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Newly installed interlocking paver patio with clean swept joints abutting a neatly trimmed artificial turf lawn and stepping stones. San Marcos project by Install It Direct.

Multi-Zone Family Oasis in San Marcos Highlands

This finished project was a $41k–$51k build.

Project Gallery

Finished backyard installation showing a paved patio with interlocking pavers adjacent to newly installed artificial turf. San Marcos project by Install It Direct.

Finished interlocking paver patio transitions into a newly installed artificial turf lawn with a smooth curved edge. San Marcos project by Install It Direct.

Finished interlocking paver patio transitions into a newly installed artificial turf lawn with a smooth curved edge. San Marcos project by Install It Direct.

Finished interlocking paver patio with a curved paver edge flowing into a newly installed artificial turf lawn; stepping stones provide access across the turf to the HVAC unit at the house exterior. San Marcos project by Install It Direct.

Narrow residential side yard showing a completed interlocking paver walkway with a central strip of artificial turf and concrete stepping pads. San Marcos project by Install It Direct.

Narrow interlocking paver walkway installed between a concrete driveway and a mulch planting bed at a residential frontage. San Marcos project by Install It Direct.

Completed paver walkway and adjoining segmental retaining wall with a soldier-course edge and curved paver banding next to a mulched planting bed. San Marcos project by Install It Direct.

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A narrow interlocking paver walkway runs between a concrete driveway and a mulch planting bed with succulents. San Marcos project by Install It Direct.

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Project Snapshot

Location San Marcos Highlands, San Marcos (92069)
Style Traditional
Timeline About 2.5 weeks
Price Range $41k–$51k

• 914 pallets Angelus Courtyard Combo (Standard) 60mm pavers
• 850 bags NextGel Polymeric Sand (Tan)
• 558 sf Imperial Desert Rye 65 artificial turf
• 48 pallets Angelus Rustic Wall Stone
• 20 Belgard Moduline stepping stones (24×24)
• 58 LF 3-inch SDR35 drainline
• 20 LF perforated French drain pipe
• 8 plastic drain caps
• 4 Pro-Trade LL2 ledge lights (bronze with stainless mounting)
• 5 Pro-Trade SL2 surface-mounted LED step lights
• 1 Pro-Trade 150W transformer
• 550 50-lb bags Imperial Green silica sand infill
• 96 LF poly board edging installation

58 LF of 3-inch SDR35 pipe with 8 collection points strategically placed for surface water management. 20 LF French drain behind reconstructed retaining wall with perforated pipe and gravel sleeve. All surfaces graded per CRC R401.3 with minimum 6 inches of fall in first 10 feet from structures.

16 build days over 2.5 weeks. Demo and base prep Week 1, paver and wall installation early Week 2, turf and lighting completion by end Week 2, final inspection and punch list completion.

Project Story

Overview

IID transformed a bare dirt backyard into a 868 sq ft Angelus paver patio with 518 sq ft of Imperial Desert Rye artificial turf, Angelus Rustic Wall, and Pro-Trade LED lighting , completed in 16 build days over 2.5 weeks.

The Challenge

  • The backyard was mostly bare compacted soil with scattered potted plants, making it unusable for family activities or entertaining
  • Water pooled in low areas after rain events due to poor drainage and lack of proper grading
  • The existing low retaining wall was deteriorating and limited the usable space layout

What Changed

The transformation replaced unusable bare soil with 868 sq ft of Angelus pavers and 518 sq ft of artificial turf, creating multiple functional zones connected by 20 stepping stones. The comprehensive drainage system now routes water through 78 total linear feet of pipe systems, eliminating standing water issues.

How INSTALL-IT-DIRECT Helped

The family was dealing with a backyard that was essentially unusable dirt. They envisioned separate zones for entertaining and play, with minimal maintenance requirements. IID designed a solution centered on Angelus Courtyard Combo pavers for durability and clean lines, paired with Imperial Desert Rye artificial turf to create distinct functional areas. The approach included rebuilding the retaining wall with Angelus Rustic Wall blocks for both function and visual appeal, plus a comprehensive drainage system to handle water management. Now the backyard offers a 868 sq ft paver patio for dining and entertaining, artificial turf areas for play and relaxation, and stepping stone pathways that connect the entire space without tracking dirt indoors.

