Ground Face Block vs Split Face Block for Modern Homes

split face block on modern Denver home

Concrete masonry units (CMUs) can be an excellent cladding choice for the interior and exterior of modern homes.

split face block shown on Denver modern home

Two of the finish choices for concrete masonry units are ground face and split face. Ground face block offers a smooth semi-polished finish. In contrast, the finish of split face block is rough and irregular. Both types perform identically, so the choice between ground or split is simply personal preference.

The top picture shows 4"x8"x16" split face block wrapping from the exterior to the interior of a 6" framed wall.

The second and third images show a modern home in Denver's Washington Park. The home shows split face CMU on the vertical portions of the exterior, as well as interior walls. The block is from Robinson Brick/General Shale Brick, color: Ivory.

interior application of split face block in a Denver modern home

The last two images show examples of ground face masonry, with the last image clearly illustrating the visual contrast between split and ground face. CMU.

ground face block

ground face block (top) vs. split face block (bottom)