What’s the Difference Between Besser Blocks and Concrete Blocks?
Here’s a secret most suppliers won’t tell you: they’re the same thing. Compare Besser blocks vs concrete blocks for retaining walls in Sydney.
Besser is a brand name, an American company that manufactured block-making machinery that supplied much of Australia’s post-war concrete block industry. The name stuck, much like “Esky” is used for any cooler. Today, “besser block” is the Australian colloquial name for a hollow concrete masonry unit (CMU).
What Australians call a besser block, Americans call a cinder block or CMU, and the British call a breeze block. But modern Australian besser blocks are made from dense Portland cement, sand, and aggregate, manufactured to AS/NZS 4455.1 , they’re not the lightweight cinder blocks you might see in American DIY videos.
So when you’re comparing “besser blocks vs concrete blocks” in Australia, you’re really comparing hollow concrete masonry units (the standard besser block) with solid concrete blocks or poured concrete walls. The distinction matters for cost, strength, and installation.
Standard besser block sizes in Australia:
| Block Series | Modular Size (mm) | Work Size (mm) | Approx. Weight | Blocks per m² |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 190 series stretcher | 400 × 200 × 190 | 390 × 190 × 190 | 16-18 kg | 12.5 |
| 140 series stretcher | 400 × 200 × 140 | 390 × 190 × 140 | 13-15 kg | 12.5 |
| 90 series stretcher | 400 × 200 × 90 | 390 × 190 × 90 | 9-10 kg | 12.5 |
| 290 series stretcher | 400 × 200 × 290 | 390 × 190 × 290 | 22-26 kg | 12.5 |
All Australian besser blocks share the same 390 × 190 mm face; only the width changes. That’s why blocks per square metre stay at 12.5 regardless of thickness.
How Much Does a Besser Block Retaining Wall Cost in Sydney?
This is the question we hear most often at Sydney Landscaping Pty Ltd, and the answer is never a simple number. As a rough Sydney guide for 2026:
- Concrete block walls (including besser blocks): $500–$1,000 per linear metre
- Rendered concrete block under 1m: $500–$800 per linear metre
- Rendered concrete block 1m–1.5m: $800–$1,200 per linear metre
- Engineered besser block walls (1.5m): $850–$1,250 per linear metre
- Engineered concrete block walls (2.0m): $1,400–$2,100 per linear metre
A besser block structure, including footings, averages around $600 per square metre**. Nationally, reinforced concrete Besser blocks range from **$550 to $750 per square metre.
2026 Price Breakdown by Wall Height
| Wall Height | Material | Typical Cost per Linear Metre (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Under 600mm | Besser block (unrendered) | $400–$600 |
| Under 1m | Rendered concrete block | $500–$800 |
| 1m–1.5m | Rendered concrete block | $800–$1,200 |
| 1.5m+ | Engineered besser block | $1,200–$1,800+ |
What’s Included in the Price, and What’s Not
Here’s where many homeowners get caught out. The per-metre rate is only part of the picture. The wall itself is often only half the price; excavation, drainage, footing, and approval work can move the quote significantly.
Major cost drivers beyond the wall itself:
- Excavation and spoil removal are harder in Sydney’s clay-heavy soils
- Concrete footings are deeper for taller walls
- Steel reinforcement: N12 or N16 bars tied into the footing
- Core filling concrete to fill hollow blocks
- Drainage aggregate, drainage pipe, and filter fabric
- Council approvals are often required above 900mm
- Engineered design mandatory for walls over 1m in most Sydney councils
A 1.5m wall in concrete block can cost $1,000–$1,500 per linear metre once everything is included, whereas a 600mm version of the same wall is $500–$700 per linear metre.
Concrete Block Retaining Walls Sydney: What You’ll Pay
When we talk about “concrete block retaining walls” in Sydney, we’re usually referring to one of three options:
- Hollow besser blocks core-filled with concrete and reinforced with steel
- Solid concrete blocks heavier, more expensive, but stronger
- Segmental retaining wall (SRW) units dry-stacked interlocking blocks like Adbri MaxiWall or Allan Block
For a 2026 Sydney project, expect to pay:
- Besser block retaining wall (supply and install): $550–$750 per m²
- Solid concrete block wall: $600–$900 per m²
- Segmental retaining wall (DIY-friendly): $450–$700 per m²
The price difference comes down to material cost, labour, and reinforcement requirements. Solid blocks are heavier and more expensive per unit, but they don’t require core filling. Hollow besser blocks are cheaper per block but need concrete poured into the cores and steel reinforcement.
