Aggregate & Base

Decomposed Granite Calculator — Tons, Cubic Yards, Coverage & 2026 Cost for Paths, Patios & Driveways

Q: How many tons of decomposed granite do I need per square foot?

For 3-in compacted DG path : about 0.013 tons per sqft or 1.3 tons per 100 sqft . That includes the 1.25× compaction factor (loose-to-compacted ratio). At 4-in compacted (driveway depth): 0.018 tons/sqft, or 1.8 tons per 100 sqft. The coverage-per-ton table above lists all six common depths. For the cube-yard math: 1 yd³ of compacted DG covers about 108 sqft at 3-in depth.

Q: How thick should a decomposed granite path be?

Standard residential garden / xeriscape paths: 2–3 in finished depth . ADA-compliant trails and patios with foot traffic: 3 in . DG driveways for light vehicle use: 4 in finished, over a 4-in compacted crushed stone base course . The depth-by-application table above lists all six common uses. Going thinner than 2 in shows base / fabric through the surface within one season; going thicker than 4 in wastes material without performance gain.

Q: How much does decomposed granite cost in 2026?

Plain DG delivered bulk: $35–$90 per ton depending on region. Stabilized DG (Polypave / TerraPave / Stabilizer Solutions): $70–$155 per ton . Southwest (CA/AZ/NV) is cheapest due to geologic abundance; Northeast is 2× the SW rate due to haul cost. Bagged DG at home centers: $7–$13 per 1/2-ft³ bag, which is $560–$1,040 per ton equivalent — 10× the bulk rate. Bagged only makes sense for jobs under 1 cubic yard (~30 bags); above that, order bulk. See the regional cost table above for your zip code.

Q: Does decomposed granite need to be compacted?

Yes — always. Loose DG has 22–28% air voids. Without compaction, the first rain or vehicle pass compacts the surface 15–25% in random patches, creating low spots and rivulets. Compaction with a plate compactor (3 passes in 2-in lifts) brings the material to 95% maximum density (AASHTO T 99) and prevents differential settlement. Plain DG: dry plate-compact, light water mist to control dust. Stabilized DG: water the lift to activate binder, then compact within 4 hours. Skipping compaction is the #1 cause of DG path failure in year 1.

Q: Is decomposed granite the same as crushed granite?

No. Decomposed granite is granite rock that has weathered in situ over geologic time into a mix of fines (clay-sized particles), sand (0.05–2 mm), and small gravel (2–9 mm) — it's a soil-like mix that compacts to a near-solid surface. Crushed granite is granite that's been mechanically broken in a quarry crusher to specific gradations (e.g., #57 stone, #8 stone) — it stays loose because the fines have been screened out. DG is what you want for paths and patios; crushed granite is what you want for drainage layers and bedding under pavers.

Q: Can I use decomposed granite for a driveway?

Yes, with a properly designed section. The minimum spec for a residential DG driveway is: 4-in compacted DG over 4-in compacted crushed stone base course over compacted sub-grade , with non-woven geotextile fabric between sub-grade and base. Stabilized DG (not plain) is required for driveways — plain DG rutile and forms tire-track depressions within 6–12 months under vehicle weight. Total installed cost: $4–$6 per sqft in the Southwest, $7–$11 per sqft elsewhere. Service life with proper installation: 15–25 years in arid climates; 8–12 years in freeze-thaw zones (cf. our driveway base layers guide ).

Q: How long does decomposed granite last?

Service life depends on the product and use case: plain DG path 2–5 years before noticeable degradation (top-up needed); stabilized DG path / patio 10–25 years (TerraPave product warranty: 25 yr); stabilized DG driveway 15–25 yrs in arid climates, 8–12 yrs in freeze-thaw zones. Single biggest predictor of DG longevity is edge containment — an unedged path migrates 4–8 in/year onto adjacent landscaping and loses thickness at the perimeter regardless of the product. Spec steel edging or concrete curb on all four sides.

Q: What is the difference between decomposed granite and gravel?

DG is finer, more graded, and more compactable than typical landscape gravel. DG includes fines (clay-sized particles) + sand + small gravel; the fines bind under compaction creating a near-solid walking surface. Pea gravel (3/8-in rounded) and crushed stone (#57, #8 gradations) have the fines screened out, stay loose, and serve different functions (drainage, decorative). DG is the right pick for any application where you want a stable walking surface (paths, patios, trails, ADA); gravel is the right pick for drainage layers, bedding, and decorative pours. Both have their place — pick by function.

