Tierrasanta Backyard, Rebuilt in Concrete and Turf
Project Gallery
The control-joint bays step down to the new turf strip, holding the design move in one frame.
Under the existing pergola, the concrete carries the same control-joint pattern as the open patio.
Project Snapshot
Project Story
Overview
On a compact Tierrasanta hillside lot, the worn concrete and bare side yard were replaced over 16 working days with a broom-finished, saw-cut concrete patio meeting 290 sf of artificial turf — with integrated drainage and 11 in-ground lights wired to a timer.
Our side yard used to be wasted space and now the kids actually play out there at night with the lights on.
The Challenge
- The yard needed a documented drainage path coordinated with the new hardscape, turf, and finish grades.
- The backyard and side yard sat as bare soil and overgrown groundcover, leaving the household with no usable outdoor surface.
- After dark, there was no exterior lighting on the patio, so the space went unused most evenings.
What Changed
How INSTALL-IT-DIRECT Helped
Over 1,000 five-star reviews and 1,500+ San Diego homeowners served.
Design & Build
The Plan
Approximately 425 sf of stained, saw-cut, broom-finished poured concrete patio in a single bay, with control joints set on a grid so the surface reads as designed rather than utilitarian.
290 sf Imperial Coronado Platinum artificial turf with SGW Envirofill and weed cloth, held tight against the foundation so the side yard reads as a continuous garden edge instead of a leftover corridor.
125 lf of 3-inch SDR35 drain line with couplers and elbows, run with the layout so every hardscape area has a defined path for water to leave the pad.
11 Pro-Trade IG1 in-ground lights wired to a Pro-Trade 150W transformer with a smart socket timer — evening use was the whole point.
Mow-strip / paver-on-edge detail at the turf perimeter to hold the turf-to-planted-edge transition clean.
See the 2D plan drawing
The Build
Demo and Base Prep
Existing surfaces and overgrown groundcover were removed, the patio footprint was graded, and base prep was completed for the concrete pour and the turf zone.
Drainage
125 lf of 3-inch SDR35 drain line was installed with couplers and elbows, tied in during base prep before the slab pour so subgrade and aggregate fall toward the drain inlets and away from the house.
Concrete Pour and Turf
The patio surface was poured as broom-finished, saw-cut, stained concrete; the 290 sf of Imperial Coronado Platinum turf was installed with infill and weed cloth adjacent to the new slab so the two surfaces meet at a clean edge.
Lighting and Irrigation
Eleven Pro-Trade IG1 in-ground lights were connected to a transformer and timer. Irrigation scope included a drip valve and two relocated sprinkler heads.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does artificial turf require HOA approval in San Diego?
HOA and permit requirements vary by property and should be verified with your local HOA and the City of San Diego before construction. Tierrasanta is a hillside community with grade and drainage rules that often shape what hardscape and turf changes are permitted.
How long did this Tierrasanta concrete and turf project take?
August 28 to September 19, 2025 — 16 working days on site. The schedule covered demo and base prep, drainage, the concrete pour and stain, the turf install, and the lighting and irrigation final.
What was included in the hardscape and turf scope?
The scope included approximately 425 sf of stained, broom-finished, saw-cut concrete patio, 290 sf of Imperial Coronado Platinum turf, 125 lf of SDR35 drainage, mow-strip and paver-on-edge detail at the turf perimeter, irrigation work, and 11 in-ground lights on a transformer and timer.
Your Outdoor Project in 3 Simple Steps
Design
We listen to your vision, assess your space, and create a custom design that fits your lifestyle and budget.
Build
Our experienced crews bring the design to life with premium materials and expert craftsmanship.
Enjoy
Step into your transformed outdoor space and start making memories with family and friends.
Your Project Manager
Patrick Diehl
Born and raised in San Diego, Patrick has managed residential, commercial, and high-rise builds, with a specialty in hardscape. A licensed real-estate agent and certified home inspector, he's committed to delivering every project with quality, compliance, and on-time results.
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