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A Hunker report describes a backyard compost enclosure built by stacking about 30 to 35 concrete blocks, without mortar. The open-front design gives access for turning and checking the pile, while gaps or block openings allow airflow; costs and performance will vary by materials and setup.
Hunker has outlined a DIY compost enclosure made from roughly 30 to 35 concrete blocks, offering gardeners a mortar-free alternative to bins made from materials such as pallets, cardboard or plastic. The design leaves one side open for adding and turning compost, and relies on block openings or spaces between blocks to let air reach the pile.
The instructions call for a back wall and two side walls, with the fourth side left open. A single enclosure uses about 30 to 35 blocks, according to the report, though the exact number depends on the size and height chosen. The walls are built in stacked rows; the report suggests about four rows at the back and side walls that taper toward the front.
To help the pile receive air, the blocks can be positioned with their hollow sides facing inward, or arranged with spaces between them. The report recommends staggering the blocks between rows rather than lining up every joint. No mortar is required in the described build, and extra sections can be added later if more compost capacity is needed.
The open side is intended to make it easier to add material, turn the pile and check its temperature. Hunker says construction can be completed in less than a day, but that is the report’s estimate rather than a guaranteed build time. The instructions do not provide a detailed site-preparation plan, block-by-block diagram or cost estimate for a complete enclosure.
A Sturdier Option for Backyard Compost
The design presents a practical choice for gardeners who want a fixed enclosure without building a framed structure from wood and wire. Concrete blocks are heavy and stackable, and the open-front layout keeps the pile accessible for routine work. The report characterizes the setup as more durable than many improvised alternatives, but it does not offer comparative testing or a lifespan estimate.
Airflow and access matter to the way a compost pile is managed. The report says openings in the blocks can provide air for aerobic bacteria, which contribute to decomposition. That does not mean blocks alone guarantee faster composting: the source gives no controlled comparison, and the pile’s contents and upkeep also affect its progress. For readers, the main takeaway is a simple enclosure concept that can be adapted to available space and materials.
How the Block Enclosure Is Built
Backyard composting turns organic waste into a soil amendment, while keeping that material out of landfill disposal streams. A container or enclosure can help keep a pile in one place, though gardeners use a range of approaches, from purchased bins to improvised structures. Hunker’s report focuses on one such DIY option: stacking hollow concrete blocks without mortar.
The sourcing advice is to look for used blocks through local listings such as Facebook and Craigslist, ask construction sites or junk haulers, or contact a nearby Habitat ReStore. The report also cites new 8-by-8-by-16-inch blocks at Home Depot for less than $3 each at the time its source was written. That price is not a current quote, and the total would depend on local availability, taxes and the number of blocks required.
““you’ll just need some concrete blocks, also known as cinder blocks””
— Hunker report
Costs and Build Conditions Vary
The report does not specify a tested capacity, finished dimensions, engineering assessment or expected service life for the enclosure. It also does not establish that the block design will speed decomposition in every garden; the airflow benefit is described as a feature, not demonstrated with comparative data. The suggested retail price is tied to the source’s publication period, which is not stated in the material provided, and may have changed.
Site conditions are also left to the builder. The source does not explain how to prepare uneven ground, secure a tall or exposed stack, or adapt the design to local rules. The blocks are heavy, so readers should plan safe handling and seek appropriate assistance if needed. Whether reused blocks are available, and whether the layout suits a particular yard, remains dependent on local circumstances.
Check Materials Before Building
Anyone considering the project can first measure the intended site and decide how much compost capacity is needed, then check local sources for used blocks and confirm current prices for new ones. Before stacking, assess the ground and plan for a stable arrangement, keeping the open front usable and the block gaps or hollow sides oriented to allow airflow. The source provides no formal construction or safety specification, so builders should use judgment and seek qualified advice if site conditions or the height of the walls raise concerns.
Once assembled, the enclosure can be used to collect and manage compost, with access through the open side for turning and temperature checks. Hunker’s report does not set out a maintenance schedule or promise a particular composting timeline; those results will depend on the pile and how it is managed.
Key Questions
How many concrete blocks does the design use?
The Hunker instructions estimate about 30 to 35 blocks for one enclosure. The final number depends on the chosen dimensions and wall height.
Does the compost bin need mortar?
No mortar is used in the design described by Hunker. The blocks are stacked, with the report recommending staggered rows for the wall arrangement.
Why is one side left open?
The open front gives access to add compost, turn the pile and check its temperature. It also makes the enclosure easier to work with than a fully closed structure.
How does the design allow airflow?
The report suggests placing hollow block sides toward the pile or leaving spaces between blocks. It says the airflow can support aerobic bacteria, but provides no controlled test of composting speed.
Can the blocks be found for free?
Possibly. Hunker suggests checking local online listings, construction sites, junk haulers and Habitat ReStore locations. Availability depends on the area, and the article’s cited new-block price may no longer be current.
Source: rss
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