Creating a decorative and smooth blind area around your house is one of the smartest ways to protect your foundation while also enhancing your home’s curb appeal. A blind area, also known as a “blind zone” or “drainage apron,” is a protective strip around the perimeter of a building that helps divert rainwater away from the foundation. If constructed well, it can also serve as a beautiful element of landscaping. And the best part? You can build it yourself, even without much construction experience.
In this guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know to make a smooth, decorative blind area with your own hands—efficient, durable, and stylish.
Why a Blind Area Is Important
Before we start with the steps, let’s understand the importance of a blind area:
- Protection: It prevents water from penetrating the soil next to the foundation, reducing the risk of basement leaks, mold, or cracks.
- Insulation: A blind area can help insulate the base of your home, especially in colder climates.
- Durability: It helps to prevent soil erosion close to the building.
- Aesthetics: A well-designed blind area adds to the architectural beauty of your home.
Materials You’ll Need
To construct a decorative and smooth blind area, gather the following:
- Shovel and rake
- Tape measure and string
- Gravel or crushed stone
- Sand
- Geotextile fabric (optional but recommended)
- Waterproofing membrane or bitumen coating
- Concrete mix or paving tiles (your choice)
- Trowel or float (for smoothing)
- Decorative elements: colored pebbles, tiles, stamped patterns, etc.
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Planning and Measuring
Start by marking the perimeter of your house where you’ll install the blind area. Typically, the width should be 60 to 100 cm (2–3 feet), depending on the size of the roof overhang.
Use wooden stakes and string to outline the path around your house. Measure evenly to ensure a consistent width all around.
2. Excavating the Area
Using a shovel, dig out a trench along the marked perimeter. The depth should be about 15–20 cm (6–8 inches). Ensure the base slopes gently away from the house at about a 1.5–2% gradient. This ensures water runs off efficiently.
Use a rake and level to even out the bottom of the trench.
3. Waterproofing the Foundation
Before filling the trench, apply a waterproofing layer to the foundation wall. Use a liquid bitumen coating or a specialized waterproof membrane. This extra step will add years to the life of your foundation and increase energy efficiency.
4. Laying the Foundation Layer
At the bottom of the trench, first place a layer of geotextile fabric. This prevents the mixing of soil with gravel and extends the lifespan of your drainage layer.
Then, fill the trench with about 10–12 cm (4–5 inches) of crushed stone or gravel. Compact it well with a tamper or heavy plank. This will help with drainage and provide a strong base.
On top of the gravel, add a 2–3 cm (1 inch) layer of coarse sand and level it off. This provides a smooth surface for the final layer.
5. Installing the Decorative Top Layer
Now comes the fun part—choosing your decorative top. You have a few options:
- Concrete Slab: Mix and pour concrete over the sand layer. Use a trowel to smooth the surface. You can add color pigments or use a stamping tool for a patterned effect.
- Paving Stones or Tiles: Lay decorative tiles or paving stones over the sand. Use a rubber mallet to tap them into place. Leave small gaps (2–5 mm) between them and fill with polymeric sand for stability.
- Pebble Mosaic: For a more artistic approach, create a design with smooth pebbles set into concrete or mortar. You can form spirals, waves, or geometric patterns.
Whichever finish you choose, ensure that the blind area continues to slope away from the house for proper water runoff.
6. Edging and Finishing Touches
To keep everything neatly contained, install a border or edge restraint along the outer edge of your blind area. This can be done using metal strips, bricks, or decorative concrete curbing.
Once in place, sweep the surface clean and hose it down lightly to set the materials. For concrete finishes, consider applying a sealant to protect against weather and stains.
Maintenance Tips
- Inspect Annually: Check for cracks, shifting, or pooling water.
- Seal Concrete: Reapply sealant every 2–3 years for maximum durability.
- Clean the Surface: Remove leaves, moss, and dirt regularly.
- Weed Control: Use a non-toxic herbicide or pull out weeds that may grow in joints.
Decorative Ideas to Elevate the Look
Here are a few design ideas to transform your blind area from purely functional to absolutely stunning:
- Colored Concrete: Use earth tones or pastel hues to blend with your garden or exterior.
- Pattern Stamping: Create a stone, brick, or even floral pattern in wet concrete with stamping tools.
- Glow-in-the-Dark Pebbles: Embed photoluminescent stones for a magical nighttime glow.
- Artistic Borders: Use mosaic tiles or bricks with alternating colors.
- Green Edge: Line the outer edge with ornamental grasses, lavender, or ground-cover plants.
Advantages of Doing It Yourself
- Cost Saving: Hiring a contractor could cost significantly more. DIY lets you save money while learning a new skill.
- Customization: You have full creative control to match your blind area with your landscape.
- Satisfaction: Completing a home improvement project on your own brings great personal satisfaction.
Conclusion
Building a decorative, smooth blind area with your own hands is not just a way to protect your home—it’s an opportunity to improve the look of your property and express your personal style. Whether you go with a minimalist concrete finish or an intricate pebble mosaic, the effort you put in will serve you for years to come.
All it takes is a bit of planning, some elbow grease, and a dash of creativity. So grab your tools and start turning that dull perimeter into something both functional and beautiful.
