Compaction of pure B4C and Ni2B nanolayer coated B4C was studied using uniaxial die compaction and combustion driven compaction techniques. Effects of different compaction techniques and the Ni2B nanolayer around B4C particle surfaces on green B4C sample characteristics are the focus of this study. The combustion driven compaction process yields much higher green density and strength than the uniaxial die compaction process. For the samples obtained from the same compaction technique, the Ni2B nanolayer on individual B4C particle surfaces improves the green density and strength of the B4C powder compacts. For the combustion driven compaction process, optical images show micro-cracks on the surface of pure B4C compact while crack-free surface is observed for Ni2B nanolayer coated B4C sample. Scanning electron microscopy analysis shows the same trend as the green density and strength measurements. Combustion driven compaction diagram for hard and brittle materials such as B4C is discussed.