Over 1,000 five-star reviews and 1,500+ San Diego homeowners served.

Before & After

AI-generated before photo for San Marcos Highlands Paver Patio and Artificial Turf Installation - 868sf pavers, 518sf turf, retaining wall (92069)
BEFORE

After
AFTER

Design & Build

The Plan

  • Layout strategy: Created distinct zones with paver patio as main entertaining area, turf sections for softer use, stepping stone pathways for circulation

  • Materials: Angelus Courtyard Combo 60mm pavers in modular pattern with NextGel Polymeric Sand, Imperial Desert Rye artificial turf, Angelus Rustic Wall blocks

  • Drainage: 58 LF of 3-inch SDR35 drainline with 8 drain caps, 20 LF French drain behind retaining wall, graded to direct water away from structures

  • Lighting: 9 Pro-Trade LED fixtures (4 ledge lights, 5 step lights) with 150W transformer and 500 LF of 12/2 wire for evening use and safety

  • Coordination: Material staging area secured with client release due to narrow access, utility protection measures for existing systems

See the 2D plan drawing
Project plan

The Build

Phasing

Demo and excavation started Day 1, followed by base preparation and compaction Days 2-3, paver installation Days 4-6, wall reconstruction and turf installation Days 7-10, lighting and final grading Days 11-14, punch list and completion Days 15-16

Key Inspections

Pre-construction sprinkler system testing, subgrade compaction verification, base material approval before screeding, drainage system testing before backfill, final paver joint and lighting inspection

Utilities

3-inch SDR35 drainage pipe with Schedule 40 PVC fittings, 8 plastic drain caps for surface collection, 20 LF perforated pipe French drain system, 12/2 low-voltage lighting wire buried 6 inches per NEC requirements

Investment

What would a similar project cost in San Marcos?

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Pavers & Installation (868 sf) $12,500 – $15,000
Artificial Turf (518 sf) $8,500 – $10,500
Retaining Wall (48 pallets) $8,500 – $10,500
Drainage System (78 LF) $5,000 – $6,000
Lighting (9 fixtures) $4,000 – $4,500
Demo & Site Work $5,500 – $7,000
Estimated Total

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a paver patio with artificial turf cost in San Marcos?

This 868 sq ft paver patio with 518 sq ft artificial turf project invested $41,000-$51,000. Costs vary based on paver selection, drainage requirements, wall work, and site access. Angelus Courtyard Combo pavers with comprehensive drainage and lighting systems represent the higher end of residential paver installations.

Do paver patios require permits in San Marcos?

Paver patios at grade typically don't require building permits. However, this project included retaining wall work and drainage modifications which may trigger permit requirements. Gas line installations always require MEP permits. IID handles all permitting requirements during the planning phase.

What drainage considerations are important for backyard hardscape?

This project included 78 total linear feet of drainage systems (58 LF SDR35 pipe plus 20 LF French drain) to handle San Marcos soil conditions. All grading complies with CRC R401.3 requirements for water management away from structures. Proper drainage prevents standing water and foundation issues.

How long does paver and turf installation take?

This project took 16 active build days over 2.5 weeks. Timeline depends on scope complexity, weather, and inspection schedules. The combination of pavers, retaining wall reconstruction, comprehensive drainage, and lighting installation requires careful sequencing for quality results.

How does artificial turf perform with San Diego weather?

Imperial Desert Rye 65 artificial turf is designed for San Diego's climate with UV-resistant fibers and drainage backing. The 550 bags of silica sand infill provide ballast and cooling. This installation included proper edge restraints and 6-inch base preparation for long-term performance.

Your Outdoor Project in 3 Simple Steps

1

Design

We listen to your vision, assess your space, and create a custom design that fits your lifestyle and budget.

2

Build

Our experienced crews bring the design to life with premium materials and expert craftsmanship.

3

Enjoy

Step into your transformed outdoor space and start making memories with family and friends.

Your Project Manager

Troy MacMillan

Install It Direct specializes in comprehensive outdoor living solutions that combine hardscape, drainage, and lighting into cohesive designs. Our San Marcos projects demonstrate expertise in managing complex site challenges while delivering functional family spaces.

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