Building houses requires careful consideration of the materials used, particularly the type and size and the best block to use.
For house construction in Nigeria, sandcrete blocks are a popular and cost-effective choice due to their affordability, durability, and resistance to decay and insects.
The popular block sizes used in Nigeria are:
- 5 inches (127mm by 450mm)
- 6inches(150mm by 450mm)
- 9 inches (225mm by 450mm)
In this article, Bullionrise consult will help you understand the specific use, pros and cons of each block size, aiming to answer the question;
what is the best block for building houses in Nigeria?
See related – Building Materials Used for Building Houses in Nigeria
1. 5-Inch Blocks
Uses
- 5-inch blocks are primarily used for:
- Partition walls (non-load-bearing walls)
- Internal walls in residential and commercial buildings
- Fencing walls
Pros
- Lightweight – Easier to transport and handle on-site.
- Cost-effective – Requires less material and labor, reducing overall construction costs.
- Space-saving – Takes up less space, which can be beneficial for maximizing internal floor area.
Cons
- Weak structural strength – Not suitable for load-bearing walls.
- Poor sound and heat insulation – Thin walls provide minimal protection from noise and heat.
- Limited durability – More susceptible to cracks and damage under heavy loads.
2. 6-Inch Blocks
Uses
6-inch blocks are commonly used for:
- External walls for single-story buildings
- Partition walls in larger structures
- Fencing and boundary walls
6- inches wall are mostly used for bungalows and duplexes in some parts of Nigeria.
Pros
- Moderate strength – it’s Suitable for small to medium-sized buildings.
- Cost-effective – it’s More affordable than 9-inch blocks.
- Good insulation – it Provides better sound and thermal insulation than 5-inch blocks.
Cons
- Partially suitable for multi-story buildings – May not provide sufficient strength for tall structures.
- Moderate durability – Can crack under heavy pressure or environmental stress.
- Limited load-bearing capacity – Requires reinforcement for structural stability.
See also – Building a House Step by Step in Nigeria | Ultimate Guide
3. 9-Inch Blocks
Uses
9-inch blocks are widely used for:
- Load-bearing walls
- External walls of multi-story buildings
- High-rise structures and foundations
- Retaining walls
Pros
- High strength and durability – it’s Ideal for load-bearing walls and multi-story buildings.
- Excellent insulation – it Provides strong resistance to heat and noise.
- Structural stability – it’s Suitable for withstanding heavy loads and harsh weather conditions.
- Versatility – it Can be used in foundations, pillars, and retaining walls.
Cons
- More expensive – Higher material and labor costs due to larger size and weight.
- Heavyweight – More challenging to transport and install.
- Space-consuming – its Thicker walls reduce internal floor space.
Comparison and Best Option for Building Houses in Nigeria
Cost Consideration:
- 5-inch blocks are the cheapest, but they compromise strength and durability.
- 6-inch blocks are moderately priced and suitable for single-story buildings.
- 9-inch blocks are the most expensive but offer the best strength and longevity.
Structural Strength:
- 9-inch blocks provide the highest load-bearing capacity, making them ideal for multi-story buildings and areas with harsh weather conditions.
- 6-inch blocks offer moderate strength, sufficient for single-story residential buildings.
- 5-inch blocks are too weak for load-bearing walls but are useful for partitions and interior walls.
Thermal and Sound Insulation:
- 9-inch blocks are best block for providing best insulation against heat and noise.
- 6-inch blocks are best block for moderate insulation.
- 5-inch blocks provide minimal insulation.
Conclusion:
For building residential houses in Nigeria, 9-inch blocks are the best block for external walls due to their superior strength, durability, and insulation properties.
They are ideal for both single-story and multi-story buildings, ensuring structural stability and comfort in Nigeria’s hot climate.
However, for internal partition walls, 6-inch blocks are more practical and cost-effective without compromising strength.
5-inch blocks should be limited to non-load-bearing walls and fencing to minimize structural risk.
Therefore, a combination of 9-inch blocks for exterior and load-bearing walls and 6-inch blocks for internal walls offers the best balance of strength, cost, and space efficiency for building houses in Nigeria.
Frequently asked question:
What is the strongest building material for a house?
Steel is considered as the strongest construction material for your house.
To be honest, it is so much stronger than reinforced concrete in terms of tensile strength and flexibility.
What blocks do you use to build a house?
When building a house, the size of the blocks used depends on the type of wall and structural requirements.
The 5-inch blocks are mostly used for partition walls and ideal for interior walls to save space and reduce weight.
6-inch blocks are suitable for external and internal walls. They are often used for load bearing walls in single story building.
9- inch blocks provides the maximum strength and often used for multi story buildings.
What is the longest lasting wall material?
Like brick and concrete, natural stone walls offer a service life of up to 100 years or longer.
How long do concrete blocks last?
If the conditions are right, concrete building blocks have a lifespan of 100 years or more.
This makes it a durable building material.
