This guide covers all aspects of concrete blocks used for fencing, posts, and sign boards in UAE.
Concrete foundation blocks are a common sight in Dubai, especially when you’re driving past a construction site and seeing heavy gray blocks holding up the hoarding panels and sign boards. Quietly. Reliably. Not seeking any credit.
One of the most utilized, but under-discussed materials in UAE construction is concrete blocks for fencing, posts, and sign boards. They can be seen in most projects — from commercial developments to residential compounds to roads to industrial areas to event setups — and yet most people don’t begin to ask questions about them until a post falls over or a sign board is washed over by a wind.
Everything you need to know, from what they are, the types you can find, their applications in fencing, posts and sign boards, why they are very popular in the UAE and how to pick the right supplier.
What Are Concrete Blocks for Fencing, Posts and Sign Boards?
In essence, they are pre-made concrete blocks that are produced in a factory to provide robust and durable bases and structural points for overhead structures.
Concrete block is a block with a whole made of concrete. These may be hollow or solid, either made of ordinary concrete or lightweight concrete and of various standard sizes. These are used as steel units for wall, posts, fence, sign board and partition wall.
The word that is important here is “precast.” They are prepared and baked off-site.
You don’t have to pour wet concrete at the bottom of all fence posts and sign boards. Installing a test and proven and ready-to-use unit. This saves time, minimises errors and helps the project to remain on track.
Why These Products Are Necessary in the UAE
There are various demands of different countries. There are specific pressures in the construction industry in the UAE, especially those which involve the use of concrete blocks for fencing, posts and sign boards.
Extreme Temperatures and Humidity
UAE’s climate is very hot and humid, which can impact construction materials.
This weather makes precast concrete the perfect solution, as it is built to handle high heat, high winds and humidity. You don’t want to find a sign board lying in the sandstorm at Sharjah with a shoddy pole stand.
Speed of Construction
UAE is a construction hotspot. Project schedules are very constrained.
The ready-made precast blocks help to keep projects on schedule, reduce on-site curing time, and guarantee that the blocks last for decades even in tough desert surroundings and can meet international standards.
Safety and Compliance Standards
UAE construction sites have strict safety and compliance standards.
Building sites can be very busy and hectic in the UAE. Signage and appropriate signage fencing in place ensures everyone is on the same page when it comes to risk and safety. That safety infrastructure is not stabilized by having a solid concrete block base.
Types of Concrete Blocks Used in the UAE
Know the various types to select the right product for the right application. You wouldn’t build a heavy, outdoor sign board on a hollow partition block, would you?
Hollow Concrete Blocks
A hollow block has two or more voids (hollow cores) and weighs less, but is still strong.
These voids also can be used for insulation or reinforcement bars, so they can be used for both structural and non-structural walls. Duconind
Hollow concrete blocks are strong, light and do not compromise a building’s strength. They have excellent soundproofing and thermal insulation properties, and can be used in partition walls, low-rise buildings, boundary walls and other structures.
Solid Concrete Blocks
Known for their unmatched strength and durability, solid concrete blocks make them perfect for high-load constructions, retaining walls, and foundations.
Solid blocks are typically the best option for heavy duty fencing or for outdoor post anchoring and for sign board installations.
Foundation Concrete Blocks (For Posts and Sign Boards)
These are a special type that are used exclusively as base anchors.
The blocks used for foundations are of heavy-duty construction and each has a custom designed lifting pin to enable positioning on any suitable solid base to form bay dimensions of any desired size.
They are also fenced, post and sign board applications, providing a more economical, durable and reliable alternative to traditional shaped wall panels. Dana Steel UAE
Typical sizes are:
- 600mm (L) × 400mm (W) × 200mm (H)
- 500mm (L) × 400mm (W) × 200mm (H)
Custom sizes are available up to 1000mm × 1000mm × 1000mm for specialized use.
Specialty and Decorative Blocks
Decorative concrete blocks can provide both functional and aesthetic applications, and can be used in a variety of patterns, colours and textures in facades, fences and garden walls.
They can be screen blocks, split-face blocks, or even have an exposed aggregate finish.
These are commonly used in upscale commercial properties and villa communities where there is a concern for both function and appearance.
Application 1: Concrete Blocks for Fencing
It is fair to say that fencing is the most apparent application of concrete blocks in construction and infrastructure projects throughout the UAE.
The most popular of the temporary hoarding methods is to put up corrugated panels of 2m × 2m, anchored to concrete blocks every 2m, and butted at the joints for stability.
Depending on the project requirements, custom panel heights of 2.20m, 2.40m and 3.00m are also available.
