Hollow and solid blocks compared
| Hollow concrete block | Solid concrete block | |
|---|---|---|
| Definition (IS 2185 Part 1) | Has cavities; solid material between 50% and 75% of the block's volume | Solid material not less than 75% of the block's volume |
| Common sizes | 400 × 200 mm face; 100, 150 or 200 mm thick (sold as 4, 6 and 8 inch) | 400 × 200 mm face; 100, 150 or 200 mm thick (sold as 4, 6 and 8 inch) |
| Weight | Lighter per block; less load on beams and slabs | Heavier per block |
| Typical use | Infill and partition walls in RCC-framed buildings | Walls below plinth, compound walls, load-bearing walls |
| Fixing shelves and grills | Needs anchors suited to hollow masonry, or filled cavities | Holds screws and anchors much like brick |
| Electrical conduits | Can run through the cavities | Chased into the face |
| Below ground | Only with cavities filled, as your engineer details | Yes |
| Our source | Factories in Gummidipoondi SIPCOT | Factories in Gummidipoondi SIPCOT |
| Our price, 6 inch | ₹43.85 per block | ₹44.85 per block |
Verdict: hollow blocks for upper-floor infill and partitions where weight matters; solid blocks for foundations, plinth walls, compound walls and load-bearing walls. If the drawing names a block grade or strength, that overrides both rules.
From our team
Notes, photos and examples added by the M&B Chetty team, with the author and the date.
Blocks per 100 sq ft and per wall
| Wall area | Blocks | With 5% for breakage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 m² | ≈ 11.6–12.5 | ≈ 12–13 |
| 100 sq ft (10 × 10 ft) | ≈ 108–116 | ≈ 113–122 |
| 300 sq ft (a 30 × 10 ft wall) | ≈ 324–348 | ≈ 340–366 |
| 600 sq ft (100 ft × 6 ft compound wall) | ≈ 648–697 | ≈ 680–732 |
The lower figure is for blocks that are a full 400 × 200 mm plus a 10 mm joint; the higher one for blocks made 10 mm undersize so block plus joint is 400 × 200 mm. Measure a block from your load to know which you have.
| Item | Typical quantity | In loads / units |
|---|---|---|
| Results appear here (JavaScript is needed for the calculator). | ||
Typical estimate: 11.6 blocks per m² for a 400 × 200 mm face with 10 mm joints (12.5 for 390 × 190), plus 5% for breakage. Thickness (4, 6 or 8 inch) does not change the count.
Where each block fits in a house
- Below plinth and plinth walls: solid blocks, or as detailed, because they sit in damp ground and hold back the fill.
- Ground-floor outer walls: solid or hollow, as your engineer specifies for the frame.
- Upper-floor infill and partitions: hollow blocks reduce the dead load on beams.
- Compound walls: solid blocks stand up better to knocks from vehicles and gates.
- Kitchen and toilet walls: solid blocks where heavy fixtures and wall tiles hang on the wall.
Block prices and delivery
| Thickness | Hollow | Solid |
|---|---|---|
| 4 inch (100 mm) | ₹31.85 per block | ₹42.85 per block |
| 6 inch (150 mm) | ₹43.85 per block | ₹44.85 per block |
| 8 inch (200 mm) | ₹47.85 per block | ₹57.85 per block |
| 100 sq ft of 6-inch wall (about 108 blocks) | ₹4,740 | ₹4,840 |
Stock items: Factory-direct wholesale prices — usually lower than retail dealers; final price negotiable on quantity.
Blocks come direct from factories in Gummidipoondi SIPCOT and are held at our six stock yards. We deliver from the nearest yard that holds the size you need, so tell us the thickness (4, 6 or 8 inch) and the count.