Besser Blocks vs Concrete Blocks: Head-to-Head Comparison
Strength and Structural Performance
Besser blocks (core-filled and reinforced) are the workhorse of Australian retaining walls. They suit walls from 600mm up to around 3m when properly engineered. The hollow cores allow vertical N12 or N16 steel bars to be tied into a strip footing, forming a reinforced concrete wall capable of withstanding significant lateral earth pressure.
Solid concrete blocks are denser and heavier, offering higher compressive strength out of the box. However, they’re more expensive per unit and don’t offer the same reinforcement flexibility as hollow blocks.
The verdict: For retaining walls over 1m, core-filled besser blocks with steel reinforcement are the superior structural choice.
Installation Speed and Labour Costs
Besser blocks cover more area per unit, 12.5 blocks per square metre, regardless of thickness. A standard 190 series block measures 390 × 190 × 190mm, so walls go up faster with fewer units and less mortar.
Solid concrete blocks are heavier and more awkward to handle. Installation takes longer, driving up labour costs.
The verdict: Besser blocks are faster and cheaper to install.
Aesthetic Flexibility and Finishes
Besser blocks are usually rendered, painted, capped with stone, or clad. They accept render, paint, or stone cladding well. The raw industrial finish isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but the versatility means you can achieve almost any look.
Solid concrete blocks often have a more refined finish straight from the mould and may not require rendering. However, they’re less common in residential retaining walls due to cost.
The verdict: Besser blocks offer greater flexibility for finishing.
How Many Bags of Concrete to Fill a Besser Block?
This is one of the most common questions we get from DIY builders and homeowners. Here’s the straight answer:
For 190mm series besser blocks, you need approximately 0.04 m³ of concrete per square metre of wall (about 4 buckets per m²). For 290mm series blocks, it’s 0.064 m³ per m².
Per block:
- A standard single besser block holds approximately 0.013 m³ of core fill, about 13 litres
- For 190mm series blocks: 0.0032 m³ per block
- For 290mm series blocks: 0.0058 m³ per block
Core Fill Calculator: Quick Reference Table
| Block Series | Core Volume per Block | Concrete per m² | Bags per 100 blocks* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90mm | 0.0008 m³ | 0.010 m³ | ~20 bags |
| 140mm | 0.0018 m³ | 0.023 m³ | ~46 bags |
| 190mm | 0.0032 m³ | 0.040 m³ | ~80 bags |
| 290mm | 0.0058 m³ | 0.073 m³ | ~146 bags |
*Based on 20kg bags of pre-mixed concrete. Actual bag count varies by mix and brand.
The rule of thumb: For 190mm blocks, allow approximately 0.6 m³ of concrete per 100 blocks. That’s about 80 bags of 20kg premix or approximately 0.8 m³ of site-mixed concrete.
Pro tip from Sydney Landscaping Pty Ltd: Always add 10% for waste, spillage, and cores that are slightly oversized. For walls with many cut blocks or openings, increase the waste factor to 15%.
Mix Ratios and Specifications
Core fill grout is typically a flowable mix with a slump of 200–250mm:
What Is the Cheapest Retaining Wall Option?
If you’re working with a tight budget, timber sleepers are generally the cheapest upfront option. Treated pine sleeper walls cost $300–$500 per linear metre in Sydney.
Material Cost Comparison Table (Sydney 2026)
The “Cheap” Trap: Why Upfront Cost Isn’t Everything
Here’s what we tell every client at Sydney Landscaping Pty Ltd: cheaper upfront often means more expensive over time.
Timber sleepers might save you $200 per linear metre today, but you’ll be replacing them in 15–20 years. A besser block wall costs more now but lasts 50+ years with proper drainage.
The lifetime cost comparison for a 10m wall:
| Material | Upfront Cost | Replacement Cycle | 50-Year Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Timber sleepers | $4,000 | Every 20 years | ~$12,000 |
| Besser blocks | $6,000 | Once | ~$6,000 |
The besser block wall is 50% cheaper over 50 years, even though it costs more upfront.
What Do You Put Under Retaining Wall Blocks?
The base is the most critical part of any retaining wall, and the most commonly botched by DIYers.
The Base: Why 300mm of Compacted Gravel Matters
For a retaining wall that doesn’t sink or settle, you need proper base preparation.
