Besser Blocks
We supply grey concrete Besser blocks by National Masonry for structural, load-bearing, boundary and retaining walls, ready to buy online with store pickup or delivery. The range covers 100mm, 120mm, 150mm, 200mm, 300mm and 400mm series blocks, with standard, corner, lintel, H-block, bond-beam, control-joint and capping units available across the range.
Have a browse, choose the block series that suits your project, and add to cart or request a bulk/trade quote if you're ordering for a larger job.
Need a hand choosing? Give us a call on (07) 3667 7009.
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What are Besser blocks (and what are they used for)?
A Besser block is a hollow rectangular concrete masonry unit made from cement, sand and aggregate.
Also called grey concrete blocks, concrete masonry blocks, CMUs or cinder blocks, Besser blocks are great for structural walls, load-bearing walls, piers, columns, boundary and fence walls, infill work and retaining walls when properly core-filled and steel-reinforced. Our National Masonry grey block range gives builders, tradies and DIYers a practical block system for jobs that need strength, clean lines and reliable sizing.
Grey Besser blocks are usually left raw for utility walls or rendered and painted when a finished look is needed. Planning a no-mortar DIY garden wall instead? Have a browse of our retaining wall blocks range rather than using Besser blocks as a dry-stack system.
Need help choosing the right block type? Contact us for advice, or call us on (07) 3667 7009 before ordering.
Besser block sizes and the block code system
The Besser block series number tells you the block width, while the suffix usually points to the unit type or fraction.
A 10-series block is about 100mm wide, 15-series is about 150mm, 20-series is about 200mm and 30-series is about 300mm, with 120mm and 400mm options also in the range. The standard 200-series block size is 390 × 190 × 190mm.
The range includes standard full blocks, three-quarter, half and quarter lengths, half-height blocks, corner return units, solid blocks, reduced-core blocks, hollow blocks, control-joint blocks, lintel and deep-lintel units, bond-beam blocks, channel blocks, cleanout blocks, H-blocks and capping units. Use the Series, Size and Brand filters to narrow the product grid, then add matching corners, lintels, bond-beam blocks and caps where your wall design needs them.
Planning a larger wall or commercial order? Request a bulk/trade quote before checkout.
Do Besser blocks need core filling and reinforcement?
Hollow Besser blocks are laid in mortar on a concrete footing, and structural, load-bearing and retaining walls need cores filled with grout and vertical steel reinforcement so the wall can carry load.
A low freestanding decorative wall is a very different job from a retaining wall, boundary wall or load-bearing structure. Wall height, soil conditions, surcharge, footing design and location all affect whether engineering and council approval are required, so rather than relying on a fixed height rule, check your local council requirements and use a certified engineer where the wall is structural, retaining soil or carrying load.
This page is general product guidance, not engineering advice. For the build method, use a dedicated Besser block wall guide when available, and always match materials to the approved wall design.
For product help, contact us for advice, or request a bulk/trade quote if you're ordering blocks, grout, mortar and reinforcement for a larger job.
Store pickup and delivery
You can collect Besser blocks in store from our Brisbane, Sunshine Coast and Townsville locations, or we can have them delivered, with freight calculated at checkout.
Because Besser blocks are bulky and heavy, not every store will hold every block series or unit type at all times, so choose the products you need from the grid, check availability and use Click & Collect at your nearest store where available. For delivery, heavy and bulky lines go through our regional heavy-goods delivery area, covering South East Queensland and transport-truck delivery up the Queensland east coast and into northern NSW. Lighter items may be available for Australia-wide shipping, depending on the product and location.
Builders, landscapers and larger project buyers can request a bulk/trade quote. Got a question about pickup, delivery or product options? Give us a call on (07) 3667 7009.
Ready to order Besser blocks or need a quote?
Ready to order? Choose your Besser block series from the product grid above, check the unit type, size and quantity, then add to cart for store pickup or delivery.
For bulk block orders, trade jobs or mixed orders with mortar, grout, steel reinforcement and capping units, request a bulk/trade quote before checkout. You're also welcome to call us on (07) 3667 7009 for a hand with stock, pickup, delivery or product options.
FAQs
Is a cinder block the same as a Besser block?
Yes. Besser block, cinder block, grey concrete block and concrete masonry unit all describe the same hollow concrete masonry block used for walls, piers, columns and similar masonry work.
What are the standard Besser block dimensions?
The standard 200-series Besser block is 390 × 190 × 190mm. The range also includes 100mm, 120mm, 150mm, 300mm and 400mm series blocks, so use the Size and Series filters to choose the right block for your wall.
How many Besser blocks do I need per square metre?
It depends on the face size of the block. For a standard 200-series block with a face size of 390 × 190mm, allow roughly 12.5 blocks per square metre before wastage. Check the product dimensions, measure the wall area and add extra for cuts, corners and breakage.
Can you lay Besser blocks without mortar?
No. Besser blocks are a mortared masonry system laid on a concrete footing. If you want a no-mortar DIY wall, use segmental retaining wall blocks instead, as they're designed as an interlocking dry-stack option.
Can Besser blocks be used to build a retaining wall?
Yes, Besser blocks can be used for retaining walls when they're laid on an engineered footing, core-filled with grout and reinforced with steel. Retaining walls should be designed for the site conditions, soil load and wall height, so route the design through a certified engineer and local council where required.
Still have questions? Talk to a Landscaping Expert.