The Ultimate Guide to Acrylic Block Casements
Combining Light & Privacy: Acrylic Blocks Offer a Modern Twist on a Classic Look
When you want to let in natural light without sacrificing privacy or design, Clear Acrylic Blocks are the perfect solution. Ideal for DIYers, interior designers, and commercial builders alike, these lightweight yet durable blocks are an updated take on traditional glass blocks — with even more benefits.
Whether you're building a partition wall, updating a shower, or creating a light-filled room divider, acrylic blocks make it easy to execute your vision with style and efficiency.
Why Are Acrylic Blocks a Smarter Choice Than Glass?
Outwater’s acrylic blocks weigh 70% less than glass, making them much easier to handle, transport, and install. That means faster job completion and less physical strain. No heavy-duty equipment required. Despite their lightweight construction, these blocks are extremely durable, resisting cracks, chips, and scratches even in high-traffic environments.
Another major perk: they're 33% more energy-efficient than traditional glass blocks. This helps improve thermal performance and reduce HVAC load, which is especially useful in sunrooms, bathrooms, and office spaces.
UV-Resistant, Indoors or Out
Unlike traditional glass blocks, these acrylic blocks are UV-resistant, which helps prevent yellowing or fading over time. This makes them suitable for both interior and exterior applications, including:
Shower walls and bath/shower surrounds
Patio partitions and garden features
Office dividers and retail displays
Basement windows
Privacy panels
Classic Patterns for Timeless Design
Multiple patterns allow you to choose a block style that complements your interior design concept. Outwater sells affordable acrylic blocks in classic wave pattern, cross-ribbed pattern, and frosted.
Easy Installation with Clip System
Each block has an interlocking edge for a secure fit.
Outwater offers panel clips (sold separately) that make installation easy. Use them with our T-bar mouldings to create framed panels of any size.
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
ADDITIONAL PRODUCTS REQUIRED:
AB Clips: 2 clips needed per block.
T-Bar Moulding (for framing/mounting acrylic blocks): Sold in 5 ft. lengths. You will need enough to go around the perimeter of the panel.
INSTALLING YOUR 6” or 8” BLOCKS
Note: Because of the blocks’ light weight (a 6’ x 6’ panel weighs approximately 100 lbs.) we recommend that you build your block panels prior to installation in your desired application.
Assembly system of acrylic blocks requires only a few simple steps…
1. Cut the frame to attach the T-Bar Moulding
2. Set the blocks in place, joining them with the clips
3. If required, caulk the joints
4. Install the panel into the application
The following instructions provide detailed information on installing the acrylic blocks.
FRAME
Accuracy during this step is not only important, but will also make the rest of your job easier.
You can use any size of wood frame but for the best results, it should be at least as wide as the T-Bar moulding (3½”).
To determine the width and height of the inside of your frame, multiply the number of blocks in one row (for width) or column (for height) by the size of the blocks, and then add ½” (for the T-Bar on each side).
Using these dimensions, build the base and two sides of your frame. Attach the T-Bar moulding to the base and two sides of your frame with screws or nails at 1-foot intervals.
Prepare the final top frame piece now, but attach it after you have assembled all the blocks in your panel.
ASSEMBLING THE BLOCKS
With the clip housings facing up, lay your first row of blocks making sure that the blocks at the edges fit properly around the T-Bar and that the blocks firmly butt up against each other.
Push the clip into the clip housing with your finger making sure the clip is all the way down into the housing. If needed, lightly tap the clip into place with a rubber mallet. Clips are not required at the edge where the blocks meet the T-Bar.
After installing all the clips into the first row of blocks, attach the next row of blocks to the first. Make sure the clip housings fit snugly on the clips in the first row and that the blocks fit properly around the side T-Bars.
Install the clips into the clip housings on the top of the second row, again checking to make sure they are all the way into the clip housings. Repeat this until you finish assembling all of the blocks in your panel. Leave out the clips on the top of the last row.
Once all of the blocks are in place, attach the top frame piece (T-Bar must be attached to the frame piece) to your panel, making sure that the T-Bar sits correctly between the clip housings.
If your panel is to be used in an interior application, then it is ready to be installed into your desired location. If your panel is to be used as an exterior panel or in an area where it may receive moisture, it will need to be weather sealed by caulking the joints between the blocks and the blocks and the T-Bar.
CAULKING THE PANEL
Using caulking (or a good grade of latex-based caulking), run a small bead of caulk along the center of the “V” joint where the edges of the blocks meet.
With a moistened finger, smooth the caulking giving it a uniform and even finish. Be sure not to use too much caulking in the joint or it will be difficult to smooth without making a mess.
If you make a mistake, you can clean up latex-based caulk with water. (We have found that a cotton swab works well in wiping off any excess caulk.)
CARE AND CLEANING OF ACRYLIC BLOCKS
Acrylic blocks are made of high-quality acrylic that requires little maintenance under normal conditions. By following a few simple directions, your acrylic blocks will provide beauty and privacy for years to come.
Under normal conditions, simply wash the acrylic block with a mild soap or detergent and lukewarm water. A quality plastic cleaner can also be used. Use a clean sponge or soft cloth to avoid scratching. Rinse well with water. Pledge® furniture polish may be used after cleaning to sparkle and make future cleaning easier.
When selecting cleaning products, read the manufacturers’ label to ensure it is safe for use on acrylic. Several popular cleaning products contain chemicals that will, over time, cause cracks in the acrylic blocks.
USE:
Mild soap and water
Products approved for use on plastics
Furniture polish, such as Pledge® for extra sparkle and easier future cleaning
DO NOT USE:
Tile cleaners
Abrasive cleaners such as Tilex® or SoftScrub®
Harsh cleaners – check label for compatibility with acrylic
Benzene, acetone, gasoline, paint thinner, or any product containing isopropyl alcohol
Scrub brushes
Important: DO NOT CLEAN in hot sun or at elevated temperatures.
Why Choose Outwater’s Interlocking Acrylic Blocks?
✅ Scratch-Resistant: Keeps clarity and polish long term
✅ Low Maintenance: Easy to clean with soap and water
✅ Weather-Resistant: Built for indoor and outdoor use
✅ Privacy-Enhancing: No need for curtains or blinds
✅ Easy Installation: Smart interlocking system with Outwater’s clips and T-moulding
✅ Made in USA: Premium quality you can trust