Modern Family Courtyard in Torrey Del Mar, San Diego
This finished project was a $29k–$37k build.
Project Gallery
Finished backyard showing an interlocking paver walkway and patio with a contrasting border course, adjacent synthetic turf lawn, and a segmental retaining wall with planters. San Diego project by Install It Direct.
Large-format rectangular pavers installed in an ashlar-style pattern forming a backyard patio. San Diego project by Install It Direct.
Finished light-gray large-format concrete pavers installed in a running-bond pattern forming a patio/walkway adjacent to a planted bed and a white gravel path. San Diego project by Install It Direct.
Light-colored rectangular interlocking pavers installed in a staggered/running bond pattern forming a patio or walkway adjacent to a planted mulch bed. San Diego project by Install It Direct.
Finished backyard patio built with light-colored modular pavers installed in an ashlar-like running bond layout. San Diego project by Install It Direct.
Finished side-yard landscape showing a curved field of decorative white gravel/river rock with black landscape edging, adjacent to a small paver patio. San Diego project by Install It Direct.
Project Snapshot
Project Story
Overview
IID transformed a backyard with drainage issues into a 652 sf paver patio featuring a gas fire pit, comprehensive drainage system, and 14 landscape lights, completed over 5 weeks despite early challenges.
The Challenge
- Water pooled at the garage door entrance after every rain event, threatening to seep inside the home
- The backyard was mostly bare dirt with no usable space for outdoor entertaining or family activities
- Existing drainage patterns directed water toward the foundation rather than away from the home
What Changed
How INSTALL-IT-DIRECT Helped
Over 1,000 five-star reviews and 1,500+ San Diego homeowners served.
Design & Build
The Plan
Layout strategy: Central fire pit on 652 sf paver field with Mission Mountain cobble accent areas and stepping stone pathways to side access
Materials: Belgard Dimensions 12×24 pavers for clean modern lines, NextGel polymeric sand in ivory, Mission Mountain 3/4-inch cobble for texture contrast
Drainage design: 3-foot channel drain at garage door connected to 65 LF of 3-inch SDR35 pipe discharging to bio retention pit per CRC R401.3
Lighting plan: 12 Pro-Trade PTH1 path lights and 2 Pro-Trade BUL1 up lights on 300W transformer with smart timer control
Gas coordination: 25 LF of 1-inch gas line with tracer wire, manual shutoff valve, and two gas connections for fire feature
The Build
Phasing
Demo and site clearing, drainage system installation, excavation to 7.5-inch depth for paver areas, base preparation and compaction, paver installation with polymeric sand, lighting and gas rough-in, cobble installation, final cleanup and testing
Key Inspections
Excavation depth verification (7.5 inches for patio areas), base compaction to 98% Standard Proctor, sprinkler system leak testing before and after installation, gas line pressure testing, drainage flow testing
Utilities
3-inch SDR35 drain pipe with 5 drain caps, 25 LF 1-inch gas line with sweep connections, 44 LF electrical conduit for 12/2 low-voltage wire, 1-inch screeded sand bed over compacted base
Investment
What would a similar project cost in San Diego?
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a paver patio with fire pit cost in San Diego?
This Torrey Del Mar project with 652 sf of Belgard Dimensions pavers, gas fire pit, comprehensive drainage, and 14 landscape lights was in the $29,000-$37,000 range. Costs vary based on total area, drainage complexity, gas line requirements, and material selections.
Do you need permits for gas fire pits in San Diego?
Yes, this project required a simple MEP permit for the 25-foot gas line installation. The gas line included proper tracer wire, manual shutoff valve, and pressure testing. Gas work must be performed by licensed professionals and inspected before backfilling.
What maintenance do Belgard Dimensions pavers require?
The NextGel polymeric sand used in this project provides excellent joint stability and weed resistance. Annual power washing and occasional sand topping maintains the clean appearance. The large 12x24 format means fewer joints to maintain compared to smaller pavers.
How long does a backyard paver installation take?
This project took about 5 weeks from start to completion, including time for drainage system installation and gas line work. Timeline included addressing initial client concerns through site visits and phased construction approach.
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
Patrick Diehl managed this complex drainage and hardscape project with careful attention to the homeowner's concerns and technical challenges, ensuring proper water management while creating a beautiful outdoor living space.
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Ready to Transform Your Outdoor Space?
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