CMU Best Practices 2025 – ALL Builders NEED TO WATCH This

From The Build Show.

In this episode of The Build Show, Matt Risinger teams up with structural engineer Whit Smith to break down best practices for CMU construction. Filmed at Whit’s personal home build, the episode dives into the essential details that make a CMU project strong, durable, and code-compliant—from the right grout mix and masonry cement type to choosing proper aggregates and ensuring full cell consolidation. Matt and Whit also explore veneer anchoring options, highlighting why upgraded ties offer far better performance than traditional corrugated ties, especially under extreme wind suction. The guys walk through running-bond versus stacked-bond coursing, vertical and horizontal reinforcement strategies, and smart approaches to bond beams and lintels. Packed with practical insights and small upgrades that deliver big structural value, this episode is a must-watch for anyone considering CMU work.

Watch full episodes of Matt on Facebook, Instagram and Build Show Network.
https://www.facebook.com/buildshownetwork
https://www.instagram.com/risingerbuild/
https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisinger

Get your BUILD SHOW Gear Here –
https://build-gearstore.com/

Subscribe and follow my Podcast on Apple or Spotify!
Apple: https://apple.co/32AOwgU
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3FXNg4X

Sign up for our twice-weekly newsletter:
https://buildshownetwork.com/newsletter

To sponsor a video or advertise with us visit:

Homepage

Want to learn more about building? http://thebuildshow.com/
The Build Show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebuildshow/

Huge thanks to our Show sponsors Builders FirstSource, Huber, Pella & Viewrail for helping to make these videos possible! These are all trusted companies that Matt has worked with for years and trusts their products in the homes he builds. We would highly encourage you to check out their websites for more info.

https://www.bldr.com
http://www.Huberwood.com
https://www.pella.com
https://www.Viewrail.com