Concrete block, sometimes called cement brick (or cement stock brick) are widely used as building material. Automatic or semi-automatic machines are available for making concrete block, but it is possible to make them in the free available space of your home. And if you are serious, you can start your own home business of making and selling concrete block.
- Find a Suitable Place: Find a wide open space, even better if it is shaded, that will work if rain is not that much in your place. The space should be wide enough to mix concrete and to pour it in mold.
- Make the mold: Use plywood planks and nails to make a one side open box with an inner cavity of 300mm (length) x 200mm (width) x 150mm (thick). This is the standard size of a concrete brick.
- Prepare the concrete mix: Get a large container, as large as you can get in your work area. You will require cement, sand, gravel, and water for making the concrete mix. Put the cement, sand, and gravel in the container at a ratio of 1:2:3. Start mixing water in the container and stir the mixture continuously with a rod. Pour water until the concrete mixture become pliable enough to pour in the mold.
- Making the raw concrete block: Pour the concrete mixture in to the mold, and stir or vibrate the mold so that the concrete gets settled in the mold and reaches the extreme corners. Scoop the excess concrete mixture using a plywood plank at the open face of the mold. Level the open surface smooth by running the plywood plank across it.
- Curing: The concrete block need to be kept in the mold for 24 hours for drying. Then remove the concrete block from the mold and put it in a water tank for curing. The curing process will provide the required compressive strength and will take around two weeks.
- Publicity and selling: Once you have sufficient numbers of concrete block you can place a small local newspaper ad and build a website regarding your service.
