Building with Apex blocks

[aramis720]

Can people share their experiences building with Apex blocks or other ICF blocks? How did it turn out? What was the cost per block? And the cost per square foot when complete? Do the blocks live up to the hype?

[PauHana]

I looked into it 10 years ago, the cost of shipping the bulky Styrofoam was more than just buying local cmu and that didn't include the cost of the forms .
Rob knows more about this than anyone I can think of.

[Rob Tucker]

Apex makes a nice ICF block, probably the best I've seen over the past twenty years. Did a couple projects with them which went fine. Apex decided to sell through Lowe's though so all I can do is talk about it. I have no idea what the Lowe's price is. If you find out post it here.

[kalakoa]

I happened to be at Lowe's, so walked up to the contractor desk and asked.

They had no idea what I was talking about.

[Rob Tucker]

Yep, they have to go to their catalogs and order it in.

go to: http://apexblock.com/

What is interesting about this system is someone without a mason's skills can produce a wall with reinforced concrete strength with 26% concrete by volume. It is also a six hour fire rated wall.

[aramis720]

Thanks everyone. Rob, can you post some pictures to the finished product using Apex blocks?