How Much Does Decomposed Granite Cost?

Last Updated on May 28, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

Decomposed granite, also known as DG, has become a premier hardscaping solution for pathways, patios, driveways and more. However, like any home landscaping project, it’s essential to understand the associated costs before installing decomposed granite.

This in-depth guide examines the many factors impacting decomposed granite pricing so you can determine if it fits your budget.

How Much Does Decomposed Granite Cost?

The cost per ton of decomposed granite varies from as low as $30 to as high as $85 depending on the type and size of the particles. For cost per square foot, loose DG typically ranges from $1.15 to $5, while stabilized DG can range from $1.60 to $5.

Wholesale purchasing of decomposed granite offers significant savings, with prices ranging from $25 to $75 per ton compared to retail prices, which can be as high as $100 per ton.

Decomposed Granite Prices Per Ton

One of the most useful metrics for estimating decomposed granite costs is price per ton:

• Loose or natural DG– Ranges from $35 to $45 per ton on average.
• Stabilized DG– Typically $45 to $65 per ton depending on the additive used.
• Screenings or fines– As low as $30 per ton.
• 1/4” or 1/2″ particle size– $45 to $70 per ton is typical.
• 3/4″ particle size– Large gravel sizes range from $65 to $85 per ton.
• Crushed granite– Similar to DG but coarser and cheaper at $30 to $50 per ton.

Your location will significantly impact per ton pricing. Nearby granite quarries lower costs, while remote regions increase delivery fees per ton. Buying in bulk also lowers per ton expenses.

Decomposed Granite Prices Per Square Foot

When estimating how much DG you need for pathways, patios or driveways, price per square foot is useful:

• 2” depth loose DG– $1.15 to $1.75 per square foot is typical.
• 4” depth loose DG– Approximately $2.25 to $3.50 per square foot.
• 2″ depth stabilized DG– Starts around $1.60 and can reach $2.50 per square foot.
• 4” depth stabilized DG– $3.25 to $5 per square foot on average.

Square foot prices account for both materials and delivery. Deeper depths for heavy traffic areas push costs higher. Stabilized DG adds 15% to 30% to the price over loose.

You might also like our articles about the cost of Flagstone, class 5 gravel, or crushed concrete.

Decomposed Granite Price Per Yard

When purchasing decomposed granite by the truckload, price per cubic yard is a useful measure:

• Loose DG per cubic yard– Starts around $27 per cubic yard up to $45 per cubic yard for high quality.
• Stabilized DG per cubic yard– Approximately $35 to $65 per cubic yard depending on stabilizer used.
• Crushed granite per cubic yard– Ranges from $25 to $50 per cubic yard.

A cubic yard equates to 1-1/2 to 2 tons of DG. Bulk delivery drops the per yard price. Expect to pay double or more for per yard pricing at retail locations.

Wholesale Savings vs. Retail Prices

Purchasing decomposed granite from a wholesale supplier rather than retail provides significant savings:

• Wholesale loose DG– $25 to $45 per ton is typical when buying bulk.
• Retail loose DG– As high as $65 to $100 per ton.
• Wholesale stabilized DG– Around $55 to $75 per ton in bulk.
• Retail stabilized DG– Up to $125 per ton.

Wholesale buying offers at least 25% to 30% savings off retail. Buying by the truckload maximizes wholesale savings. Delivery fees add to costs.

California Gold Decomposed Granite lists the price of 3/8″ minus decomposed granite as $100.00 per ton. They suggest using this product for pathways, walkways, driveways, planter-beds, landscape ground cover, and utility areas.

Austin Wholesale Landscape Supply offers decomposed granite (1/2″ minus) for $27.00 to $45.00 per ton. They provide online ordering information for this product.

EarthStoneRock provides wholesale prices for decomposed granite, ranging from $24.99 to $49.99 per ton. They offer various colors and types of decomposed granite, including Desert Gold, Desert Rose, Gold Coast, and more.

HomeAdvisor lists the cost of decomposed granite per ton as follows:

• Basic decomposed granite costs from $40 to $70 per ton
• Natural decomposed granite costs from $140 per ton
• Stabilized decomposed granite costs from $185 per ton
• Decomposed granite with resin additives costs from $225 per ton

What is Decomposed Granite?

