How to Install Cedar Wall Boards Onto Cinder Blocks

Cinder blocks are often used to build foundation walls, or used as an exterior wall around a property, because they are strong and durable. They are also very unsightly, providing a harsh, unfinished appearance. One thing you can do to improve the appearance of the cinder-block walls is to install cedar wall boards onto the blocks. This allows you to keep using the blocks for their structural purpose, while blocking them from view.

Tape measure
Pressure-treated 2-by-4 boards
Circular saw
Safety goggles
Level
Hammer drill
Carbide-tipped masonry drill bit
Wet-dry vacuum
Wire brush
Sleeve anchors
Paint
Wrench
Drill
Screw-head drill bit
Galvanized screws

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the length of the wall in inches and divide it by 24. The furring strips that the cedar will be attached to will be placed 24 inches apart.
- 2
  Measure the height of the wall and cut pressure-treated 2-by-4 boards to fit the height. These boards will be the furring strips.
- 3
  Mark the location of the furring strips onto the wall every 24 inches by holding the strip against the wall and tracing the edges. Check the strips for plumb (vertically straight) with a level before marking them onto the wall.
- 4
  Drill pilot holes into the cinder blocks between the trace lines for the furring strips. Use a hammer drill with a carbide-tipped masonry drill bit, and stagger the pilot holes slightly so that they don't form a straight line down the wall. This helps prevent the furring strips from cracking when attached to the wall.
- 5
  Remove debris from the pilot holes with a wet-dry vac or a wire brush.
- 6
  Mark the location of the holes onto the furring strips by sliding the concrete sleeve anchors into the pilot holes and painting the tips. Press the furring strips against the sleeve anchors, and use the marks created by the paint to drill pilot holes into the furring strips. Remove the sleeve anchors from the wall when you have finished.
- 7
  Hold the furring strips into position against the wall, lining up the pilot holes. Insert the sleeve anchors into the pilot holes, and tighten them with a wrench to attach the furring strips to the wall.
- 8
  Screw the cedar wall boards to the furring strips with galvanized nails.

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