Collins Ranch Patio Built for Evening Gatherings
This finished project was a $35k-$40k build.
Project Gallery
Curved beach-pebble walkway with steel edging winding through the planting beds toward the new paver patio.
Project Snapshot
Project Story
Overview
Set 943 sf of MSI Quartz Beige 24x24 pavers across a bare Collins Ranch backyard, anchored by a gas fire pit zone and a 162 sf beach-pebble walkway with a 13 lf porcelain step. An 88 lf SDR35 drain line tied in the downspouts and 14 Pro-Trade path lights extended the yard into the evening, finished in 10 working days.
We use the fire pit almost every evening and the path lights mean nobody trips heading back in.
The Challenge
- Bare compacted soil where 943 sf of MSI Quartz Beige 24x24 pavers and a gas fire-pit zone now sit — no patio, no defined gathering point.
- No exterior lighting existed, so the 14 Pro-Trade PTH1 path lights had to be planned in from the start to make evening use possible.
- No subsurface drainage path tied the downspouts to a discharge point, requiring 88 lf of SDR35 line to be coordinated with the new pavers.
What Changed
How INSTALL-IT-DIRECT Helped
Over 1,000 five-star reviews and 1,500+ San Diego homeowners served.
Design & Build
The Plan
943 sf MSI Quartz Beige 24×24 large-format paver patio across the formerly bare-dirt yard, with an integrated gas fire pit zone sized for hosting.
13 lf Mirage porcelain step transitions the patio level at the door threshold; 162 sf beach-pebble walkway runs alongside as a softer-finish path.
Grading pitches the patio surface away from the home, with 88 lf of 3-inch SDR35 drain line tied to downspout connections to carry roof and surface water off the pad.
Gas line trenched and stubbed to the fire pit position; 14 Pro-Trade PTH1 path lights on a low-voltage transformer light the patio and walkway after dark.
Pavers, decorative rock, and defined hardscape edges replace the lawn-heavy alternative to keep ongoing maintenance low.
See the 2D plan drawing
The Build
Demolition and Grading
Crews cleared the bare red-dirt backyard, then cut and compacted the base grade — pitched away from the house — to receive the drain line and the paver field.
Drainage Installation
The crew installed 88 lf of 3-inch SDR35 pipe and tied in the downspouts before any hardscape finish work.
Paver and Step Installation
MSI Quartz Beige 24x24 pavers were installed across 943 sf, with Mirage UNICO Quarziti porcelain bullnose steps set at the transition.
Fire Feature, Lighting, and Walkway
A gas line was run to the fire-pit position, 14 path lights were wired back to the 300W transformer, and the beach-pebble walkway was finished.
Investment
What would a similar project cost in San Diego?
Toggle components on/off to estimate your project
Frequently Asked Questions
How much did this paver patio and fire pit project cost?
The sold project price was about $32K. The Component Cost Estimator on this page shows the range a similar Carmel Valley build would price at — site access, drainage routing, fire-feature scope, and finish selections explain any gap. A site-specific quote depends on the same factors.
How was drainage handled?
The project added 88 lf of 3-inch SDR35 pipe and tied downspouts into the new drainage scope, all set before the first paver went down. Final drainage design, permitting, and code requirements vary by property and jurisdiction.
How long did this Collins Ranch patio project take on site?
The crew was on site from October 13 to October 31, 2025 — 10 working days. The drain line was trenched and set before any pavers went down.
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.
More Projects
More from Patrick Diehl
Low-Water Lawn Upgrade in El Cajon
El Cajon
Paver Driveway & Turf Front Yard, Bonita CA
Bonita
A Front Yard, Step by Step, in Tierrasanta
San Diego
A 4S Ranch Front Yard, Rebuilt Around a Shade Tree
San Diego
A Failing Wall Out, Country Manor In — El Cajon
El Cajon
Thirty-Six Stone Pillars Hold a Sabre Springs Front Yard
San Diego
Ready to Transform Your Outdoor Space?
Let's discuss your project and bring your vision to life.