Breeze blocks are incredibly strong and very cheap which makes them ideal for use in building and while they may be hugely practical, they’re hardly the most attractive material for your garden.
Not many of us want to have to look at that kind of eyesore every day, but there is some good news, there is a few things you can do to cover your breeze block wall in your garden.
Paint is, without a doubt, the most obvious and easy way of brightening up that ugly breeze block wall but you might also cover it in a render. Of course, you can also get creative and use wall hangings, trellises, and other decorative items; the only limit is your imagination.
In this guide, we will be taking a closer look at how you can cover your breeze block wall and have a more aesthetically pleasing outdoor space.
6 Ways to Cover a Breeze Block Wall
No matter what you budget or how much time you have, there are lots of ways that you can spruce up the appearance of a breeze block wall. Below, you’ll find some of our favourites.
Paint
If you’re looking for an affordable way to cover a breeze block wall in your garden, then you won’t find anything more budget-friendly than paint. Of course, since you are painting outdoors, you won’t be able to make use of the leftover emulsion you used to paint the sitting room; you’ll need to purchase weatherproof masonry paint (amazon link – opens in a new tab).
This is designed to withstand the elements and remain looking its best for much longer. The good news is that you won’t likely spend more than £30-£40 even for the highest quality paint.
The great thing about this option is that you aren’t limited in terms of colour. Manufacturers make outdoor paint in a plethora of shades so you can create a stunning focal point or make the wall blend in with its surroundings; it’s totally up to you.
You’ll also have the freedom to experiment with different patterns. Many people opt to paint the wall so that it looks like natural stone and it’s possible to buy templates to help you achieve the most natural results.
Note: It is possible to have custom colours mixed for you but do keep in mind that this will boost the cost per tin of paint.
Mural
A lot of you reading this will be incredibly creative and artistic and there’s no reason why you cannot put your talents to good use in the garden. One of the great things about having a breeze block wall is that it can be considered a blank canvas where you can let your imagination run wild.
Creating a mural will not only give your outdoor space a very unique look but it’ll also make a great project to keep you entertained. Even if you don’t have an artistic bone in your body, there are plenty of people who offer services that will come and create a stunning mural for you.
Render/Stucco
Depending on where in the world you live, you might know this finish as render (UK) or stucco (USA). In any case, this material gives you the opportunity to create a simple yet pleasing-to-the-eye finish.
What’s great about it is that it has many of the same properties as concrete so you can rest assured that it’ll be durable and resistant to the elements. On top of this, the render can be painted once applied so you won’t be limited by how the finished wall looks.
It can take some skill to correctly apply render and you’ll certainly need to make sure that you have the right tools. It’s also important to keep in mind that the application process isn’t a quick fix.
You’ll first need to apply a scratch coat which requires a few days to dry before you can apply the topcoat into which can put waves, swirls, and other designs, should you wish.
Note: If you are in any way unsure, it may be best to hire a professional to do the work for you.
Artificial Stone
Stone looks amazing in any outdoor space and will complement almost any backdrop. Applying artificial stone to your breeze block wall will drastically improve its appearance and will give your garden a more luxurious feel. Many modern stone veneers have an incredibly realistic look, and you have a huge choice of designs and finishes.
Installing these artificial stones will depend on which type you go for. However, it’s no more complicated than applying mortar to adhere the pieces of veneer to the wall. We would recommend laying out the pieces on the ground beforehand to ensure that you get the pattern you want.
Trellis
If you love a green garden, then there is no reason that you can’t use your breeze block wall as a surface to install a trellis for growing a whole host of climbing plants. This is great for those who like a natural look for their outdoor space and is very easy to install.
You’ll need to drill in some bolts to secure the trellis in place and it’s important to make sure that you leave a couple of inches of space between the lattice and the surface of the wall.
Then you’re free to plant anything that takes your fancy from flowering vines like clematis through to edible plants like peas, beans, and even squashes.
How to Fix a Trellis to a Wall
Espalier Fruit Tree
A great way to hide your breeze block wall is to espalier a fruit tree. Espaliering is a method of training trees and shrubs to grow in a flat pattern against a wall or other vertical surface.
The plant’s branches are gradually bent and tied down to horizontal wires, usually spaced about 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) apart, so that the entire plant forms a flat plane.
Espaliering is used both for ornamental and practical purposes such as providing shade, hiding an unsightly wall or structure, or increasing the yield of fruits or vegetables by maximizing sun exposure on all sides of the plants.
Conclusion
Nobody wants an unsightly breeze block wall ruining the aesthetic of the garden, but a lot of homes are plagued with them thanks to their sturdiness and price.
But while they don’t look great, all it takes is a little creativity to spruce them up and have them looking eye-catching and incredible!
Garden Doctor Tips
“If you are going to paint, make sure you buy weatherproof masonry paint!”
“A trellis is a good option, and you can choose from a variety of climbers to bring colour to your garden!”
“Apples and Pears are great trees to espalier and when done right, they will not only look great, but they will also bear fruit too!”
“The best time of year to paint a garden wall is in the middle of Spring or towards the end of the summer when the temperature is consistent and not too hot/ cold!”
Frequently Asked Questions
What paint do you use on breeze blocks?
Masonry paint is a type of paint that is specifically designed for masonry surfaces. It is formulated to adhere well to concrete, brick, breeze blocks and other types of masonry surfaces, and it typically contains a higher level of solvents than other types of paints in order to help it penetrate into the porous surface of masonry materials.
Can you paint breeze blocks with emulsion?
Internal breeze blocks can be painted with leftover emulsion but if you are painting outdoors, you will need to use weatherproof masonry paint with a primer.
Can I paint damp breeze blocks?
Masonry paint is not really meant for damp surfaces. It will probably peel off and it’s not good for the blocks anyway.
You might be able to get away with using a waterproofing sealant on the blocks before painting, but it’s always best to check with the manufacturer to see if their product is suitable for this purpose.
About Me
Hi, I’m Trev and I’ve been growing things since I can remember. When I was younger, I grew up on a farm, so I have always been around plants and animals. After studying horticulture at university, I decided to start my own nursery which I have run now for 25 years. In my spare time, I run this website – which is a resource for people who want to learn more about their gardens.
More You Might Like
