The Project
Let’s be honest: side yards are often the ugly stepchild of the property. They’re narrow, awkward, and usually just a dumping ground for dirt, weeds, and the occasional forgotten garden hose. But this couple decided to turn that eyesore into a functional, beautiful walkway that connects the front and back of their home. And they did it on a budget that won’t make you cry.
We’re talking a full transformation: a paver pathway, two retaining walls (one to hold back dirt, one to frame the path), a French drain to keep water away from the house, and even some LED underglow lighting for nighttime curb appeal. The total cost? $3,729. That’s only $229 over their original $3,500 budget—and honestly, that’s a win in my book. The project took several days of work, but the result is a side yard that looks like a professional landscaper rolled through.
What You'll Need
Here’s the full materials list, with the exact numbers so you can budget your own project. Prices may vary by location, but these are the real costs from the build.
**Paver Pathway:**
- 88 pavers at $6 each = $528
- Paver bases (45 pieces at $13 each) = $585 (these save you a ton of time on leveling sand—worth every penny)
- Construction adhesive (12 bottles) = $108
- Weed barrier = $62
- Polymeric sand (for locking pavers) = not itemized, but budget about $40
**Retaining Walls:**
- Concrete blocks for two walls = $700 total (including delivery)
- Toppers for wall caps = $397
- Rebar (spray-painted) and concrete to reinforce walls = minimal cost
**Drainage:**
- French drain kit + PVC pipe = $110
- 2,000 lb of rock for drain pit = $60
- PVC glue = small cost
- Concrete for border forms (380 lb bags) = $25
**LED Lighting:**
- LED tracks = $132
- LEDs (24V with power converter) = $70
**Landscaping:**
- 6 large privacy bushes = $360
- Other plants = $80
- Black mulch (5 bags) = about $20
- Sod and topsoil = about $50
**Tools:**
- Tiller rental (24 hours) = $70
- Automatic tamper rental = $85
- Hand tamper (buy, cheap)
- Kobalt wagon (optional, $200—not in budget but a lifesaver)
- Utility knife, trowel, metal rake, leaf blower, heat gun, measuring tape, string line
Total budget: $3,729 (including the wagon, which was a personal purchase). If you skip the wagon, you’re at $3,529.
Step-by-Step
**1. Prep the Ground**
Start by renting a tiller to break up the compacted dirt. This makes it way easier to move and level. After tilling, use a hand tamper (or rent an automatic tamper—$85 well spent) to compact the soil. This prevents settling later. Screed off high spots with a 2x4.
**2. Build the First Retaining Wall**
Lay down weed barrier along the path. Then, for the wall base, use paver bases (they’re like plastic grids that you cut with a utility knife). Level them with a layer of sand underneath. Stack concrete blocks, gluing each row with construction adhesive. Check level every row. The first wall goes along the edge of the path.
**3. Lay the Paver Base and Pavers**
Screed a layer of leveling sand using PVC pipes as guides. Pitch the sand slightly downhill away from the house for drainage. Lay paver bases on the sand, then place pavers on top. Tap them into place with a rubber mallet. Leave small gaps for polymeric sand.
**4. Build the Second Wall and French Drain**
Dig a trench for the second wall (to hold the sand on the other side). Compact the base, then stack blocks. For the French drain, dig a trench from the low point of the path to a deep hole (about 3 feet deep). Lay the drain pipe, glue joints, and fill the hole with rock. Cover with dirt. The drain will carry water away from the house.
**5. Concrete Border**
Build a form with 2x4s along the edge of the pavers. Mix Quickrete and pour it into the form. Use a trowel to smooth it. Let it cure overnight, then remove the forms. This locks the pavers and drain in place.
**6. Install LED Lighting**
Glue LED tracks to the top of the wall. Slide the LED strip inside, connect wires with crimp connectors and heat shrink tubing. Run the wire to a power supply. Snap on the clear plastic covers.
**7. Finish with Landscaping**
Plant bushes along the fence for privacy. Lay sod over bare dirt. Sweep polymeric sand into paver gaps, mist with water to activate, and blow off excess. Add mulch to flower beds.
Here’s the trick most pros won’t tell you: when you’re screeding sand for pavers, use two PVC pipes as rails. Set them at the correct height, then drag a straight 2x4 across them. This gives you a perfectly flat surface without guesswork.
Safety First
Before you start, here’s what you need to know:
- **Call before you dig.** Always call 811 to mark underground utilities. That Comcast wire in the video? Don’t assume it’s harmless—it could be live.
- **Rentals:** When using a tiller or tamper, wear steel-toed boots and ear protection. These machines vibrate hard and can cause injury if you’re not careful.
- **Concrete:** Wear gloves and a dust mask when mixing Quickrete. The dust is caustic and can burn your skin or lungs.
- **Adhesive:** Construction adhesive fumes are strong. Work in a well-ventilated area.
- **Electrical:** If you’re not comfortable with wiring, have an electrician handle the LED power connection. 24V is low voltage, but the power converter plugs into 110V—respect it.
What NOT to do: Don’t skip the weed barrier under the sand. Without it, your sand will wash away in a few rains. Also, don’t use regular sand for leveling—use polymeric sand for the joints, or you’ll get ants and weeds.
Troubleshooting
**Problem: The ground keeps settling after tamping.**
Solution: You didn’t till deep enough or compact enough. Rent an automatic tamper (not just a hand tamper) and go over it twice. Add a few inches of base gravel if the soil is really loose.
**Problem: The wall is leaning.**
Solution: You probably didn’t level the first row perfectly. Use a long level and shim with sand or crushed stone. If it’s already built, you may need to take it apart and start over—don’t ignore it, it’ll get worse.
**Problem: Polymeric sand didn’t harden.**
Solution: You either used too much water or not enough. Mist it lightly—don’t soak it. If it’s still soft after 24 hours, sweep out the loose sand and try again.
**Problem: French drain isn’t draining.**
Solution: Check the slope. The pipe must drop at least 1/4 inch per foot. Also, make sure the exit hole is deep enough (at least 2 feet below grade) and filled with large rock.
The Result
The finished side yard is a showpiece. The paver pathway is clean and level, framed by two retaining walls that give it structure. The French drain keeps water away from the house, and the LED underglow lighting adds a modern touch that’s perfect for evening entertaining. The bushes and sod soften the edges and provide privacy from neighbors.
What would I do differently? I’d probably skip the wagon if I had a wheelbarrow—but that thing is a beast and I can see why they kept it. Also, I’d budget an extra $200 for unexpected costs (like extra blocks or more rock). The project took about 5 full days of work, but it’s absolutely doable for a motivated DIYer with basic tools.
If you’ve got a side yard that’s an embarrassment, take inspiration from this build. It’s not cheap, but it’s way cheaper than hiring a pro—and you get the satisfaction of doing it yourself.