Concrete blocks are used to anchor the perimeter fence and distribute the load evenly along the fence line for permanent boundary fencing.
This UAE precast boundary fence market is now available in a variety of finishes, from smooth concrete to exposed aggregates, sand blasted and stone effect, and much more than just grey; all of which are available.
Concrete foundation blocks provide perimeter stability in high winds and high vehicle access throughout the site and can be used to fence industrial plots in Jebel Ali, perimeter boundaries for construction sites in Abu Dhabi or perimeter boundaries in residential compounds in Sharjah.
Application 2: Concrete Blocks for Posts
Posts can be used for signs, barriers, lighting, gates and modular fencing systems.
A post without a base is simply a stick in the ground.
Concrete foundation blocks can be positioned on any suitable solid base to form bays of any size, and lifting pins are used to enable the block to be easily repositioned if necessary.
That said, it’s important on construction sites where layouts are constantly changing.
The 4″ hollow blocks are generally preferred for interior partition walls, 6″ blocks for load-bearing walls in medium sizes and 8″ blocks are generally preferred for exterior walls and foundations because of their strength and insulation properties.
The proper block dimension used for a post application will vary in accordance with the wind exposure, load and post height at the particular site.
The great thing about concrete blocks is they can be moved without digging into the ground in temporary post installations like events, temporary traffic control, or construction hoardings.
Application 3: Concrete Blocks for Sign Boards
One particular problem with outdoor sign boards in the UAE is that they are tall, they are exposed to the wind and they’re frequently located on spaces where you can’t drill or excavate.
Concrete foundation blocks easily remedy this issue.
Concrete foundation blocks are employed in sign board applications where they are more economical, durable and effective than conventional wall panels.
A concrete block base is used for construction project sign boards, and is required by all development sites in the UAE to keep the sign boards level, stable and compliant throughout the duration of the construction project.
The same can be said of outdoor advertising boards, retail signage and wayfinding signs.
Construction safety signage should convey hazard warnings, direct construction personnel, regulate traffic access and convey emergency information.
If fitted correctly and correctly secured to the foundations, they can help to minimize accidents and communication on the entire site.
An overturned sign board is a message of only one thing, a safety violation.
Key Advantages of Using Concrete Blocks
It’s not only about maintaining the structure.
This is the summary of the practical experience.
Durability
High density concrete blocks can withstand desert conditions and last for decades.
You are not changing them annually.
Speed
Concrete foundation blocks are produced at volume and can be delivered on-site within 4 hours for urgent jobs, to support fast paced project timelines throughout the UAE. 800Blocks
No Digging Required
Foundation blocks are on the surface.
No excavation. No disruption. No foundation cure time.
This is a very important benefit on paved surfaces and in cities where excavation is limited.
Reusability
Blocks for temporary fencing, posts or sign boards can be moved and reused for the next project.
This decreases the material cost in multiple sites.
Cost-Effectiveness
Hollow and insulated concrete blocks in fencing structures offer tangible economic benefits, such as installation speed and lower material costs during the entire life span of the fence.
Choosing the Right Supplier in the UAE
Not all concrete block suppliers are the same.
While there are several options available in the UAE market, the quality and reliability of them differ.
Certifications
Minimum ISO 9001:2015.
This verifies that the supplier has the verified quality management processes in place at production.
Custom Size Capability
Standard blocks will work for many applications, but for post and sign board foundations, the size may need to be non-standard.
Find suppliers that can provide custom block layouts and provide after-sales services and installation support for trained technicians on site.
Delivery Reliability
In a business where downtime means lost revenue, delivery reliability is critical.
Factors such as warehouse proximity, lead times of ideally 3-5 business days for standard orders, and transparent back-order policies for bulk and custom orders help minimize project downtime.
Experience
Request references for projects, particularly ones that are similar to yours.
A supplier that has already supplied fencing foundation blocks for multiple emirates and sign board installations is a much lower-risk supplier than one that has not.
The most important areas where you can find concrete block manufacturers and suppliers in the UAE are:
- Jebel Ali Industrial Area
- Al Quoz, Dubai
- Mafraq Industrial Area, Abu Dhabi
Final Thoughts on Concrete Blocks for Fencing
Concrete blocks in the UAE for fencing, posts and signboards are not a complex subject — but one that must be taken seriously.
Select the wrong type, size or supplier, and it’s as if you have failed your site inspection or as if a sign board has been turned over on a windy afternoon in Ras Al Khaimah.
Pick right, they will do their job and do their job right:
They will remain in place, they will support the item you are supporting, they will keep your project moving forward without complicating your problems.
