Commercial Block Laying for New Construction

Expert Commercial Block Masonry for the Midwest

Bi-State Masonry has been delivering commercial block laying services across Iowa and Illinois since 1999. Our crews specialize in concrete masonry unit (CMU) construction for new commercial, industrial, and institutional buildings throughout the Des Moines to Chicago corridor. From warehouses and distribution centers to schools and municipal facilities, we bring more than 26 years of block masonry expertise to every project.

As one of the region's leading commercial masonry contractors, we understand that new construction projects demand precision, efficiency, and coordination with general contractors and project managers. Our merit-based workforce includes experienced block masons who have completed projects for universities, government agencies, utilities, and major corporations. We work on projects of all sizes, from smaller commercial builds to multi-million dollar developments, with the resources and personnel to meet demanding construction schedules.

CMU & Concrete Block Construction Services

Concrete masonry units (CMUs) remain one of the most versatile and cost-effective building materials for commercial construction. At Bi-State Masonry, we provide complete block laying services for new construction projects that require the strength, fire resistance, and durability that CMU construction offers. Our commercial block masonry work includes structural load-bearing walls, foundation walls, partition walls, and exterior facade systems.

We work with standard gray block, split-face decorative block, ground-face units, and specialty architectural blocks to achieve both structural and aesthetic requirements. Our teams are experienced in reinforced masonry construction, including the proper placement of vertical and horizontal rebar, grouting cells, and installing bond beams to meet engineering specifications and building codes.

Load-Bearing & Structural Block Walls

Many commercial and industrial buildings rely on load-bearing CMU walls as the primary structural system. This type of construction requires precise layout work, proper mortar joint thickness, and careful coordination with structural engineers. Our masons understand the critical importance of plumb walls, level courses, and proper reinforcement placement in structural applications. We work directly from engineered drawings and maintain close communication with project engineers throughout construction.

Non-Load-Bearing Partition Walls

Interior block partition walls provide fire separation, sound attenuation, and security in commercial buildings. We construct these walls to meet fire rating requirements for tenant separations, corridor walls, mechanical room enclosures, and stairwell enclosures. Our crews coordinate with other trades to ensure proper installation of door frames, electrical boxes, and MEP penetrations within the block walls.

Foundation & Below-Grade Block Construction

CMU foundation walls require additional attention to waterproofing details and drainage systems. We have extensive experience constructing foundation walls that will remain dry and structurally sound for decades. Our below-grade work includes proper parging, waterproofing membrane application coordination, and installation of drain tile systems around foundation perimeters.

Commercial Project Types We Serve

Bi-State Masonry provides block laying services for a wide range of commercial, industrial, and institutional new construction projects. Our experience spans multiple sectors and building types across Iowa and Illinois.

Industrial & Warehouse Construction

Distribution centers, manufacturing facilities, and warehouse buildings frequently utilize CMU construction for their durability and low maintenance requirements. We have completed block work for numerous industrial projects including multi-tenant flex buildings, single-tenant manufacturing plants, and large distribution facilities. These projects often require tall walls, heavy-duty construction, and coordination with steel erection crews.

Educational Facilities

Schools, universities, and other educational buildings benefit from the fire resistance, acoustic properties, and longevity of masonry construction. We have established relationships with educational institutions including the University of Iowa and Iowa State University, providing block masonry services for classroom buildings, athletic facilities, maintenance buildings, and student housing projects. Our crews understand the unique scheduling requirements of educational construction, including completing exterior work during summer breaks when possible.

Government & Municipal Buildings

Government facilities require contractors who understand prevailing wage requirements, strict bidding procedures, and public accountability standards. Approximately 20% of our work involves prevailing wage jobs, and we maintain full compliance with Illinois and Iowa wage requirements. We have completed block construction for municipal buildings, fire stations, public works facilities, and other government structures throughout the region.

Healthcare & Institutional Projects

Medical office buildings, clinics, and healthcare facilities require careful attention to infection control during construction, specialized fire rating requirements, and coordination with sensitive medical equipment installations. Our commercial masonry crews are experienced in working within the strict protocols required for healthcare construction projects.

Retail & Commercial Buildings

Strip centers, standalone retail buildings, and mixed-use commercial developments rely on CMU construction for their structural systems and exterior walls. We work with developers and general contractors throughout Iowa and Illinois on projects ranging from neighborhood retail centers to large commercial developments.

Block Types & Masonry Applications

Different project requirements call for different types of concrete masonry units. Bi-State Masonry works with the full range of CMU products to meet structural, aesthetic, and functional specifications.

Architectural Block Applications

When the project design calls for exposed block walls, we work with architectural CMU products that provide both structural performance and finished appearance. Split-face and ground-face blocks are popular choices for exterior facades, interior accent walls, and building entrances where the block will remain exposed as the final finish. We take extra care with these applications to ensure consistent color matching between block lots, precise mortar joint tooling, and protection of finished surfaces during construction.