Decomposed granite starts as solid granite rock that has weathered and eroded over time, breaking down into smaller particles and grains. This gives decomposed granite a natural, gravel-like texture perfect for all kinds of outdoor living spaces.

There are two primary types of decomposed granite:

• Stabilized DG– Contains a stabilizing agent like acrylic, a polymer binder or other additive to increase durability and resist erosion. Stabilized DG holds up better in high traffic areas but costs 10% to 30% more than the natural alternative.
• Natural or Loose DG– No stabilizer added. Best suited for low traffic zones or temporary landscaping needs. The price is lower but loose DG requires more frequent maintenance and replenishment.

Decomposed granite comes in a range of natural colors like gold, brown, rust red, charcoal or buff. Particle sizes range from fine grit up to the size of coarse gravel. The grade, particle size uniformity, and overall quality impact prices.

Factors That Impact Cost

Several important considerations affect how much you’ll pay for decomposed granite:

• Type of DG– Stabilized DG costs more than natural, loose DG. Expect to pay a 10% to 30% premium.
• Quality– Higher quality grades with uniform particle sizes are more expensive. Low quality may have excessive fines.
• Particle size– Larger gravel-like particles sizes cost more than fine grit DG. Granite screenings or fines are the most affordable.
• Quantity– Bulk purchases lead to lower per unit pricing. Buying 10+ tons gets far better rates.
• Supplier– Prices can vary significantly between suppliers. Compare quotes.
• Delivery fees– A major cost, especially for bulk orders or remote delivery locations.
• Regional factors– Availability of local granite quarries and current demand impact local market prices.

Installation Costs Beyond Materials

In addition to the decomposed granite itself, you may incur costs to have DG professionally installed or opt for a DIY project.

Professional Installation Costs

Hiring an experienced landscape contractor to install your DG has advantages like proper grading, compaction and edge retention. However, it also adds significant labor costs of $3 to $6 per square foot on average.

Total installation costs for a 500 square foot path may break down as:

• $750 to $1500 for DG materials
• $1500 to $3000 for labor
• $100 to $250 for equipment rental fees
• $250 to $500 for edge restraint materials

So, your total could reach $2600 to $5250 for a professionally installed 500 square foot DG path.

DIY Installation Expenses

Alternatively, you can install decomposed granite yourself and save on labor. However, DIY installation requires:

• Physical labor for spreading, grading and compacting.
• Basic tools like shovels, rakes and a plate compactor.
• A wheelbarrow and loader for moving DG.
• Time and patience.

Your material costs remain the same, but you avoid paying for installation labor. Just factor in tool rentals or purchases plus your time invested.

Other Installation Costs

Additional installation expenses include:

Edging – Composite lumber, brick, metal or plastic edging contains the DG. This runs $1 to $5 per linear foot.

Base gravel – A 4” gravel base improves drainage. Allow $2 to $4 per square foot.

Stabilizing agents – Acrylic or other stabilizers cost $0.15 to $0.30 per square foot.

Decomposed Granite vs Other Materials

Decomposed granite provides an appealing balance of natural beauty and affordability. Here’s how it compares to other landscaping materials:

Gravel – Very budget friendly at $0.50 to $2 per square foot. But gravel erodes quickly and requires frequent replenishment. An excellent drainage base layer beneath DG.

Mulch – Extremely affordable, from $0.25 to $1 per square foot. However, mulch decomposes rapidly and lacks durability. Best used in garden beds rather than pathways.

Concrete – Much higher initial cost, from $8 to $12 per square foot. Long lasting but cracks over time. Concrete offers no permeability.

Asphalt – Also costly at $3 to $7 per square foot but very durable for driveways. Asphalt is prone to fading and cracking.

Decomposed granite provides a striking natural appearance along with good permeability and durability. The price point hits the sweet spot between economics and longevity.

