Seshadri Project — San Marcos Backyard Pavers + Turf + Drainage (San Elijo Hills)
TL;DR
Turned an unfinished San Marcos backyard into a defined hosting + play space with 914 sq ft of pavers, 558 sq ft of turf, integrated SDR35 drainage, and low-voltage lighting. (Pavers, Turf, Drainage, Lighting)
Project Quick Facts
City San Marcos
Neighborhood San Elijo Hills
Constraints/Challenges Backyard lacked defined usable surfaces; drainage needed to be captured and conveyed through planned collection points.
Goals Create a clean patio + circulation layout, add a soft play area, and improve drainage performance so the yard stays usable.
Scope Scope 914 sq ft of Angelus Courtyard Combo 60mm pavers, 558 sq ft of Imperial Desert Rye 65 synthetic turf, 20 (24"x24") stepping stones set in concrete, 58 linear feet of 3" SDR35 drainline with 8 drain cap/downspout connections, a 20 linear foot French drain installed behind the new retaining wall, and a low-voltage lighting system with a 150W transformer, 4 ledge lights, and 5 step lights.
Style Contemporary
Timeline ~2 weeks
RANGE $45k – $65k
Problem
- Our backyard didn’t have a defined patio or usable surface — it wasn’t set up for everyday use.
- We wanted a safe, low-maintenance turf area where the grandkids could play.
- We needed drainage handled the right way so water wouldn’t pool or create long-term issues.
How IID Helped
We designed the backyard around how the homeowners would actually use the space—clear zones for seating, movement, and play—then built it with 914 sq ft of pavers, 558 sq ft of turf, a retaining wall element, and an integrated drainage plan using SDR35 piping, downspout connections, and a French drain behind the wall. The result is a backyard that feels intentional, drains reliably, and is easier to maintain day to day.
Over 1,000 five-star reviews and 1,500+ San Diego homeowners served.
Plan
- Install 914 sq ft of Angelus Courtyard Combo 60mm pavers in a Random I pattern with a Runner border to define the patio and walking lines.
- Add a dedicated 558 sq ft synthetic turf zone (Imperial Desert Rye 65) for comfortable, low-maintenance use.
- Integrate drainage using 58 lf of 3" SDR35 plus 8 drain cap/downspout connection points to capture and convey runoff through planned routes.
- Install a 20 lf French drain behind the new retaining wall to relieve moisture and protect the hardscape zone.
- Set 20 (24"x24") stepping stones in concrete to maintain clean access through the yard.
Build
Demo/rough grading → drainage + wall prep → base prep → paver install → turf install → stepping stones → lighting → cleanup/final walkthrough
• Verified drainage paths direct water away from the home and into planned collection points (CRC R401.3 principles). • Confirmed base preparation and compaction prior to paver installation. • Verified French drain placement behind the retaining wall before backfill. • Tested low-voltage lighting system operation prior to final walkthrough.
• Drainage: 3" SDR35 drainline (58 lf) + 8 drain cap/downspout connections • Wall drainage: 20 lf French drain behind new retaining wall (triplewall perforated pipe w/ sleeve) • Lighting: Pro-Trade 150W transformer + 4 ledge lights + 5 step lights + 12/2 low-voltage wire
Result
The finished backyard now includes 914 sq ft of pavers and 558 sq ft of turf, creating clearly defined areas for hosting, movement, and play. Integrated drainage and low-voltage lighting improve everyday usability and help the space perform better after weather.
Great Backyard Transformation and Service
Install-It-Direct created the perfect backyard for my family. The patio and turf layout gave us exactly what we needed.
Project Details
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Pavers: Angelus Courtyard Combo (Standard) 60mm; Random Ashlar pattern; Runner border
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Jointing: NextGel polymeric sand (Tan)
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Turf: Imperial Desert Rye 65 (558 sq ft)
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Edging/Support: Bender board (material noted in IB/POs)
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Stepping Stones: 20 (24″x24″) set in concrete (Belgard Moduline noted)
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Drainage: 3″ SDR35 (58 lf) + 8 drain caps/downspout connections + 20 lf French drain behind wall
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Lighting: Pro-Trade 150W TR1 transformer + 4 LED ledge lights + 5 LED step lights + 12/2 wire
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Wall: Angelus Rustic Wall Stone (48 sq ft) + demo of existing wall/footing as needed
• Yard shaped to direct water away from the home in a code-aligned manner.
• Drainage system includes SDR35 piping, drain caps, and a French drain behind the retaining wall.
• Collection points and routing were planned to reduce ponding and support long-term performance.
• Wall was planned at an exposed height that typically does not trigger structural permitting under San Diego County criteria.
• Any applicable community or HOA requirements were reviewed as part of the planning process.
Sold Date: 06/09/2025
Job Start Date: 08/18/2025
Job End Date: 08/25/2025
Completion Date: 08/27/2025
Investment Breakdown
What would a similar project cost in San Marcos?
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Paver installation
$19,000 – $28,000
Synthetic turf
$17,000 – $24,000
Retaining wall
$2,500 – $3,500
Drainage upgrades
$1,500 – $2,500
Lighting system
$2,000 – $3,000
Step stones & bender board
$1,500 – $2,000
Standard materials/hauling
$1,500 – $2,000
Estimated Total
Gallery
Turf-to-paver transition detailing how the yard is separated into low-maintenance “use zones.”
Courtyard Combo pavers in a Random Ashlar layout with a runner border defining the patio edge and clean lines.
24"x24" stepping stones set in concrete to keep access clean and stable through the yard.
Side-yard paver extension with clean border lines and improved access flow.
FAQs
It depends on exposed height, surcharge loads (like slopes/driveways), and location. Many shorter landscape walls may be exempt, but we verify requirements based on your site before building.
Where hardscape is within 10 feet of the foundation, we design the interface to meet the minimum 2% slope away from the home consistent with CRC R401.3. Beyond that interface, slopes vary based on layout and drainage collection points.
We shape the grades so water moves away from the home and into planned collection points, then convey it through solid piping. On this project that included 3" SDR35 drainline, downspout connection points, and a French drain behind the wall area.
Pavers can last for decades with proper base prep and joint maintenance. Synthetic turf lifespan varies by product and use, but many homeowners see strong performance for well over a decade when installed correctly.
Often no, but requirements can vary by jurisdiction and conditions. We install low-voltage systems using UL-listed components and follow applicable electrical standards and manufacturer requirements.
Most projects of this type fall within a wide range depending on layout, access, drainage needs, and material selections. For this project, the total investment range was $45k–$65k. A site visit is the best way to determine what’s appropriate for your property.
3-Step Plan: What to Expect When Working With Install it Direct
Design
Site walk, 2D/3D concepts, and a written price range that fits your goals.
Build
We manage permits/HOA, drainage & utilities, inspections, and daily updates to your phone.
Enjoy
Final walkthrough, care guide, warranty, and ongoing service when you need us.
About The Project Manager
Troy MacMillian
Troy is a San Diego native, a devoted husband and proud father of two daughters. With more than 20 years of experience in landscape construction, he brings a wealth of expertise and craftsmanship to every project. Outside of work, Troy enjoys maintaining his small weekend farm and has a passion for board sports, video games, gardening, and a good game of cornhole. Above all, he treasures his role as a father and the time he spends with his family.
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