Standard & Structural Block Applications

Most commercial block construction utilizes standard gray CMU that will receive additional finishes such as paint, stucco, or veneer materials. These applications prioritize structural performance and cost efficiency while still requiring quality workmanship for proper finish application later. We maintain consistent mortar joints, properly filled head joints, and clean wall surfaces ready for finishing trades.

Our Commercial Block Construction Process

Successful commercial block construction requires coordination with multiple parties and careful attention to the construction sequence. Bi-State Masonry follows a systematic approach that ensures quality results and on-time completion.

Pre-Construction Planning

Before block construction begins, we review structural drawings, coordinate with the general contractor on scheduling, and verify that foundations and slabs are ready to receive masonry work. We confirm layout dimensions, door and window opening locations, and any special requirements for reinforcement or embedded items. This planning phase prevents costly errors and delays once construction begins.

Material Staging & Logistics

Commercial block projects require substantial material quantities and proper staging areas. We coordinate material deliveries to match the construction schedule, ensuring blocks, mortar materials, and reinforcement are available when needed without congesting the job site. For large projects, we may schedule multiple deliveries throughout the construction phase.

Block Installation

Our masons begin with precise layout work, establishing control lines and elevation benchmarks that guide the entire wall construction. First courses are carefully set and leveled, with subsequent courses built plumb and to consistent heights. We install reinforcing steel as specified, grout cells at required intervals, and construct bond beams at the proper elevations. Throughout construction, our foremen verify that work meets specifications and quality standards.

Quality Control & Inspection Coordination

We coordinate with building inspectors and special inspectors for required masonry inspections including rebar placement verification, grout pours, and final wall inspections. Our documentation practices ensure all required inspections are scheduled and passed before work is covered by subsequent construction phases.

Commercial Block Masonry Service Area

Bi-State Masonry provides commercial block laying services throughout a broad region of Iowa and Illinois. Our commercial service area extends from the Des Moines metro area through the Quad Cities and east to the greater Chicago suburbs, though we do not work within the city of Chicago itself.

Major markets within our commercial service area include:

Our crews are based in East Moline, Illinois, providing convenient access to projects throughout this corridor. For larger projects outside our typical service area, we can discuss logistics and accommodations on a case-by-case basis.

Why Choose a Regional Commercial Masonry Contractor?

As a non-union shop operating with lower overhead than metropolitan contractors, Bi-State Masonry offers competitive pricing while maintaining experienced crews and quality workmanship. We understand the regional construction market, maintain relationships with local suppliers, and can respond quickly when projects need additional resources. Our merit-based pay structure attracts and retains skilled masons who take pride in their work.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is commercial block masonry construction?

Commercial block masonry construction involves building walls and structures using concrete masonry units (CMUs), commonly called cinder blocks or concrete blocks. This construction method is widely used for commercial, industrial, and institutional buildings because CMU walls provide excellent fire resistance, structural strength, sound attenuation, and durability. Block construction can be used for load-bearing structural walls, foundation walls, partition walls, and exterior facades.

What types of commercial projects use CMU block construction?

CMU block construction is common in warehouses, distribution centers, manufacturing facilities, schools, municipal buildings, fire stations, retail buildings, and healthcare facilities. Any commercial building that requires fire-rated walls, durable construction, or cost-effective structural systems may benefit from concrete block masonry. We have completed block construction for projects ranging from small retail buildings to large institutional complexes.

How long does commercial block construction take?

Construction timelines depend on the size and complexity of the project. A small commercial building might require several weeks of block work, while a large warehouse or institutional project could involve several months of masonry construction. During the pre-construction phase, we develop detailed schedules that coordinate with the overall project timeline and other trades on the job site.

What is the difference between standard block and architectural block?

Standard gray block is typically used where the CMU will be covered with other finishes such as paint, stucco, or veneer materials. Architectural block products like split-face, ground-face, or colored block are designed to remain exposed as the finished wall surface. Architectural block costs more per unit but eliminates the need for additional finish materials. The choice depends on design requirements, budget, and aesthetic goals for the project.

Do you handle prevailing wage projects?

Yes, approximately 20% of our commercial work involves prevailing wage requirements. We are fully experienced with prevailing wage compliance for Illinois and Iowa public projects, including proper wage documentation, certified payroll requirements, and apprenticeship ratio compliance. Our administrative staff maintains all required documentation for public project audits.

Can you work with our general contractor and project schedule?

Absolutely. We regularly work as a subcontractor to general contractors throughout Iowa and Illinois. Our project managers coordinate closely with GCs on scheduling, material staging, and construction sequencing. We understand that masonry work often falls on the critical path of commercial construction and we prioritize meeting milestone dates to keep overall projects on schedule.

Request a Free Estimate for Commercial Block Construction

Bi-State Masonry provides free estimates for commercial block laying projects throughout Iowa and Illinois. Whether you are a general contractor bidding an upcoming project, a developer planning new construction, or a building owner exploring options, we welcome the opportunity to discuss your block masonry needs.

Contact our team to review project plans, discuss specifications, and receive competitive pricing for your commercial CMU construction project. With more than 26 years of commercial masonry experience and a reputation for quality workmanship, Bi-State Masonry is ready to deliver the block construction services your project requires.