The Premier Manufacturer and Building Materials Supplier for California's Central Coast

Precision concrete masonry units (CMU) are the most widely utilized type of concrete block.

Precision blocks have square edges and smooth texture that are most commonly associated with concrete block. When specifying concrete masonry units, the dimensions are indicated in the following manner: width x height x length. Dimensions of precision masonry units are usually expressed in terms of their nominal size, which is 3/8 of an inch greater than their actual size. This 3/8 of an inch difference accommodates the standard 3/8 inch mortar joint that is utilized with precision units. For example, a unit with the nominal dimensions of 8″ x 8″ x 16″ would have actual dimensions of 7 5/8″ x 7 5/8″ x 15 5/8″.

Precision Block Design Units
Precision Block Accessory Units
Precision Block Structural Accessory Units

Air Vol Block, Inc. is constantly adding new items to its product line. Please call our office if you have questions regarding additional shapes or sizes.

For consistent quality and color, be sure to specify Amerimix Type S Mortar.

Applicable Standards

The precision concrete masonry units manufactured by Air Vol Block, Inc. comply with the requirements of ASTM C-90 and section 21-4 of the uniform building code. Air Vol Block maintains an inventory of both lightweight and medium weight units. Normal weight units, also known as heavy weight units, are available as a special-order item. For more information regarding the ASTM standards pertaining to concrete masonry units, please contact our sales office.

Quality Assurance

Air Vol Block has on-site testing facilities in which we can test our products to ensure that they comply with the necessary specifications. Additionally, we participate in a testing program in which an independent laboratory randomly samples and tests our concrete masonry units.

Available Colors

Air Vol Block stocks a wide variety of precision units in natural Gray and our stock Nutan color. A wide variety of custom colors may be special ordered. Architects, Visit our Architect’s Corner to log-in to our complete color swatch page. Please contact your Air Vol Block representative for more information regarding costing of custom colors.

The raw materials utilized in the manufacture of concrete masonry units are subject to natural variations in color which affect the color of the finished product. It is important that our customers understand that color can be guaranteed only to a range of color. Even natural Gray units, which are manufactured without pigments, may have noticeable shade variations from run to run.

Available Sizes

Precision units are readily available in 4″ & 8″ heights. Available widths include 4″, 6″, 8″, 10″, 12″, and 16″. Please note that 10″ wide units are available by special order only.

Common Shapes and Sizes

Items marked with ★ are made-to-order.

Precision Block 4″ Wide

4″ High

4x4x16 Standard

8″ High

4x8x8 Half

4x8x12 Corner

Precision Block 6″ Wide

4″ High

6x4x8 Half

6x8x8 Half

8″ High

6x8x16 Mortarless Head Joint (Speed Block)

Precision Block 8″ Wide

4″ High

8x4x8 Half

6″ High

In precision block, Air Vol manufactures 8x6x16’s in a Standard open-end and a Bond Beam open-end.

8″ High

8x8x16 Mortarless Head Joint (Speed Block)

12″ High

Precision Block 12″ Wide

4″ High

12x4x8 Half

8″ High

12x8x16 Mortarless Head Joint (Speed Block)

Precision Block Design Units

Design units are available in most of the Air Vol Block precision block sizes. 8x8x16 blocks are only show below to illustrate the designs available. Please contact Air Vol Block, Inc. for more information on design units.