Sydney Landscaping Pty Ltd’s standard base specification:
- Excavate 300–400mm of soil
- Lay 150mm of compacted 20mm blue metal or crushed rock
- Add 50mm of sand or crusher dust for levelling
- Compact in 100mm lifts using a plate compactor
- Pour the concrete footing (minimum 200mm thick for walls under 1m)
The gravel base serves three purposes:
- Drainage prevents water pooling under the wall
- Stability creates a solid, non-shrinking foundation
- Load distribution spreads the weight of the wall evenly
Drainage: The Silent Killer of Retaining Walls
More retaining walls fail from poor drainage than from structural inadequacy. Water behind the wall creates hydrostatic pressure , and that pressure can push over even a well-built wall.
Essential drainage components:
- 300mm of free-draining aggregate (20mm blue metal) behind the wall
- Perforated drainage pipe (AGI pipe) at the base, sloped to discharge
- Filter fabric between the aggregate and backfill soil to prevent clogging
- Weepholes if the wall is rendered or solid
Is a Block Retaining Wall Cheaper Than Concrete?
This question usually comes from people comparing block retaining walls (besser blocks) with poured concrete retaining walls.
The short answer: Yes, block retaining walls are significantly cheaper than poured concrete walls.
| Factor | Besser Block Wall | Poured Concrete Wall |
|---|---|---|
| Material cost | Lower | Higher |
| Labour cost | Lower (faster installation) | Higher (formwork, curing time) |
| Reinforcement | Steel in cores | Steel throughout |
| Formwork | None required | Extensive formwork needed |
| Typical cost per m² | $550–$750 | $800–$1,200+ |
Poured concrete walls require formwork, more steel reinforcement, and longer curing times. Besser block walls go up faster, use less concrete (only in the cores), and don’t need formwork.
The only exception: For very tall walls (over 3m) or walls with extreme loads, poured concrete may be the only option. But for 90% of Sydney residential retaining walls, besser blocks are the more cost-effective choice.
Are Besser Blocks Cheaper Than Bricks?
Yes , on almost every measure.
On a straight per-unit basis, besser blocks are usually cheaper than bricks, and they cover more wall area, so material and labour costs can come down on structural jobs.
Bricks are smaller (standard 230 × 110 × 76mm), lighter per unit, and better suited for house facades, feature walls, and residential construction. Besser blocks are about structure; they’re the workhorse for retaining walls, load-bearing walls, and commercial construction.
Our advice at Sydney Landscaping Pty Ltd: Use besser blocks for structural work and bricks for facades. Trying to use bricks for a retaining wall is like using a butter knife to cut steel; it’s the wrong tool for the job.
6 Frequently Asked Questions
The “besser blocks vs concrete blocks” debate in Australia is really about understanding what you’re building and why.
Choose besser blocks if you need:
- A structural retaining wall over 600mm
- Cost-effective reinforcement with steel
- Flexibility to render, paint, or clad
- A wall that will last 50+ years
Choose solid concrete blocks if you need:
- Maximum compressive strength without reinforcement
- A refined finish without rendering
- A smaller project where core filling isn’t practical
Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your Sydney Property
Consider other options if:
- Budget is your primary concern; timber sleepers are cheaper upfront
- Aesthetics are paramount; sandstone or natural stone may be worth the premium
- You’re building under 600mm, segmental retaining walls are DIY-friendly
At Sydney Landscaping Pty Ltd, we’ve seen every retaining wall scenario you can imagine,from sloping blocks in the Blue Mountains to tight backyard terraces in Paddington. Our consistent recommendation for Sydney homeowners and property managers is besser blocks for structural walls, rendered for a clean finish, with proper drainage and engineering for anything over 1m.
The bottom line: A well-built besser block retaining wall costs more upfront than timber but pays for itself in longevity. It costs less than poured concrete and offers more flexibility than solid blocks. For most Sydney properties, it’s the Goldilocks choice, not too cheap, not too expensive, but just right.
About Sydney Landscaping Pty Ltd
Sydney Landscaping Pty Ltd is a family-owned landscaping company serving Sydney and the surrounding regions. We specialise in retaining walls, garden design, paving, and complete landscape transformations. With over 15 years of experience in Sydney’s unique soil and climate conditions, we bring practical expertise to every project, from small garden borders to complex engineered retaining walls.
We offer:
- Free on-site quotes and assessments
- Engineered designs for walls over 1m
- Full council approval of management
- Drainage solutions that last
- Quality workmanship with 50+ year materials
Contact Sydney Landscaping Pty Ltd today for a free quote on your retaining wall project.
