Front Yard Family Transformation in Discovery Hills, San Marcos
This finished project was a $33k–$41k build.
Project Gallery
Front yard landscape showing a completed artificial turf lawn flanked by decorative white rock groundcover and a paver edge/walkway adjacent to a concrete driveway. San Marcos project by Install It Direct.
Residential front yard showing newly installed interlocking pavers in the foreground transitioning to a freshly laid artificial turf lawn with visible turf seams. San Marcos project by Install It Direct.
Finished front yard hardscape showing interlocking pavers forming a driveway/walkway edge adjacent to a concrete driveway, with a gravel planting strip containing small shrubs. San Marcos project by Install It Direct.
Finished interlocking paver patio adjacent to a stucco house with a paver border and a narrow decorative gravel planting strip containing drought-tolerant plants. San Marcos project by Install It Direct.
Project Snapshot
Project Story
Overview
IID replaced concrete walkways and tired landscaping with 555 sf of Victorian-style pavers, low Bastione retaining walls with mocha caps, and artificial turf , creating distinct zones for entertaining and low-maintenance living.
The Challenge
- The front yard had basic concrete walkways and driveway that provided no visual appeal or defined outdoor living space
- Both yards lacked proper drainage integration, with no clear water management strategy for the new hardscape
- Existing landscaping required complete renovation to create a cohesive design that would complement the new paver installation
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 centered on connecting the driveway to the home entry with Victorian-pattern pavers, while creating a separate patio zone in the backyard
Material selection featured Belgard Catalina Grana Large 3PC and Dimensions 6×9 Border pavers in Victorian style, complemented by gray Bastione walls with mocha-colored caps
Drainage design included 65 LF of 3-inch perforated pipe with pop-up drain outlet, testing existing connections before installation to ensure proper function
Irrigation plan incorporated new valve installation, relocated existing sprinkler heads, and capped 15 existing lines to accommodate the new hardscape layout
See the 2D plan drawing
The Build
Demo and Site Preparation
Day 1-2: Demolished existing soil and walkways, excavated for new base preparation. Demo included removal of 2 inches of soil across 955 total square feet of project area.
Drainage and Base Installation
Day 3-4: Installed 65 LF of perforated drainage pipe, tested connections to existing outlets. Prepared base with extra 2-inch depth increment and proper compaction.
Wall and Paver Installation
Day 5-7: Installed 150 sf of Bastione wall blocks with bond beam reinforcement, followed by Victorian-pattern paver installation with NextGel polymeric sand jointing.
Landscaping and Final Details
Day 8-9: Installed 390 sf of Bermuda sod, completed irrigation modifications, and final site cleanup with decorative rock placement.
Investment
What would a similar project cost in San Marcos?
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a paver patio with retaining walls cost in San Marcos?
This 555 sf paver project with 150 sf of Bastione walls and comprehensive drainage invested $33,000-$41,000. Costs depend on paver selection, wall height, drainage requirements, and site access. Victorian-pattern Belgard pavers with engineered wall systems represent the premium end of the market.
Do retaining walls require permits in San Marcos?
Walls exceeding 3 feet in height typically require building permits. This project's Bastione walls were designed within standard height limits. Wall permitting depends on exposed height, surcharge loads, and proximity to property lines.
What maintenance do Victorian pavers require?
This installation used NextGel polymeric sand for joint stabilization, which reduces weed growth and ant intrusion. Annual cleaning and occasional sand touch-ups maintain the Victorian pattern. The Bastione walls require minimal maintenance with proper drainage behind them.
How long does paver and wall installation take?
This Discovery Hills project took approximately 2 weeks from demo to completion. Timeline factors include drainage testing, material delivery coordination from multiple suppliers, and weather. Complex drainage connections and wall installations require additional time for proper execution.
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
Install It Direct specializes in comprehensive outdoor transformations that integrate hardscape, drainage, and landscaping into cohesive designs. Our San Marcos projects reflect the community's preference for quality materials and thoughtful execution.
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