McGeough Project – San Marcos Backyard Refresh (Discovery Hills – 92078)
TL;DR
Bare backyard and side yard converted into a low-maintenance outdoor living layout with defined walkways and refreshed entertaining elements • Synthetic Turf • Stepping Stone Paths • Outdoor Kitchen
Project Quick Facts
City San Marcos
Neighborhood Stone Canyon (Discovery Hills - 92078)
Constraints/Challenges Selective demolition with existing hardscape and features retained where possible to maintain continuity and control scope.
Goals Make the backyard and side yard functional for everyday use, hosting, and lower maintenance.
Scope Synthetic turf installation: 2,372 sq ft New concrete flatwork: 122 sq ft Stepping stones set in concrete: 41 Paver mow strip / edge restraint: 313 linear ft Decorative rock: 1.5 yards (3/4" grey gravel) Mulch: 10 yards (dark mulch) Soil mix delivered: 4.0 cubic yards (50/50 mix)
Style Contemporary
Timeline ~5 weeks
RANGE $68k - $87.5k
Problem
- “Our backyard and side yard felt bare and unfinished, so we weren’t using them much.”
- “The layout didn’t work well for hosting or everyday life.”
- “We wanted a refresh that reduced upkeep without losing usable space.”
How IID Helped
INSTALL-IT-DIRECT helped convert disconnected, underused outdoor areas into a cohesive and functional layout with clear walking paths, defined lawn space, refreshed planters, and upgraded outdoor living components. By preserving select existing features and carefully integrating new surfaces, the finished yard now feels intentional, usable, and easy to maintain long-term.
Over 1,000 five-star reviews and 1,500+ San Diego homeowners served.
Plan
- Define the yard into clear use zones for lawn, access paths, and entertaining so the space feels organized rather than open-ended.
- Install synthetic turf over a properly prepared base and detail the edges to maintain clean lines over time.
- Add new concrete flatwork and stepping-stone walkways to improve circulation and reduce dirt tracking into the home.
- Include drainage components beneath the system and ensure water moves away from structures in a code-aligned manner (CRC R401.3), without overstating undocumented slopes.
- Refresh planter areas with soil, mulch, and planting so the space feels complete rather than “installed and left.”
Build
Selective demolition and haul-away → base preparation and drainage components → turf and putting green installation → concrete flatwork → stepping stones and mow-strip edging → planter soil, mulch, and planting → outdoor kitchen component installation → final walkthrough
• In-house quality checks during base prep, layout alignment, and finish detailing • Final walkthrough and punch-list closeout
• Irrigation updates included controller and drip components as part of the scope • Drainage materials and piping were installed beneath the turf system
Result
The property went from bare and underused to a purpose-built outdoor living environment with 2,372 sq ft of turf, clearly defined access paths, and refreshed planting beds. The finished layout is easier to maintain, more inviting for hosting, and better aligned with how the homeowners want to use their outdoor space day to day.
Outdoor space made usable
The project turned a previously bare and difficult-to-use backyard and side yard into a functional outdoor space that feels organized, accessible, and enjoyable for everyday use and hosting.
Project Details
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Synthetic Turf: Pro-Trade Rye Professional Synthetic Turf (81 oz face weight / 107 oz total weight, 2.0″ pile height)
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Infill: SGW Envirofill (Green 16/30)
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Base Preparation: Excavation 2.5″–4.5″ from final grade with 2″–3″ Class II base
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Drainage Components: 3″ SDR35 drain line with fittings and caps
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Concrete Flatwork: Cast-in-place concrete panels
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Stepping Stones: Belgard Dimensions 24″ x 24″ (Linen)
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Paver Edging: Belgard Catalina 6″ x 9″ (Anthracite)
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Decorative Rock: 3/4″ grey gravel
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Mulch: Forest floor dark mulch
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Soil: 50/50 soil mix
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Outdoor Kitchen Components: Sizzler PRO Series 40″ liquid propane grill, Eldorado modular cabinets, storage and access components, side burner, vents
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Stucco Scope: Stucco applied to BBQ island and existing wall/fireplace surfaces
• Existing drainage conditions maintained
• No grading changes required
• Permits were not required due to landscape-only scope
• HOA approval was not required for the work completed
• Sold date 06/30/2025
• Job start date 08/18/2025
• Job end date 09/19/2025
• Completion date 09/19/2025
Investment Breakdown
| Component | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Turf System (turf + accessories + infill + delivery) | $33,000 | $41,000 |
| Hardscape (concrete, stepping stones, mow strip, sawcut) | $9,000 | $11,000 |
| Outdoor Kitchen Components | $7,500 | $9,500 |
| Planters, Soil & Mulch | $6,500 | $8,500 |
| Stucco Finish | $5,000 | $6,500 |
| Gas Line (material + labor items) | $2,000 | $3,000 |
| Decorative Rock (material + delivery) | $1,000 | $1,500 |
| Drainage, Irrigation, Base Materials | $4,000 | $6,500 |
| Whole Project | $68,000 | $87,500 |
Gallery
Wide backyard overview showing the completed layout with synthetic turf, concrete patio panels, and the outdoor fireplace and kitchen area working together as one functional outdoor living space.
Outdoor kitchen and patio zone featuring the built-in propane grill, storage components, and concrete flatwork integrated cleanly into the surrounding landscape.
Primary turf area installed to create a large, open lawn that turns previously underused yard space into usable outdoor square footage for everyday use and hosting.
Side yard walkway with concrete stepping stones set in gravel, providing a durable, low-maintenance circulation path along the home.
FAQs
How much turf was installed in this project?
A total of 2,372 square feet of synthetic turf was installed across the backyard and side yard areas.
What makes this space feel finished rather than just “new turf”?
Defined walkways, clean edging, and refreshed planters create structure and flow. These transitions are what make the yard feel intentional and complete.
Was drainage addressed under the turf?
Yes. Drainage materials were included beneath the turf system, and water is directed away from structures in a code-aligned manner without overstating undocumented slopes.
How do you keep side yards usable long-term?
Durable walking paths such as concrete and stepping stones prevent wear, reduce dirt tracking, and make side yards functional for everyday movement.
What outdoor kitchen elements were included?
This project included a 40" propane grill, modular cabinetry, storage components, and venting designed for outdoor use.
Do projects like this typically require permits in San Diego County?
Permit requirements depend on scope. Many landscape projects do not require permits, but IID handles permitting whenever required and builds to applicable code standards.
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.
Other Recent Projects
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- Drainage and grading
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- Improve functionality
- Increase usable space
- Irrigation upgrade
- Landscape lighting
- Lawn installation
- Low Maintenance
- Low-maintenance backyard
- Outdoor Living
- Paver Patio
- Pool Deck Pavers
- Retaining / planter wall
- SOD installation
- Synthetic Turf
- pavers
- planter wall
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