What is the compressive strength difference?

Standard dense concrete blocks are typically 7.3 N/mm² (medium density) or 10.4 N/mm² (high density). Standard aerated blocks (e.g. Thermalite, Celcon) are typically 2.9-3.6 N/mm². This means dense blocks are roughly twice as strong, making them essential for load-bearing applications below DPC, retaining walls and heavy structural loads. Aerated blocks are adequate for most above-ground domestic walls.

Which block has better thermal performance?

Aerated blocks are far superior thermally. A 100mm Thermalite Turbo block has a thermal conductivity of 0.11 W/mK, while a dense concrete block is around 1.3-1.5 W/mK — about 12 times worse. In a cavity wall, using aerated blocks on the inner leaf significantly improves the wall U-value and helps meet Part L energy efficiency requirements.

How much do they weigh?

A standard 440x215x100mm dense concrete block weighs approximately 20 kg, while the same size aerated block weighs only 8-10 kg. This makes a significant difference to laying speed, fatigue over a day, scaffolding loads and delivery logistics. Aerated blocks can be laid much faster, typically 50-80 blocks per day vs 40-60 for dense blocks.

Dense concrete blocks are slightly cheaper per unit — typically £1.00-1.50 each vs £1.50-2.50 for aerated blocks. However, the faster laying speed of lighter aerated blocks can offset the material cost difference. When thermal performance is factored in, aerated blocks often reduce the need for additional insulation, providing overall project savings.

Can I use aerated blocks below ground?

Standard aerated blocks should not be used below DPC or in contact with the ground, as they absorb moisture and can degrade. Dense concrete blocks (or engineering bricks) should be used below DPC, for foundations, retaining walls and any application in contact with ground moisture. Some manufacturers offer moisture-resistant aerated blocks for specific below-DPC applications, but dense blocks are the standard choice.

Concrete Block vs Aerated Block — UK

Compare dense concrete blocks with aerated (aircrete) blocks for UK construction, covering compressive strength, thermal performance, weight and cost.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Dense Concrete Block	Aerated Block
Compressive strength	7.3-10.4 N/mm²	2.9-3.6 N/mm²
Thermal conductivity	1.3-1.5 W/mK	0.11-0.19 W/mK
Weight (100mm block)	~20 kg	~8-10 kg
Cost per block	£1.00-1.50	£1.50-2.50
Density	1,800-2,100 kg/m³	460-750 kg/m³
Sound insulation	Good (mass law)	Moderate
Below DPC use	Yes	No (standard types)
Cutting ease	Needs disc cutter	Handsaw or blocksaw

When to Use Dense Concrete Blocks

Below DPC and foundation walls
Retaining walls and boundary walls
Where high compressive strength is needed
Sound insulation walls (party walls — mass helps)
External leaf of cavity walls (below DPC)

When to Use Aerated Blocks

Inner leaf of cavity walls (thermal performance)
Internal partitions (lightweight, easy to cut)
Above DPC on external walls
Meeting Part L thermal requirements
Upper storeys where reduced weight benefits the structure

Related Calculators

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Last updated: April 2026

All calculations are estimates. Verify with your supplier.

Concrete Block vs Aerated Block — UK

Side-by-Side Comparison

When to Use Dense Concrete Blocks

When to Use Aerated Blocks

Related Calculators

How We Calculate This

Frequently Asked Questions

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