Complete Outdoor Living Oasis in Discovery Hills, San Marcos
This finished project was a $56k–$68k build.
Project Gallery
Finished side-yard walkway featuring spaced concrete stepping pads set in decorative gray gravel with a dark soldier-course border. San Marcos project by Install It Direct.
Residential backyard showing a newly installed artificial turf lawn abutting a concrete patio. San Marcos project by Install It Direct.
gallery photo showing pavers, artificial turf, walkway in San Marcos. Install It Direct project.
Project Snapshot
Project Story
Overview
IID transformed a bare backyard into a complete outdoor living space with 2,372 sf of Pro-Trade artificial turf, a built-in outdoor kitchen with gas grill and granite countertops, concrete stepping stone pathways, and gas infrastructure for future fire features.
I first off want to say that the quality of the work so far has been great. I appreciate you and the team working with me on this project and looking forward...
The Challenge
- The backyard was mostly unusable dirt with dead spots and drainage issues that made it unsuitable for entertaining or family activities
- Existing irrigation lines were outdated and frequently breaking, creating maintenance headaches and water waste
- The space lacked any outdoor cooking capability or defined entertaining areas for the family's social lifestyle
What Changed
How INSTALL-IT-DIRECT Helped
Over 1,000 five-star reviews and 1,500+ San Diego homeowners served.
Before & After
Design & Build
The Plan
Layout strategy positioned the outdoor kitchen island along the slope with the artificial turf as the main activity zone, connected by stepping stone paths that create defined circulation
Pro-Trade Rye Professional synthetic turf (81 oz face weight) with SGW Envirofill infill for durability and natural appearance
Drainage system with 20 LF of 3-inch SDR35 drain line and drain caps to handle runoff per CRC R401.3 requirements
Gas infrastructure including 40 LF of 1-inch gas line with tracer wire and safety sweeps, ready for outdoor kitchen and future fire features
Concrete stepping stones set in decorative gravel create low-maintenance pathways between entertainment zones
See the 2D plan drawing
The Build
Demo and Site Preparation
Soil removal to 4-inch depth across 298 sf, existing wall demolition, site clearing and grading preparation
Infrastructure Installation
Gas line trenching with hand-digging around rock formations, drainage system installation, irrigation line repairs and replacement
Hardscape and Kitchen Construction
Outdoor kitchen island construction, concrete pad installation, stucco application, stepping stone placement with decorative gravel infill
Turf and Finishing
Artificial turf installation with proper base preparation, mow strip edging, appliance installation, final grading and mulch placement
Investment
What would a similar project cost in San Marcos?
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a backyard transformation with artificial turf and outdoor kitchen cost in San Marcos?
This Discovery Hills project with 2,372 sf of artificial turf, complete outdoor kitchen, and hardscape features cost in the $56k-$68k range. The Pro-Trade turf quality, gas line infrastructure, and granite countertops were key cost drivers. Smaller projects with basic kitchens typically start around $35k-45k.
Do you need permits for gas lines to outdoor kitchens?
Yes, all gas line work requires a plumbing permit in San Diego County. This project required inspection of the 40-foot gas line trench before backfilling, plus pressure testing to ensure safety. The gas connections at both the meter and appliances were also inspected.
What maintenance does Pro-Trade artificial turf require?
Virtually none. The SGW Envirofill infill helps the blades stay upright and provides natural drainage. Occasional rinsing and brushing maintains appearance, but there's no watering, mowing, fertilizing, or reseeding needed.
How long does artificial turf installation take?
The turf portion was completed in about a week once base preparation was finished. The full project took 11 weeks due to the outdoor kitchen construction, gas line work requiring permits and inspections, and coordination with the granite contractor.
Can artificial turf handle San Diego's occasional heavy rains?
Absolutely. This project includes proper drainage with 20 feet of 3-inch drain line and collection points. The turf backing is perforated for drainage, and the SGW infill helps water flow through rather than pooling on the surface.
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
Troy MacMillan
Troy MacMillan managed this complex multi-phase project from demolition through final completion, coordinating gas line permits, appliance installations, and third-party contractors while maintaining clear communication throughout the 11-week build process.
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Ready to Transform Your Outdoor Space?
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