Kadence Child Theme vs Block Collection: What You Get (With Comparison Chart)
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If you’re trying to decide between one of our Kadence child themes or a block collection, and you’re wondering things like “Will I get that blog post layout I saw in the demo?” — you’re in the right place! It can be a little confusing at first, so let’s break down exactly what’s included in each option.
The Quick Explanation
The layout in the screenshot shown above is a custom post template, and that only comes with the Kadence child theme. It is not included in the block collection, because block collections are limited to just reusable page and section layouts. They don’t contain theme-specific features like footers, headers, widgets, or post templates.
What Is a Block Collection?
Think of a block collection like a kit full of stylish building blocks.
You can use them to create beautiful pages, fast. It’s perfect for adding a homepage, about section, sales page, or even entire landing pages to an existing Kadence site.
But here’s the key:
Block collections are for pages and sections only. They do not include theme-level elements like headers, post templates, or widgets.
Block Collection includes:
Block Collection does NOT include:
What Comes with a Kadence Child Theme?
A Kadence Child Theme gives you the full design and layout experience, exactly like the demo. Everything is pre-styled and pre-set, perfect for users who want a site that “just works.”
Child Theme includes:
So when you install the theme, you’re not just getting pages. You’re getting the entire design framework set up for you!
Comparison Chart: Child Theme vs. Block Collection
|
Feature/Element |
Kadence Child Theme |
Block Collection |
|---|---|---|
|
Pre-built page layouts (Home, About) |
✅ |
✅ |
|
Section blocks (e.g., testimonials) |
✅ |
✅ |
|
Custom single post template |
✅ |
❌ |
|
Header & footer |
✅ |
❌ |
|
Sidebar widgets |
✅ |
❌ |
|
Customizer settings (fonts, logo) |
✅ |
❌ |
|
Navigation/menu |
✅ |
❌ |
|
Blog/archive layout |
✅ |
❌ |
|
Import through Design Library |
✅ |
✅ |
|
Import through Starter Templates |
✅ |
❌ |
|
Works with any Kadence theme |
❌ |
✅ |
Why Can’t Post Templates Be in Block Collections?
Block collections are imported as static blocks on pages. They’re not tied into your theme’s code or template structure. Post templates, on the other hand, are dynamic. They rely on:
That’s why you won’t find a single post template like the one in the image above inside the block library. It’s built into the child theme and controlled by the theme’s structure.
So, How Do I Get That Post Template?
If you want your blog posts to look like the one in our demo:
Final Thoughts
If you’re unsure which option is best for you, here’s a quick way to decide:
Still stuck? Just reach out — we’re always here to help you figure out the best fit for your setup!
About the Author
Katy Boykin is a WordPress website designer, marketing strategist, and CEO of DIY Dream Site. She and her team have helped hundreds of business owners launch strategic websites, rank on the first page of Google, and grow thriving businesses online. Inside Site Success Academy, she teaches you how to plan, build, and grow a website that actually works for your business. Ready to get started? Join Site Success Academy or browse our WordPress themes.
