Side Yard Makeover on a $3,500 Budget: Pavers, Retaining Walls, Drainage, Lighting, and Planting
- Staff Desk
- 2 hours ago
- 4 min read
Transforming a neglected side yard into a functional and visually appealing outdoor space doesn’t have to exceed your budget. This complete guide outlines how to redesign a side yard for approximately $3,500, including paver installation, retaining walls, a French drain for proper water management, LED lighting, and landscaping for curb appeal.
Project Overview
Total Budget: $3,500
Final Cost: $3,729
Key Components: Site grading, paver walkway, two retaining walls, French drain with dry well, concrete border, LED underglow, planting, polymeric sand, mulch, and sod.
Goal: Improve functionality, appearance, and drainage efficiency while maintaining cost control.
Tools and Equipment Used
Tiller and plate compactor (rental)
Hand tamper, shovel, rake, level, and string line
2×4 screed board and PVC rails
Utility knife, caulking gun, and wheelbarrow or heavy-duty wagon
Masonry saw or angle grinder for cutting pavers
Heat gun for wiring
Leaf blower for cleanup
Materials List
Step 1: Site Preparation and Grading
Till and loosen the soil to improve workability and establish a smooth grade.
Tiller rental: $70 for 24 hours.
Rough-grade the area, ensuring the surface slopes slightly away from the house to prevent standing water.
Compact the soil using a plate compactor for large areas and a hand tamper for tight corners.
Compactor rental: $85.
Check elevation with a string line and 2×4 screed board, filling or cutting high spots as needed.
Step 2: Weed Barrier and Sand Leveling
Install weed barrier fabric across the walkway area to prevent erosion and limit weed growth.
Lay PVC pipes as screed guides, ensuring a gentle slope away from the structure.
Spread and level bedding sand evenly using a 2×4 screed board.
Step 3: Paver Base Panels and First Retaining Wall
Lay paver base panels over the leveled sand. These reduce sand usage and simplify the installation process.
Total cost: $585.
Install the first retaining wall using interlocking blocks:
Prepare a compacted, level base.
Lay the first course, checking level frequently.
Apply construction adhesive between subsequent courses.
Reinforce with 5-inch lag bolts or rebar where needed.
Wall cost: $700 + $20 delivery.
Step 4: Paver Installation
Set pavers directly on the base panels, maintaining uniform joints.
Use a rubber mallet to adjust placement.
Follow a pattern that matches the yard’s layout and transitions smoothly to adjacent areas.
Pavers: $528 total for 88 units.
Add a small step if the yard grade changes significantly.
Step 5: Second Retaining Wall
Excavate a trench along a straight string line, compact the soil, and build the wall using the same method as before.
Cap the wall with toppers for a finished look.
Adhesive: $108 total for both walls.
Step 6: Drainage and Dry Well Installation
Proper drainage prevents long-term damage to both pavers and the home foundation.
Install a French drain below grade to collect water from the sloped pathway.
Connect a 2-inch PVC pipe to carry water to a buried dry well.
Fill the dry well with approximately 2,000 pounds of rock to promote percolation.
Drain + PVC: $110
Rock: $60
Backfill with soil once installed, ensuring the surface remains level with the yard.
Step 7: Concrete Edge Restraint
Build a form around the walkway using 2×4 lumber.
Mix and pour Quickrete concrete along the edge to lock in the pavers and drain system.
Smooth with a trowel and remove forms after curing overnight.
Concrete cost: $25.
Step 8: Lighting and Wall Toppers
Reinforce the wall with painted rebar to prevent movement.
Attach LED channels along the top course using construction adhesive.
LED tracks: $132
LED strips: $70
Add toppers over the LED channels for an underglow lighting effect.
Toppers cost: $397.
Seal wiring with heat shrink tubing and connect to a 110V power converter.
Step 9: Landscaping and Privacy Planting
Plant shrubs and greenery to define the space and provide privacy.
Six large shrubs: $360
Additional plants: $80
Apply black mulch to beds for a clean, professional look.
Backfill with leftover soil from previous garden areas to reduce waste and cost.
Add sod and topsoil along the walkway edges for a seamless transition.
Step 10: Finishing with Polymeric Sand
Sweep polymeric sand into all paver joints.
Compact lightly using a hand tamper.
Blow off excess dust with a leaf blower on low speed.
Mist the surface gently to activate the binder, which locks pavers in place.
Avoid excessive water, which can wash out the sand.
This step stabilizes the pavers, prevents weed growth, and keeps the joints flexible.
Step 11: Final Enhancements
Add extra toppers to the cinder block wall for consistency.
Adjust grading near the planting area for water flow.
Perform a final cleaning of all hardscape surfaces.
Drainage and Maintenance Tips
Always maintain a 1–2% slope away from the house for proper runoff.
Check for joint settling annually and top off polymeric sand if needed.
Inspect drainage after heavy rain to confirm flow through the French drain.
Reapply sealant or adhesive to any loosening wall caps over time.
Clean LEDs and power connections periodically for weather protection.
Cost Summary
Final Result
The completed side yard features a fully functional walkway with excellent drainage, soft LED underglow, and well-organized planting beds. The design is both low-maintenance and budget-conscious, demonstrating how careful planning and strategic materials can turn an unused space into a practical and attractive part of the property.