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I recently moved to my first home (with a modest yard). The previous owners left behind about 20 cinder blocks. I'd like to build something constructive with them in lieu of discarding them. Any suggestions?

I was thinking about a BBQ smoker. Is that possible with cinder blocks?

Any ideas or useful links will be much appreciated.

Aarthi
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Gingi
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3 Answers3

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Depending on your location, build a planter. This included the base and the wall surrounding it. You could do a traditional rectangle or something modern like these...

http://pocketgrow.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/HLIC/8ba626a0e2155abfa3bd213bdbba202e.jpg

Glorfindel
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allindal
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You could build an outdoor fire pit. Be sure to check with your local fire regulations first; depending on your location, the fire pit might not be allowed, or there might be restrictions on when you are allowed to use it.

Steven
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Danny T.
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You could make a small seating area with benches made from cinder blocks and blocks for side tables; it'll be nicer if you top the cinder block structures with something comfortable to sit on.

A quick web search turned up:

  1. cinder block furniture projects,
  2. hand make outdoor furniture

A smoker might work, but the blocks are very porous; you're going to build up smoke in the walls, and you're going to have a hell of a time sealing the gaps between.

Alex Feinman
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  • Thanks for all that useful info. I am finding conflicting info about the use of cinder blocks for a smoker; what you're saying makes sense. There's something compellingly postindustrial about using the cinder blocks for indoor furniture. Will have to float that idea with the wifey. :) – Gingi Apr 08 '11 at 17:21