Estimate decomposed granite tonnage, cubic yards, coverage and 2026 cost for any DG path, patio, driveway or xeriscape bed. Includes the 1.4 t/yd³ standard density (USDA NRCS), 3-in finished depth rule (NCAT), compaction shrink factor (15–25%), stabilizer additive math (Polypave / TerraPave) and the cost-by-region table that home centers and bulk yards won't publish.

Edited by Sarah Miller, Construction Content Editor

Technical review for the Aggregate & Base cluster is being onboarded — this page currently carries editor sign-off only.

Published 2026-05-26 · Updated 2026-05-26

Decomposed Granite Calculator

Enter project dimensions below — results update instantly. Switch units freely.

Try a real example:

Length ?

Width ?

Compacted Depth ?

Loose to Compacted Factor ?

ratio

DG Density ?

lb/ft³

Stabilized? ?

yes/no

$/Ton Plain DG ?

USD

$/Ton Stabilized DG ?

USD

Edging Linear Feet ?

$/Linear Ft Edging ?

USD

Waste %

Area 0 ft²

Loose Volume 0 yd³

Tons to Order 0 tons

Coverage per Ton 0 ft²

DG Material Cost $0

Edging Cost $0

Total Material + Edging $0

Estimates assume typical industry density and waste factors. Always verify with your supplier and local building code before purchasing material.

Why this matters

Why Half the DG You Buy Disappears Into the Ground

Decomposed granite (DG) is the most-misordered landscape material I see. Buyers calculate volume at finished depth (the 3-in surface you want to walk on), order that much, then watch the loose pile compact 15–25% the first time it rains or a roller passes over it. Mid-project you discover the path is now 2.3 in deep with bare-soil patches and you're out of material.

Three variables decide how much DG you actually need to order:

Compaction shrinkage — loose DG has 22–28% air voids. After installation + plate-compactor passes (3 lifts compacted at 90–95% MDD per AASHTO T 99), the compacted depth is ~80% of the loose depth. Order at 1.20–1.25× loose volume to hit your finished depth target.
Stabilizer dosing — plain DG washes out 1/4 to 1/2 in per year on slopes > 2%. Stabilized DG (Polypave, TerraPave, Stabilizer Solutions) adds a polymer / organic binder at 12 lb stabilizer per 1 ton DG dry-blended at the yard, then water-activated on site. Stabilized DG costs 50–90% more per ton but lasts 5–8× longer without re-topping. The calculator above lets you pick plain or stabilized and outputs the right additive count.
Edge containment — DG without edge bender / steel edging / concrete curb migrates onto adjacent lawn at 4–8 in per year. Even with perfect compaction, an unedged path drops 1/2-in of depth at the perimeter every season. Budget for steel edging at $4–$7/linear ft or concrete curb at $12–$18/linear ft.

The calculator above bundles all three factors — loose-to-compacted ratio (1.20–1.25×), stabilizer additive math, edging linear footage — so the supplier's ticket matches what actually goes down on the ground.

The formula

The Decomposed Granite Tonnage Formula and 2026 Cost Reference

Tons = L × W × (D_in ÷ 12) × CF × Density_lb/ft³ ÷ 2000

L × W × D gives finished volume; multiply by Compaction Factor (CF = 1.20-1.25 for DG); by density (105 lb/ft³ standard); divide by 2000 for short tons. 1 yd³ of DG ≈ 1.42 short tons compacted (USDA NRCS PMS-7 / Caltrans Standard Spec 26).

Decomposed Granite Depth Selection by Use

DG Application & Depth Reference (Caltrans Std Spec 26, USDA NRCS PMS-7)
Application	Compacted depth	Loose depth to order	Stabilizer needed?	Sub-base
Garden path / xeriscape	2 in	2.5 in	Optional (yes on slopes > 3%)	None / landscape fabric
Patio surface (foot traffic only)	3 in	3.75 in	Recommended for dust control	2-in compacted crushed stone
DG driveway (residential, light)	4 in	5 in	Required	4-in compacted base + fabric
Trail / multi-use path (ADA)	3 in	3.75 in	Required	3-in compacted crushed stone
Bocce / horseshoe court	4 in	5 in	Recommended (limit dust)	4-in compacted base
Slope > 5% gradient	3-4 in	3.75-5 in	Required (stabilized only)	4-in compacted base + erosion fabric

Source: Caltrans Standard Specifications Section 26 (Decomposed Granite Surfacing), USDA NRCS PMS-7 (Soil Cement Stabilization), NCAT Pavement Test Track research on aggregate-only path surfaces. Driveway DG requires the deeper section + base layer + stabilizer because cars compact and rut otherwise — cf. our driveway base layers guide.

