All About The Many Children's Wooden Block Types

By: Garrett Politis

Wooden blocks can be found in all shapes and styles. However, when you really begin to look, they really can be categorized into three types. These three types are: Kindergarten Blocks, Tabletop Blocks, and ABC Blocks.

Unit Blocks

This is the type of wooden block that everyone thinks of when you say “wooden blocks.” These blocks are found in most day-cares and kindergartens and are also known as Kindergarten blocks (or kindergarden blocks for those who are spelling like me). These block sets are consistent to a certain size. No matter who makes them, they should be compatible. The unit block is always 1 3/8″ x 2 3/4″ x 5 1/2″. As you can see, all of these dimensions are proportional so stacking them will always work as long as you get the right number of blocks in there. Each of the other block shapes is built off of the unit block. For example the double unit block is 1 3/8″ x 2 3/4″ x 11″. There are about 30 different standard shapes that are available in unit blocks. Most sets do not have all of the shapes.

Table Top Blocks

Table top blocks have no standard sizes or shapes. The only thing that is the same with these is that they are smaller than the unit blocks. Some are exactly 1/2 unit block size. Most aren't. There are no standard shapes, and they don’t tend to go together with other manufacturer’s sets. However, they can be a tremendous amount of fun as some of the shapes can be pretty unusual!

ABC Wooden Blocks

Like the table top blocks, A-B-C Wooden Blocks are not standard. They come in all sizes, types of wood, and designs. A common type are carved and painted in primary colors, others have their pictures silkscreened or painted on. Some of the older or more classic sets are real works of art. Things that all of these sets do have in common is they are ususally cubes, they will have the letters a-z, and often have numbers and pictures on them.

No matter which type of wooden blocks you choose for your child, they are sure to learn and grow while playing and having fun!

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Garrett Politis is the co-owner of HeritageToys.com where you can buy wooden unit blocks and other types of blocks. After years of playing blocks with his four children, and helping guide many of his customer in their block buying decisions, has he has written a blog ABCWoodenBlocks.com to assist people in making more informed decisions when buying their children wooden blocks.

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