and a smoother face finish, and its regional manufacturing footprint often delivers cost predictability and lower lead times for contractors.
Reliable load-bearing
Thermal-mass hero
Classic workhorse
8-inch standard concrete masonry unit engineered for load-bearing walls.
Manufactured to consistent dimensions for reliable laying and mortar joints.
Reliable load-bearing
Thermal-mass hero
Classic workhorse
8-inch standard concrete masonry unit engineered for load-bearing walls.
Manufactured to consistent dimensions for reliable laying and mortar joints.
$300-600 CAD
Shaw Brick 6-inch Hollow Concrete Block
Shaw Brick's 6-inch hollow block stands out as a market leader for projects that prioritize reduced weight, easier handling, and improved thermal performance without sacrificing basic structural capacity. Against the solid and heavier blocks here, Shaw's hollow design can lower installation labor and freight costs and simplifies reinforcing and utilities placement, making it a practical, economy-minded alternative for partition walls and non-heavy load applications.
Lightweight handling
Easy rebar-ready
Lightweight handling
Easy rebar-ready
Review Summary
"Buyers find the Shaw Brick 6-inch hollow block lightweight and easy to work with, offering good uniformity and finish for partition walls; some mention limited local availability and occasional surface blemishes."
Hollow for insulation
6-inch hollow design reduces weight while allowing rebar and grout cores.
Hollow for insulation
6-inch hollow design reduces weight while allowing rebar and grout cores.
Time-Saving Convenience
Increased Safety & Security
Eco-Friendly Living
Shaw Brick's 6-inch hollow block stands out as a market leader for projects that prioritize reduced weight, easier handling, and improved thermal performance without sacrificing basic structural capacity. Against the solid and heavier blocks here, Shaw's hollow design can lower installation labor and freight costs and simplifies reinforcing and utilities placement, making it a practical, economy-minded alternative for partition walls and non-heavy load applications.
Lightweight handling
Easy rebar-ready
Hollow for insulation
6-inch hollow design reduces weight while allowing rebar and grout cores.
Ideal for non-load-bearing partitions and partition wall applications.
Lightweight handling
Easy rebar-ready
Hollow for insulation
6-inch hollow design reduces weight while allowing rebar and grout cores.
Ideal for non-load-bearing partitions and partition wall applications.
$250-500 CAD
Expocrete Standard Grey Block 8x8x16
The Expocrete 8x8x16 grey block is positioned as a value-focused standard unit geared toward large-volume buys and straightforward masonry tasks within the Concrete Blocks use case. It undercuts premium-branded blocks on price while delivering industry-standard strength and dimensions; compared to higher-spec blocks like Permacon or Basalite, Expocrete is a cost-effective choice when finish quality and specialty textures are not the priority.
Budget-minded backbone
Uniform sizing
Budget-minded backbone
Uniform sizing
Review Summary
"The Expocrete 8x8x16 standard grey block is praised for its affordability and adequate strength for typical masonry uses, though reviewers note some variability in surface quality and occasional chipping."
No-nonsense grey
Standard 8x8x16 grey block offering economical pricing for large projects.
No-nonsense grey
Standard 8x8x16 grey block offering economical pricing for large projects.
Increased Safety & Security
Time-Saving Convenience
The Expocrete 8x8x16 grey block is positioned as a value-focused standard unit geared toward large-volume buys and straightforward masonry tasks within the Concrete Blocks use case. It undercuts premium-branded blocks on price while delivering industry-standard strength and dimensions; compared to higher-spec blocks like Permacon or Basalite, Expocrete is a cost-effective choice when finish quality and specialty textures are not the priority.
Budget-minded backbone
Uniform sizing
No-nonsense grey
Standard 8x8x16 grey block offering economical pricing for large projects.
Consistent sizing suitable for foundations, retaining walls, and general masonry.
Budget-minded backbone
Uniform sizing
No-nonsense grey
Standard 8x8x16 grey block offering economical pricing for large projects.
Consistent sizing suitable for foundations, retaining walls, and general masonry.
$220-450 CAD
Permacon Melville 80 Concrete Block
Permacon's Melville 80 block is marketed as a premium option with tight manufacturing tolerances and enhanced face aesthetics, appealing to projects that need both structural performance and visible finish quality. While it carries a higher per-unit cost than basic grey blocks, its superior consistency and range of architectural textures can reduce on-site finishing expenses and rework compared with standard commodity blocks on this list.
Architectural finish
Precision-fit units
Architectural finish
Precision-fit units
Review Summary
"Permacon Melville 80 blocks are frequently described as high-quality and consistent with attractive finishes suitable for visible work, with most buyers willing to pay a premium for the reliability."
Designer-ready flair
Designed as a higher-performance concrete block for demanding structural uses.
Designer-ready flair
Designed as a higher-performance concrete block for demanding structural uses.
Aesthetic & Personal Appeal
Increased Safety & Security
Eco-Friendly Living
Permacon's Melville 80 block is marketed as a premium option with tight manufacturing tolerances and enhanced face aesthetics, appealing to projects that need both structural performance and visible finish quality. While it carries a higher per-unit cost than basic grey blocks, its superior consistency and range of architectural textures can reduce on-site finishing expenses and rework compared with standard commodity blocks on this list.
Architectural finish
Precision-fit units
Designer-ready flair
Designed as a higher-performance concrete block for demanding structural uses.
Often available with tighter tolerances and improved compressive properties.
Architectural finish
Precision-fit units
Designer-ready flair
Designed as a higher-performance concrete block for demanding structural uses.
Often available with tighter tolerances and improved compressive properties.
$350-700 CAD
Brampton Brick Standard Masonry Block
Brampton Brick's standard masonry block is notable for broad distribution and product consistency, striking a balance between affordability and dependable supply suited to regional construction programs focused on Concrete Blocks. It competes directly with Expocrete on unit price but often offers wider availability of sizes and warranty support, which can lower overall project risk and logistics costs compared with smaller or single-product manufacturers.
Trusted-brand strength
Clean mortar finish
Trusted-brand strength
Clean mortar finish
Review Summary
"Brampton Brick’s standard masonry block receives positive marks for solid performance and consistent sizing for general masonry, while a minority report occasional dimensional variance or delivery damage."
Heritage curb-appeal
Traditional masonry block used widely for structural and retaining walls.
Heritage curb-appeal
Traditional masonry block used widely for structural and retaining walls.
Increased Safety & Security
Aesthetic & Personal Appeal
Brampton Brick's standard masonry block is notable for broad distribution and product consistency, striking a balance between affordability and dependable supply suited to regional construction programs focused on Concrete Blocks. It competes directly with Expocrete on unit price but often offers wider availability of sizes and warranty support, which can lower overall project risk and logistics costs compared with smaller or single-product manufacturers.
Trusted-brand strength
Clean mortar finish
Heritage curb-appeal
Traditional masonry block used widely for structural and retaining walls.
Consistent quality and sizing for straightforward construction and detailing.
Trusted-brand strength
Clean mortar finish
Heritage curb-appeal
Traditional masonry block used widely for structural and retaining walls.
Consistent quality and sizing for straightforward construction and detailing.
$280-550 CAD