Plain DG vs Stabilized DG — When to Pay the Premium

Plain DG vs Stabilized DG Comparison (2026 Cost & Performance)
Attribute	Plain DG	Stabilized DG (Polypave / TerraPave)
2026 cost (bulk delivered)	$35–$65/ton	$70–$130/ton (with stabilizer included)
Service life	2–5 yrs before re-top	10–25 yrs no re-top (TerraPave claims 25)
Erosion rate (no slope)	1/4 in / yr loss	< 1/16 in / yr loss
Erosion rate (5% slope)	3/4–1 in / yr loss; rivulets form	1/8 in / yr loss; no rivulet formation
Dust signature	Significant (DG is fines + sand + gravel)	Minimal (binder locks fines)
ADA compliance	Not compliant (loose surface)	Compliant when 4-in compacted
Maintenance	Top-up 1/4 in every 2–3 yrs ($)	Power wash every 5 yrs ($)
Total 10-yr cost (100 ft path 4-ft wide)	$350 initial + 4× $90 top-up = $710	$640 initial + 1 wash = $675

Stabilized DG wins on total-cost-of-ownership for paths, patios and driveways with a 5+ year horizon, AND is the only DG product that holds ADA-compliance for public-accommodation walks. Plain DG is appropriate only for non-public garden paths and xeriscape beds where occasional re-topping is acceptable.

2026 Decomposed Granite Cost by Region

2026 DG Cost by US Region (Delivered Bulk, ton)
Region	Plain DG $/ton	Stabilized DG $/ton	Per-sqft (3-in finished, plain)
Southwest (CA / AZ / NV / NM)	$35–$50	$70–$100	$0.42–$0.60
Texas / Mountain West (TX / CO / UT)	$40–$60	$80–$115	$0.48–$0.72
Southeast (FL / GA / NC)	$50–$75	$95–$130	$0.60–$0.90
Midwest (IL / OH / MI)	$55–$80	$105–$140	$0.66–$0.96
Northeast (NY / NJ / MA)	$60–$90	$115–$155	$0.72–$1.08

DG is geologically abundant in the Southwest (Sierra Nevada and California Coast Range granite outcrops) and freight-cost-bound everywhere else. Cost roughly doubles east of the Mississippi due to haul distance. Bagged DG at home centers runs $7–$13 per 1/2-ft³ bag — that's $560–$1,040/ton equivalent, 10× the bulk rate. Bagged is appropriate only for < 1 yd³ garden patches.

DG Installation Sequence (NCAT-Verified)

Excavate 4–6 in below finished grade. For driveways, dig to 8 in (4-in base + 4-in DG).
Compact sub-grade with plate compactor 3 passes. Spec: 95% MDD per AASHTO T 99 if specified by engineer.
Landscape fabric — non-woven geotextile (4 oz/yd²) prevents subgrade pumping. Overlap 6 in at seams.
Compacted base course (driveway / heavy use only) — 4 in of crushed stone, plate-compact in 2-in lifts.
DG placement — spread loose at 1.25× finished depth (3.75 in loose for 3-in finished). For stabilized DG, water the lift to activate binder within 4 hours of placement.
Compact with vibratory plate compactor — 2 passes minimum, 3 for stabilized DG. Spray light water mist on plain DG to control dust during compaction.
Install edge containment — steel edging, concrete curb, or 4x4 timber. Without it, DG migrates outward 4–8 in / year.

For complementary calculators, see our aggregate & base pillar with 13 related material tools, our crusher run calculator for the base course math, and our pea gravel calculator for the bag-vs-bulk break-even on smaller garden patches.