Smart Shopping Tips for Decomposed Granite

Use these tips to get the best value on your decomposed granite purchase:

• Compare prices from at least 3 local suppliers and get quotes. Look at both landscape companies and material suppliers.
• Ask about current promotions, specials or seasonal discounts. Spring and fall offer prime DG pricing.
• Inquire if delivery fees are included or ask for quotes on delivery costs for different quantities.
• Purchase loose or natural DG instead of stabilized if your project allows.
• Buy DG by the ton rather than by the bag. You pay far less per ton with bulk pickup or delivery. Aim for a minimum 10-ton purchase.
• Order your exact amount needed with no overage so you don’t pay for excess materials. Factor in compaction which reduces volume by 10% to 15%.
• See if your local municipality or utilities offer discounts through special DG purchasing programs.

Long-Term Costs and Maintenance

One advantage of decomposed granite is its durability and low maintenance needs compared to materials like mulch or gravel. However, some periodic maintenance is recommended:

• Topping off– Add a thin 1/2″ layer of fresh DG every 2 to 3 years as the material settles or erodes.
• Compacting– Use a vibrating plate compactor 1 to 2 times per year to reduce erosion and impressions.
• Weed control– Apply pre-emergent herbicide yearly to prevent weed growth. This costs around $0.03 to $0.05 per square foot.
• Edging repair– Check edging borders annually and repair as needed. Replacing dislodged edging costs $1 to $5 per linear foot.

With proper maintenance every 1 to 3 years, decomposed granite surfaces can last from 5 years to 15 years or more depending on usage levels. The long lifespan keeps lifetime costs affordable compared to high maintenance materials.

Environmental Benefits

Using decomposed granite offers additional advantages beyond the reasonable price. DG offers a gorgeous natural appearance and supports eco-friendly building.

Sustainability – Decomposed granite is an environmentally-friendly choice needing no chemical treatments. It also reduces water usage compared to grass or gardens.

Aesthetics – The neutral colors and varied textures of DG complement any landscape. It provides a refined yet organic look.

Permeability – Decomposed granite allows surface water drainage at rates around 120 inches per hour, reducing runoff.

With visual flair rivaling exotic stone, decomposed granite enhances beauty, sustainability and drainage on any property.

Final Words

When it comes to choosing the right materials for landscaping projects, decomposed granite offers an unbeatable combination of natural beauty, durability, sustainability and affordability.

Your local climate, projected traffic levels, and visual goals will help determine whether loose or stabilized DG is the best fit and how much you need. Opting for bulk purchases and wholesale suppliers provides the most budget-friendly option. With proper installation and periodic maintenance every few years, decomposed granite surfaces can last for a decade or longer.

If you’re seeking an eco-friendly and visually pleasing hardscape or pathway material, decomposed granite deserves strong consideration. Proper planning and budgeting using the guidance in this article will allow you to install beautiful, long-lasting DG areas at a reasonable cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the disadvantages of decomposed granite?

Potential downsides of using DG include:

• Can erode and wash away if not stabilized properly, especially on slopes
• Weed growth needs to be controlled through pre-emergent herbicides
• Not ideal for extremely high traffic areas or for steep grades
• Wheelchairs and strollers may have difficulty traversing loose DG
• Can get displaced by heavy rainfall or weather over time and require topping off

How do I know how much decomposed granite I need?

Measure the square footage of the area you want to cover with DG. For pathways, allow 2” depth, or 4” depth for patios or high traffic zones. Multiply area by depth to get cubic volume. Use an online calculator or consult your supplier to estimate tons required based on that volume. Add 5% – 10% overage for compaction.

How permeable is decomposed granite?

Decomposed granite allows excellent water drainage thanks to its loose composition of rocky material. Typical permeability rates are 120 to 150 inches per hour. This high porosity makes DG a good paving choice for maximizing surface permeability compared to solid paving materials.

How long does it take for granite to decompose naturally?

Granite is an extremely hard and durable stone. Total natural decomposition of solid granite into fine grains of sand and DG particles is an extremely slow process that can take 50 to 100 million years due to natural weathering and erosion.

At quarries, mechanical crushing accelerates the decomposition process dramatically to produce DG. Using heavy equipment, granite boulders can be broken down into usable decomposed granite with the desired particle sizes in just days.