Case study
A San Jose Backyard Rebuilt Around Turf, Pavers, Planting, and Gathering Space
A San Jose backyard renovation replacing an old pool and aggregate hardscape with Belgard pavers, artificial turf, drainage, wall elements, low-voltage lighting, and planting.

- Location
- San Jose
- Scope
- Artificial Turf
- Completed
- October 2023
- Timeline
- Construction completed in October 2023.
- Investment
- $145,000–$165,000
The challenge
The existing pool and aggregate hardscape dominated the backyard and limited flexible use.
The house-side transition needed a safer, more finished step-down into the yard.
The new layout needed turf, pavers, planting, drainage, lighting, and gathering areas to work together.
Our approach
Sequoia used the approved layout to turn the former pool area into a layered backyard with paver circulation, artificial turf, planting beds, drainage, lighting, and defined gathering zones.The outcome
The finished yard replaces the old pool and aggregate hardscape with a turf field, Belgard paver walkways, planting beds, drainage, low-voltage lighting, and seating areas organized around the existing gazebo.The plan
Validated the 2D layout and circulation plan before construction began.
Centered the new backyard around a large turf field with paver walkways and patio edges.
Included drainage, Belgard wall and paver materials, low-voltage lighting, and planting so the finished space worked beyond the hardscape surface.
Build highlights

Demo, Excavation, and Subsurface Prep
Crews worked through pool-deck demolition, excavation, and preparation for drainage and new base layers.

Drainage, Base Rock, and Paver Installation
Drainage elements, base rock, and paver fields established the structure for the new yard.

Turf, Planting, Lighting, and Finish Work
Artificial turf, planting beds, lighting, and finish details completed the backyard layout.
Before and after




Project gallery




Frequently asked questions
How much does a San Jose pool-removal backyard rebuild with pavers and turf cost?
This San Jose backyard transformation falls in the $145,000 to $165,000 range for a full pool-removal and outdoor-living scope with Belgard pavers, artificial turf, planting, drainage, wall elements, lighting, and finish details.Why does drainage matter after removing a backyard pool?
Once the old pool and aggregate deck are removed, the new grade has to move water away from patios, turf, planting beds, and the house-side transitions. This project included drainage and subsurface prep before the finish materials went in.What changed visually in this backyard?
The old pool area became a more open backyard with artificial turf, paver circulation, planting beds, and seating zones around the existing gazebo.What should San Jose homeowners verify before similar work?
Confirm current pool-removal, drainage, permit, utility, and HOA requirements with the city, HOA, and a licensed contractor before construction.Project topics
Project location
Approximate neighborhood near San Jose. The pin is displaced by approximately 150 metres to protect client privacy.