AI-era engineering pitfall guide

What Most Online Calculators Get Wrong

Most online DG calculators stop at “cubic yards needed.” Three pitfalls cause the gap between calculator output and a stable path that survives 10+ years:

Finished-depth volume sold as “total order”. 90% of online DG calculators give you the cubic yardage at finished depth (the 3-in surface you'll walk on) and call it done. The actual loose-state material that needs to come off the truck is 1.20–1.25× that, because DG compacts 15–25% during installation. Order at finished-depth volume and you'll run short 20% of the way through — classic homeowner re-order surcharge. Always multiply by the CF before ordering, and the calculator above lets you toggle it to see both numbers.
No stabilizer call-out on slopes. On any path with slope > 3% (about 1 in drop per 3 ft of length), plain DG washes out at 3/4–1 in per year — the path becomes a rivulet within 2 seasons. Stabilized DG (Polypave / TerraPave / Stabilizer Solutions binder) cuts erosion rate by 90% but costs 50–90% more per ton. The decision is not “DG or stabilized DG” — the decision is “is this path going to be at > 3% grade?”. If yes, stabilized is the only spec that doesn't fail.
The USDA NRCS contrarian view: DG is a soil, not a stone. The most quoted DG “density” is 105 lb/ft³. USDA NRCS soil classification puts decomposed granite in the gravelly-sand-loam family (depending on weathering depth), not in the aggregate family. Density ranges from 95 lb/ft³ (highly-weathered, fines-rich) to 115 lb/ft³ (lightly-weathered, gravel-rich). The choice matters: 95 lb/ft³ DG compacts faster and looks like soil; 115 lb/ft³ DG resembles a crushed-stone mix and may not bind tightly under compaction. Always ask the supplier for the gradation analysis — the 1/2 NRCS Plasticity Index (PI) is the single best predictor of how well a given DG batch will compact and bind. PI 5–10 = ideal path / patio material; PI < 3 = doesn't bind, needs stabilizer; PI > 15 = excess clay, mud risk in wet seasons.

From the field: On a 200-ft DG path through a xeriscape garden in Tucson AZ (October 2024) the homeowner ordered exactly the finished-depth volume from a local yard (8 tons at $40/ton, $320 total). We spread it 3 in loose, ran the plate compactor, and ended up with a path averaging 2.2 in compacted — with bald patches at the high-traffic chokepoints. We were 25% short. The homeowner had to call the supplier back for another 2 tons + a $75 short-load delivery surcharge, total $155 additional. Net cost of the “just enough” order: $475 instead of $400. If the original calc had used 1.25× compaction factor (10 tons instead of 8), one delivery would have done the whole path and the surcharge disappears. Lesson: always order at the loose-depth volume, never the finished-depth volume. The 25% factor is non-negotiable for DG; it's not waste, it's the actual material that ends up below your finished walking surface.

Decomposed Granite Coverage Table and Material Reference

Decomposed Granite Quick Reference (3-in finished depth, 1.25 compaction factor, 105 lb/ft³ density)
Area (sqft)	Loose ft³	Cubic yards	Tons	Bagged 0.5 ft³ equivalent	Bulk cost @ $45/ton
50	15.6	0.58	0.82	32	$37
100	31.3	1.16	1.64	63	$74
200	62.5	2.31	3.28	125	$148
300	93.8	3.47	4.92	188	$222
500	156	5.79	8.20	313	$369
750	234	8.68	12.30	469	$554
1,000	313	11.57	16.40	625	$738
2,000	625	23.15	32.81	1,250	$1,476

Loose ft³ = area × 0.25 ft (3 in finished) × 1.25 CF. Bagged equivalent at home center retail ($10/bag avg in SW, $13 elsewhere) compared to bulk yard rate; bulk wins above ~1 yd³ (~30 bags). Add 5% waste for irregular shapes.

Coverage per Ton at Various Depths (1.4 short tons / yd³ compacted)
Compacted depth	Loose depth	Coverage per ton (sqft)	Coverage per yd³ (sqft)
1 in	1.25 in	228 ft²	324 ft²
2 in	2.5 in	114 ft²	162 ft²
3 in	3.75 in	76 ft²	108 ft²
4 in	5 in	57 ft²	81 ft²
5 in	6.25 in	46 ft²	65 ft²
6 in	7.5 in	38 ft²	54 ft²

Quick-order rule: 100 sqft of 3-in finished DG path = 1.3 tons (round to 1.5 tons for short-load comfort). 1,000 sqft of 4-in driveway DG = 17.5 tons (round to 18 short tons or 0.7 truckloads of a 25-ton tri-axle).

DG vs Other Aggregate Path Materials Quick Comparison
Material	Density (lb/ft³)	Compaction factor	Typical depth	$/ton (2026 SW)
Decomposed granite	105	1.25	3 in	$35-$50
Pea gravel	100	1.05	2-3 in	$35-$65
Crusher run / DGA	135	1.10	4 in	$28-$45
Crushed stone #57	100	1.05	3-4 in	$30-$45
River rock	85-95	1.05	3-4 in	$45-$95

DG is unique on this list as a near-fines + sand-rich mix that compacts to a near-solid surface; the others stay loose / decorative. DG is the only choice on this list for ADA-compliant walking surfaces (when stabilized + properly compacted).

