El Cajon Backyard Pavers (Bostonia)
TL;DR
Installed a 607 sq ft Belgard paver system (Mega Arbel field + 6×9 border) with a concrete-set mow strip and a 3″ SDR35 pop-up drain run to create a tighter, cleaner, more usable backyard surface — Pavers, Drainage, Edge Restraint, Backyard.
Project Quick Facts
City El Cajon
Neighborhood Bostonia
Constraints/Challenges Large, sloped yard covered in loose DG, uneven grades, failing boundary edges, limited usability
Goals Create functional outdoor surfaces, add structure and organization to the space, reduce maintenance, improve circulation around the shed and yard
Scope 607 sq ft pavers (481 sq ft Mega Arbel + 126 sq ft 6×9 border), 7.5" excavation/disposal, 4" Class 2 base, ~1" bedding sand, concrete bond beam, geotextile fabric, sealer, 52 ln mow strip set in concrete, 10 ln ft of 3" SDR35 + pop-up + fittings, debris haul-off, backyard/pool deck access, porta potty.
Style Transitional
Timeline ~2 weeks
Price Range $19k – $26k
Problem
- My backyard is mostly dirt and DG and isn’t functional.
- The space feels unfinished and lacks organization.
- I need clean, defined surfaces that make the yard usable.
How IID Helped
IID guided the Webbers through a simple, low-drama plan: rebuild the foundation correctly, lock the edges so the system stays tight, and give water a defined route so the surface performs long-term. The scope included 607 sq ft of Belgard pavers with a cut border, 7.5″ excavation/disposal, a 4″ Class 2 base, polymeric sand joints, and a short 3″ SDR35 run to a pop-up emitter. Proof: 6,840 satisfied customers backed by raving reviews, plus 35+ years of experience with dedicated specialized crews.
Plan
- Install 607 sq ft total: 481 sq ft Belgard 60mm Mega Arbel + 126 sq ft Belgard 6×9 border, per the attached/initialed layout.
- Excavate and dispose of 7.5 inches from final grade; rebuild with 4 inches of Class 2 base + ~1 inch bedding sand for a stable foundation.
- Lock the system in with a concrete bond beam, then add 52 ln of paver-on-edge mow strip set in concrete where specified.
- Install 10 ln ft of 3" SDR35 with pop-up drain + fittings so water has a defined path.
- Finish with polymeric sand and sealer (as specified) to tighten joints and reduce ongoing maintenance.
Build
Layout → protect access/working area → excavation & haul-off (7.5") → install SDR35 + pop-up → base install/compaction → bedding sand screed → lay field + cut border → bond beam + mow strip set → compact + polymeric sand → sealer (if applied) → cleanup.
• Confirm excavation depth (7.5") and base build (4" Class 2) before laying pavers. • Verify surface fall/drainage performance before final compaction (water moves to the intended outlet). • Inspect bond beam + edge restraint and polymeric sand joint fill prior to final walkthrough.
• Drainage: 3" SDR35 drain line (10 ln ft) + pop-up drain + elbows/fittings. • Utility locating (pre-demo): Prior to excavation/demolition, existing utilities (electrical/gas/water) are located/marked to prevent conflicts.
Result
Delivered a 607 sq ft Belgard backyard paver system with a defined border, a 52 ln concrete-set mow strip edge, and a 3″ SDR35 pop-up drain run (10 ln ft) so the surface stays tight and water has a planned route.
Perfect Transformation of Our Dirt Backyard
“The yard finally feels usable and clean. The pavers, borders, and layout completely changed the space. It’s exactly what we envisioned.”
Project Details
-
Pavers: Belgard 60mm Mega Arbel (Toscana)
-
Border: Belgard Dimensions 6×9 border stone (Autumn)
-
Excavation: 7.5″ from final grade (disposal included)
-
Base: 4″ Class 2 base + ~1″ bedding sand
-
Edge restraint: Concrete bond beam + 52 ln mow strip/paver-on-edge set in concrete
-
Joints: NextGel polymeric sand (Tan)
-
Drainage: 3″ SDR35 (10 ln ft) + pop-up + fittings
-
Fabric/finish: Geotextile fabric + sealer (as specified)
-
Jobsite: Porta potty (as listed)
• Code-compliant drainage slope away from the home
• Integrated 3″ SDR35 drain-line
• Grading adjustments to reduce DG washout and surface pooling
• Permit and HOA requirements were reviewed based on project scope and site conditions
Sold Date: 09/22/2025
Job Start Date: 09/30/2025
Job End Date: 10/06/2025
Completion Date: 10/08/2025
Investment Breakdown
What would a similar project cost in El Cajon?
Toggle components on/off to estimate your project
Paver installation
$15,000 – $18,000
Drainage improvements
$1,000 – $2,000
Base preparation and excavation
$1,000 – $2,000
Borders and mow strip
$1,000 – $2,000
Materials and hauling
$1,000 – $2,000
Estimated Total
Gallery
Wide patio layout providing a functional outdoor living space.
Full-yard view showing cohesive integration of the patio, walkway, and border lines.
Curved walkway creating smooth movement between patio areas.
Border stones framing the patio edges with consistent alignment.
FAQs
The area was graded with a code-compliant slope and a 3" SDR35 drain-line with a pop-up emitter was installed to direct water safely away from the yard.
Occasional sweeping, rinsing, and periodic polymeric sand renewal as needed.
They offer a natural flagstone appearance with superior durability and interlock performance.
The polymeric sand helps prevent weed growth by hardening within the joints.
Yes — pavers are modular, allowing easy replacement without disturbing the entire hardscape.
3-Step Plan: What to Expect When Working With Install it Direct
Design
Site walk, 2D/3D concepts, and a written price range that fits your goals.
Build
We manage permits/HOA, drainage & utilities, inspections, and daily updates to your phone.
Enjoy
Final walkthrough, care guide, warranty, and ongoing service when you need us.
About The Project Manager
Troy MacMillian
Troy is a San Diego native, is a devoted husband and proud father of two daughters. With more than 20 years of experience in landscape construction, he brings a wealth of expertise and craftsmanship to every project. Outside of work, Troy enjoys maintaining his small weekend farm and has a passion for board sports, video games, gardening, and a good game of cornhole. Above all, he treasures his role as a father and the time he spends with his family.
Bring Your Vision To Life
Answer a few questions to get personalized recommendations that are perfect for your yard.