About Adobe

Photograph of adobe blocks being made in wood molds and dried in the sun by the worker.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, 1935.

Adobe blocks being made in wood molds and dried in the sun.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration, 1935.



Adobe blocks are a building material made from earth and organic materials typically found on site. Clay and sand is mixed with water. Often straw or grass is included to help bind everything together. The mixture is placed into wooden molds to form blocks. Once dried by the sun, the blocks are used to build thick walls. A layer of mud plaster, lime plaster, or whitewash is added on the outside and inside to protect the adobe blocks from water, weather, and other damage.

The Michael White Adobe is constructed out of two different size adobe blocks. The walls of the one-room north wing have 12-inch blocks. The two-room south side has thicker walls constructed of 22-inch blocks.



Image of new adobe blocks for the Michael White Adobe. They are donated by San Tan Adobe Company. Photoby Raymond Kwan, 2016.

New adobe blocks for the Michael White Adobe. They are donated by San Tan Adobe Company. Photoby Raymond Kwan, 2016.



Image of Adobe blocks laid on a single course of small stones form the walls of the Michael White Adobe. Photo by Raymond Kwan, 2016.

Adobe blocks laid on a single course of small stones form the walls of the Michael White Adobe. Photo by Raymond Kwan, 2016.