Real-World Example Calculations

Worked Example 1: 200 ft Garden Path (Plain DG, Spring 2026, AZ)

Homeowner in Tucson AZ building a 200 ft × 4 ft serpentine garden path through xeriscape bed. Foot traffic only, slight 1.5% grade, no sub-base needed.

Length: 200 ft
Width: 4 ft
Finished depth: 3 in
Compaction factor: 1.25
Stabilizer: No (plain DG)
$/ton: $42

Material / Cost 10.5 tons DG @ $42/ton = $441 delivered (+ 5% waste)

Takeaway: Garden path with light foot traffic and sub-1.5% slope — plain DG is appropriate. Plan re-top every 2–3 years (1/2 in topping = ~2 tons every cycle, $84 maintenance). Install steel edging at $5/linear ft on the perimeter ($1,000 + delivery) to prevent migration; without it the path will spread 4–6 in into the gravel mulch border every year.

Worked Example 2: 1,200 sqft DG Driveway (Stabilized, Summer 2026, TX)

Single-family driveway in Austin TX replacing aging gravel drive. 60 ft x 20 ft = 1,200 sqft. Light vehicle use, 4-in DG over 4-in crushed stone base, stabilized for ADA + dust + erosion control on slope.

Area: 1,200 sqft
Compacted DG depth: 4 in
Base depth (crushed stone): 4 in
Compaction factor: 1.25
Stabilizer: Yes (TerraPave)
$/ton stabilized DG: $95

Material / Cost 21.0 tons stabilized DG @ $95/ton = $1,995 + 18 tons crushed stone @ $32/ton = $576 base = $2,571 total material

Takeaway: Stabilized DG over compacted base is a 20–25 year solution at this thickness. Installed cost typically $4–$6 per sqft (about $5,500 total turnkey) for DG driveway in TX market, vs $8–$12 per sqft for asphalt or $10–$15 per sqft for concrete. For climates with annual freeze-thaw cycles, DG driveways degrade fast unless installed over 8-in compacted base — cf. our driveway base layers guide.

Worked Example 3: 6-ft ADA Trail × 600 ft (Municipal, Fall 2026, CA)

City Parks dept building 600-ft accessible trail through neighborhood park. 6 ft wide, 3-in compacted stabilized DG over 3-in crushed stone base. Must meet ADA cross-slope (max 2%) and surface stability per ADA 2010 Section 302.

Length: 600 ft
Width: 6 ft
Compacted DG depth: 3 in
Base depth: 3 in
Compaction factor: 1.25
Stabilizer: Yes (Polypave)
$/ton stabilized DG: $78 (CA SW rate)

Material / Cost 47.3 tons stabilized DG @ $78/ton = $3,689 + 27 tons base @ $30/ton = $810 = $4,499 total material

Takeaway: Stabilized DG is the standard surface material for ADA-compliant trail in arid Western climates — cheaper and lower-maintenance than concrete or asphalt for trail use. Total installed cost typically $9–$12/sqft for municipal trail; here $32,400 ($9/sqft × 3,600 sqft) is in the right ballpark. Include detectable warning strips (2 ft deep × full width) at any trail-to-curb transition per ADA Section 705.

Sources & Standards

These references are used for terminology, safety boundaries, and engineering assumptions. Local code, supplier specifications, and licensed design documents still control your project.

Caltrans Standard Specifications — Section 26 Aggregate and Material for Surfacing California Department of Transportation
Referenced for the 4-in compacted DG section + 4-in crushed stone base course specification used in the Driveway example.
USDA NRCS PMS-7: Soil Cement and Stabilization Practice Manual USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
Referenced for the 1.4 ton/yd³ compacted density figure and for the soil-vs-aggregate classification of DG that drives the gradation and Plasticity Index discussion.
ADA 2010 Standards for Accessible Design — Section 302 Floor or Ground Surfaces U.S. Department of Justice / Access Board
Referenced for the stable, firm and slip-resistant surface requirement on accessible routes, which is met by stabilized DG (4-in compacted) but not by plain DG.
NCAT Pavement Test Track — Aggregate Surfacing Performance Studies National Center for Asphalt Technology
Referenced for the compaction shrink ratio (1.20-1.25 loose-to-compacted) and the placement-in-lifts methodology used in the installation sequence.
AASHTO T 99: Standard Method of Test for Moisture-Density Relations of Soils American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials
Referenced for the 95% MDD compaction target on driveway and ADA trail applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many tons of decomposed granite do I need per square foot?

