A Normal Heights Backyard, Built Around a Gas Fire
Project Gallery
Modern Normal Heights backyard featuring large-format pavers, 276 sf synthetic turf, and a Belgard segmental retaining wall with mature privacy screening.
Project Snapshot
Project Story
Overview
In mid-city Normal Heights, off Adams Avenue, a 1,200-square-foot backyard had been three things at once for a decade — cracked concrete near the house, bare soil at the rear fence, and a strip of dead lawn no one watered. The brief was the kind every small San Diego yard arrives at eventually: one piece of patio that could hold a table and a gas fire, one piece of turf the dog wouldn't kill, and a wall along the back to give the lot a finished edge. Six weeks of work, 31 days on site, and 245 square feet of Orco Modulo Express 24×24 paver to make all three fit.
The Challenge
- The existing concrete patio where 245 sf of large-format pavers now sits had cracked through in multiple places, leaving the surface uneven.
- Bare dirt adjacent to the patio — where 276 sf of Pro-Trade Rye Light turf was eventually laid — left no usable seating or play area.
- No managed drainage, so 75 lf of SDR35 drain line had to be added to give surface water a structured path off the property.
What Changed
How Install It Direct Helped
Market Context
Over 1,000 five-star reviews and 1,500+ San Diego homeowners served.
Design & Build
The Plan
Layout planned as a large-format paver field with a curved edge transitioning to synthetic turf, creating distinct hardscape and lawn zones
Pavers: Orco Modulo Express 24×24 large-format paver in light gray, installed across 245 sf of patio and walkway area
Retaining wall: Belgard Diamond Pro Air block, 54 sf face area, with Belgard Steeple Crest wall cap; 35 LF concrete footing poured below
Gas fire feature fed by 53 LF of 1-inch gas line trenched at 18-inch depth with tracer tape, two sweep connections, and two meter/stub-out connections
Drainage: 75 LF of 3-inch SDR35 drain line with five PVC wyes/tees and six couplers to collect surface runoff and direct it to an approved outfall, graded for positive flow
Lighting: 2 Pro-Trade LL2 7-inch ledge lights with stainless mounting plates installed along the wall edge, fed by 100 LF of 12/2 low-voltage wire
The Build
Investment
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a paver patio with synthetic turf cost in Normal Heights San Diego?
This project in Normal Heights (92116) came in at roughly $36,000 to $45,000 for 245 sf of large-format pavers, 276 sf of synthetic turf, a Belgard retaining wall, gas fire feature, and drainage. Projects of similar scope in San Diego generally fall between $35,000 and $55,000. Scope size, access restrictions, wall height, and drainage requirements are the main cost drivers.
Do I need a permit for a gas fire feature in San Diego?
Typically, yes. A gas line for a fire feature requires a Simple (No-Plan) MEP permit in San Diego under California Plumbing Code Chapter 12. The trench must remain open for inspection before backfill, and gas piping must include tracer tape. Install It Direct handles coordination with the appropriate licensed trades.
Does a retaining wall in San Diego require a permit?
In the City of San Diego, a building permit is required for any retaining wall where the exposed height exceeds 3 feet, measured from top of footing to top of wall, per San Diego Information Bulletin. This is stricter than the statewide CBC threshold of 4 feet. Walls supporting surcharge loads or tiered configurations have additional requirements. The wall on this project used Belgard Diamond Pro Air block on a 35 LF concrete footing; permit applicability depends on the finished exposed height, which should be confirmed with the project manager.
Does artificial turf require maintenance after installation?
Synthetic turf requires minimal upkeep. Occasional rinsing removes dust and debris. The SGW Envirofill infill used on this project is antimicrobial and helps the blades stand upright. There is no mowing, fertilizing, or irrigation needed. Periodic brushing of the pile is recommended once or twice a year.
How long does a backyard paver and turf installation take in San Diego?
This Normal Heights project took approximately 7 weeks of active build time. Demo and excavation came first, followed by drainage, gas line, base prep, paving, wall construction, and then turf and irrigation.
What is the best large-format paver for a San Diego backyard patio?
This project used the Orco Modulo Express 24x24, a large-format concrete paver in a light gray finish. Large-format pavers work well in smaller yards because fewer joints make the space read as larger. The 24x24 format was installed with tight joints and NextGel polymeric sand to lock the field and resist weed intrusion.
Your Outdoor Project in 3 Simple Steps
Design
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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
Two adjacent uses, one back yard — that was the whole problem. The patio had to be wide enough for a four-top and a gas fire feature, the turf strip had to be deep enough for a dog, and the rear had to read finished from the kitchen window. We ran the gas line and the surface drain in the same trench at staggered depths, set the Belgard wall on the rear property line, and pulled the Orco Modulo Express 24×24 grey across the patio wall-to-wall so the field reads as one room, not a paved area between two beds. — Dan Axten, Senior Designer · Install It Direct
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