Block walls and privacy walls
The standard St. George backyard fence is a concrete block wall. Get one built square, plumb and on a real footing.
A block wall is a fence built from concrete masonry units (CMU), set on a concrete footing and capped. In St. George and the rest of Washington County, block walls are the default for backyards and property lines because they stand up to sun, wind and dust, give real privacy and need almost no upkeep. Calls range from a new wall around a bare backyard to adding courses to an existing wall or tying into a neighbor's.
What goes into a good block wall?
- A footing sized for the wall, poured on firm ground below the loose surface soil
- Vertical rebar tied into the footing and grouted solid at set spacing
- Pilasters or thicker sections on long or tall runs, where the design calls for them
- Control joints so the wall can move slightly without cracking
- A cap block to shed water and finish the top
Which block and finish should I choose?
Plain gray block is the most affordable. Colored and split-face block blend with desert landscaping and stucco homes, and many HOAs require a specific color. Walls can also be stuccoed or faced with stone veneer to match the house. Ask the builder for samples, and check your HOA's rules before choosing.
Can I raise or extend an existing wall?
Sometimes. Adding a course or two on top of an existing wall depends on whether the original wall has a footing and steel that can carry the extra height. A builder should check before stacking more block on an old wall. Extensions along the same line usually tie in cleanly if the block size and color can be matched.
What about walls on the property line?
Property-line walls are common in Washington County subdivisions. Know where your line is before building, and talk with your neighbor early, especially if you plan to share the cost or tie into their wall. Walls in a front setback need a City of St. George permit.
What affects the cost of a block wall?
- Linear feet and height. Most quotes start here.
- Block type and color. Split-face and colored block cost more than plain gray.
- Gates and openings. RV gates, man gates and pilasters add work.
- Access. No side yard access means carrying material by hand.
- Ground conditions. Rock or hard caliche slows the footing dig.
- Finish. Stucco, veneer and decorative caps.
Prices come from the builder after they've seen the site. We don't quote prices ourselves, and a phone estimate is only a starting point for a wall.
Where we connect you with help
Common questions
How tall can a block wall be in St. George?
In the City of St. George, fences and privacy walls can be up to 6 feet 4 inches in side and rear yards and up to 4 feet in the front setback, with lower limits near intersections. HOAs often set their own rules, so check both before you build.
Do block walls need a footing?
Yes. A properly sized concrete footing with rebar tied into the wall is what keeps a block wall from leaning or cracking over time.
Can a block wall match my neighbor's?
Usually, if the block size and color are still available. Bring a photo or a spare block to the builder.
Related services
More background: St. George retaining wall and block wall guide.
Block wall leaning or cracking?
A wall that's moving can fall without much warning. Keep kids, pets and cars clear and call to get it looked at.