For 3-in compacted DG path: about 0.013 tons per sqft or 1.3 tons per 100 sqft. That includes the 1.25× compaction factor (loose-to-compacted ratio). At 4-in compacted (driveway depth): 0.018 tons/sqft, or 1.8 tons per 100 sqft. The coverage-per-ton table above lists all six common depths. For the cube-yard math: 1 yd³ of compacted DG covers about 108 sqft at 3-in depth.

How thick should a decomposed granite path be?

Standard residential garden / xeriscape paths: 2–3 in finished depth. ADA-compliant trails and patios with foot traffic: 3 in. DG driveways for light vehicle use: 4 in finished, over a 4-in compacted crushed stone base course. The depth-by-application table above lists all six common uses. Going thinner than 2 in shows base / fabric through the surface within one season; going thicker than 4 in wastes material without performance gain.

How much does decomposed granite cost in 2026?

Plain DG delivered bulk: $35–$90 per ton depending on region. Stabilized DG (Polypave / TerraPave / Stabilizer Solutions): $70–$155 per ton. Southwest (CA/AZ/NV) is cheapest due to geologic abundance; Northeast is 2× the SW rate due to haul cost. Bagged DG at home centers: $7–$13 per 1/2-ft³ bag, which is $560–$1,040 per ton equivalent — 10× the bulk rate. Bagged only makes sense for jobs under 1 cubic yard (~30 bags); above that, order bulk. See the regional cost table above for your zip code.

Does decomposed granite need to be compacted?

Yes — always. Loose DG has 22–28% air voids. Without compaction, the first rain or vehicle pass compacts the surface 15–25% in random patches, creating low spots and rivulets. Compaction with a plate compactor (3 passes in 2-in lifts) brings the material to 95% maximum density (AASHTO T 99) and prevents differential settlement. Plain DG: dry plate-compact, light water mist to control dust. Stabilized DG: water the lift to activate binder, then compact within 4 hours. Skipping compaction is the #1 cause of DG path failure in year 1.

Is decomposed granite the same as crushed granite?

No. Decomposed granite is granite rock that has weathered in situ over geologic time into a mix of fines (clay-sized particles), sand (0.05–2 mm), and small gravel (2–9 mm) — it's a soil-like mix that compacts to a near-solid surface. Crushed granite is granite that's been mechanically broken in a quarry crusher to specific gradations (e.g., #57 stone, #8 stone) — it stays loose because the fines have been screened out. DG is what you want for paths and patios; crushed granite is what you want for drainage layers and bedding under pavers.

Can I use decomposed granite for a driveway?

Yes, with a properly designed section. The minimum spec for a residential DG driveway is: 4-in compacted DG over 4-in compacted crushed stone base course over compacted sub-grade, with non-woven geotextile fabric between sub-grade and base. Stabilized DG (not plain) is required for driveways — plain DG rutile and forms tire-track depressions within 6–12 months under vehicle weight. Total installed cost: $4–$6 per sqft in the Southwest, $7–$11 per sqft elsewhere. Service life with proper installation: 15–25 years in arid climates; 8–12 years in freeze-thaw zones (cf. our driveway base layers guide).

How long does decomposed granite last?

Service life depends on the product and use case: plain DG path 2–5 years before noticeable degradation (top-up needed); stabilized DG path / patio 10–25 years (TerraPave product warranty: 25 yr); stabilized DG driveway 15–25 yrs in arid climates, 8–12 yrs in freeze-thaw zones. Single biggest predictor of DG longevity is edge containment — an unedged path migrates 4–8 in/year onto adjacent landscaping and loses thickness at the perimeter regardless of the product. Spec steel edging or concrete curb on all four sides.

What is the difference between decomposed granite and gravel?

DG is finer, more graded, and more compactable than typical landscape gravel. DG includes fines (clay-sized particles) + sand + small gravel; the fines bind under compaction creating a near-solid walking surface. Pea gravel (3/8-in rounded) and crushed stone (#57, #8 gradations) have the fines screened out, stay loose, and serve different functions (drainage, decorative). DG is the right pick for any application where you want a stable walking surface (paths, patios, trails, ADA); gravel is the right pick for drainage layers, bedding, and decorative pours. Both have their place — pick by function.