Is It Easy To Install Hempcrete Blocks?
Discover how easy it is to install hempcrete blocks. Learn about John's story. A 70 years old bricklayer who fell in love with installing hempcrete.
Let’s see if a 74-Year-Old Brickie can work with Hemp Blocks. How he liked to install hempcrete blocks and what’s John’s story was on Bruny Island.
When we took on a guest house project on Bruny Island, we brought in John, a 70-year-old retired bricklayer, to put hemp blocks to the test. Bruny island doesn’t really have too many bricklayers but John was happy to give us a hand on the job as we promised him that the job wouldn’t be nearly as strenuous.
Having spent his life laying bricks, John was curious but skeptical—could a material like hempcrete really make the job easier? By the end of the build, his response said it all:
“I wouldn’t have retired 20 years ago if I knew about these blocks!”
📽️ Watch John in Action Here → Click here to see the video
Why Was This Build Easier for John?
Unlike traditional bricks, hemp blocks are lightweight, quick to install, and easy to cut, making them a practical alternative for builders of any age.
1. Lightweight = Less Strain
Hemp blocks weigh 45-50kg per m², compared to 300kg per m² for standard bricks. That’s a huge difference in material handling, especially for someone with decades on the tools.
2. Fewer Blocks, Faster Build
A hemp block wall only requires 9.2 blocks per m², compared to 48 bricks per m². That means a smaller workload per square metre and an installation speed of up to 35m² per day with a good team—far beyond what’s achievable with traditional bricks.
3. No Heavy Cutting Equipment Needed
Unlike bricks that require a wet saw, hemp blocks can be cut using standard woodworking tools—even a handsaw. That means no lugging around heavy equipment, no dust-filled cutting stations, and a much simpler workflow.
4. Less Labor, More Efficiency
With hemp blocks:
A team can install 35m² per day, reducing overall labor costs.
Only 9.2 hemp blocks per m² means a builder needs to install 322 blocks per day—compared to 1,680 bricks per day to cover the same area.
A laborer can carry an entire m² of hemp blocks at once, making material handling much smoother.
5. More Cost-Effective in the Long Run
At first glance, hemp blocks seem more expensive. But when you factor in:
✔ Faster installation (less labor cost)
✔ Fewer tools required (no wet saws or heavy-duty cutting gear)
✔ Better insulation & breathability (lower heating/cooling costs post-build)
…it becomes a cheaper product overall—both for the builder and the homeowner.
How to install hempcrete blocks.
John’s Verdict?
By the end of the job, John was sold on hemp blocks. No aching joints, no heavy lifting, just a faster, easier, and healthier way to build. John loved hempcrete blocks and we are confident you will too.
Start Building Sustainably with Respirabuilt
Building sustainably in Australia is no longer a challenge—it’s a smart choice and a shiny opportunity to cut back on future costs. When it comes to the best, new sustainable building materials, Hempcrete by Respirabuilt never fails to take the lead.
Use our hempcrete cost calculator to get an estimate. Contact us today to get started.
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