Split Face Block
PBM Split Face Block is a precast concrete masonry system finished with a mechanically split face that exposes the natural aggregate within. The split surface produces a rough, stone-like texture used as exposed exterior cladding, garden walls, retaining walls, and feature facades – without the cost or weight of natural stone.
The series spans 25 modules across five profile families: Standard Block (single or double face), Split Face Brick, Split Face Tile, Checker Split, and Fluted Split. Standard products are available in four colours – Cement Grey, Terracotta, Red, and Black – while the Checker and Fluted profiles are available in Cement Grey only. All units share dimensional coordination with the wider PBM CMU range to support combined construction.
Split Face Brick
Smaller brick and tile formats including flat, stepped, and corner units
Applications
- Exterior facades and feature walls
- Compound and boundary walls
- Garden walls and landscape walls
- Heritage-style facades where natural stone aesthetic is desired
Key Features
- Mechanically split face produces a rough, natural stone-like texture without secondary finishing
- Five profile families covering standard split, brick, tile, checker, and fluted patterns
- Brick formats include both flat and stepped profile options
- Hollow construction reduces unit weight and accommodates cavity reinforcement where required
FAQ —
What is a split face block, and how is it made?
Split face blocks are concrete masonry units that have been mechanically split after curing rather than smooth-cast. The splitting process produces a rough, exposed-aggregate face that resembles natural stone, providing both structural function and a finished architectural surface in a single unit.
What's the difference between Single Face and Double Face products?
Single Face products have the split texture on one face of the block — used where only one side of the wall will be visible (e.g., a boundary wall facing the street with the rear concealed by another structure). Double Face products have the split texture on two opposite faces — used where both sides of the wall will be exposed (e.g., a free-standing garden wall, a perimeter wall visible from inside and outside)
Which colours are available?
Standard SF, SFB, and SFT series are available in four colours: Cement Grey, Terracotta, Red, and Black. The Checker Split (SF DII 400) and Fluted Split (FT series) are currently produced in Cement Grey only.
Can split face blocks be load-bearing?
SF series standard blocks share the same hollow concrete construction as PBM Hollow Block and can be specified for load-bearing applications when filled and reinforced to engineer specification. Verify load capacity against project structural calculations before specifying for structural use.
What happens to the colour over time?
Pigmented concrete colours mature gradually as the surface weathers — typically darkening slightly in the first 12 months as carbonation and surface deposition occur. Sealing the wall with a water repellent (PBM Water Repellent 0012 recommended) reduces colour change and efflorescence.
Important specifier note: Coverage areas are calculated based on 10mm mortar joint thickness. A dimensional tolerance of ±3mm should be expected and accommodated in the construction set-out. Minor variations in colour and texture between production batches are normal in cementitious products — final colour and finish selection should always be made from physical product samples rather than website images.