How much does decomposed granite cost?
How much does decomposed granite cost?
$40 – $100 cost per yard (natural DG)
$100 – $225 cost per yard (stabilized DG)
Average cost of decomposed granite
Natural decomposed granite costs $40 to $100 per yard, while stabilized decomposed granite costs $100 to $225 per yard, not including delivery or installation. Decomposed granite (DG) is a loose, sand-like aggregate created by the weathering and erosion of solid granite rock. This permeable material is often used in walkways, patios, and landscaping.
| Coverage (square feet) |
Average cost* (natural DG) |
Average cost* (stabilized DG) |
Cubic yards needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | $20 – $50 | $50 – $115 | 0.5 |
| 100 | $40 – $100 | $100 – $225 | 1 |
| 150 | $60 – $150 | $150 – $340 | 1.5 |
| 200 | $80 – $200 | $200 – $450 | 2 |
| 250 | $100 – $250 | $250 – $560 | 2.5 |
| 300 | $120 – $300 | $300 – $675 | 3 |
| 350 | $140 – $350 | $350 – $790 | 3.5 |
| 400 | $160 – $400 | $400 – $900 | 4 |
| 450 | $180 – $450 | $450 – $1,010 | 4.5 |
| 500 | $200 – $500 | $500 – $1,125 | 5 |
*Not including delivery or installation
One cubic yard of decomposed granite weighs about 2,700 to 3,000 pounds or 1.3 to 1.5 tons.
Decomposed granite price by type
There are three different types of decomposed granite, each with its own characteristics that make it more suitable for certain projects versus others.
| Decomposed granite type | Average cost per cubic yard* | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Natural | $40 – $100 | Garden beds, around trees |
| Stabilized | $100 – $225 | Patios, walkways |
| Resin-coated | $250 – $350 | Driveways, parking areas |
*Not including delivery or installation
Natural decomposed granite
Natural decomposed granite costs $40 to $100 per yard and is a loose granite aggregate with no additives. Natural DG lasts longer than mulch and is commonly used in landscaping for low-traffic areas like garden beds or around trees. Though it is cheaper than stabilized DG, natural DG is more likely to erode in rainfall.
Stabilized decomposed granite
Stabilized decomposed granite costs more than natural DG, with prices ranging from $100 to $225 per yard. Stabilized DG is a loose granite aggregate with a stabilizer mixed in to serve as a binder, making it less susceptible to erosion than natural DG. This type is best for patios and walkways due to its durability.
Resin-coated decomposed granite
Resin-coated decomposed granite costs $250 to $350 per yard and is the most durable type. The material features a granite aggregate with resin mixed in, resulting in an asphalt-like material that offers better durability and stability for driveways and parking areas than natural or stabilized DG.
Decomposed granite cost factors
In addition to the type of decomposed granite and the size of the area you plan to cover, these other factors also impact the cost:
Granite color: Decomposed granite comes in a wide variety of shades of tan, gold, gray, red, white, black, blue, and more. Some suppliers offer blends of two or three colors. Prices are typically lowest for colors available from quarries in your region due to lower transportation costs.
Coverage thickness: The thickness of the decomposed granite layer impacts the total amount of material needed and therefore the cost. Walkways and patios typically need a 3" layer, while driveways and parking areas require a 4" to 6" layer.
Location & accessibility: The farther the job site is from the quarry, the higher the transport and delivery fees will be. In addition, the supplier or landscaper may charge more if installing the decomposed granite in an area that is not easily accessed with a dump truck or trailer.
Delivery: Most suppliers charge a flat rate for delivery up to a certain distance—usually about 10 miles—and an extra fee per mile over that distance.
Weed barrier / landscape fabric: You'll also need a layer of landscape fabric that goes between the decomposed granite and the ground to stop the stones from mixing with the soil below and prevent weeds from growing up through the surface. This material costs $0.10 to $0.25 per square foot.
Labor: Landscapers charge $50 to $100 per hour for a two-person crew to install a weed barrier or landscape fabric and spread the decomposed granite.
Site prep: Before installing decomposed granite, the area must be leveled or graded. The cost to grade a yard is $0.40 to $2.00 per square foot.
Save money on delivery fees by ordering all the decomposed granite you need for various projects at the same time.
What is decomposed granite?
Decomposed granite (DG) is a loose aggregate with a finer consistency than gravel. DG is formed from the natural erosion and weathering of larger, solid granite rocks. Most decomposed granite used for landscaping is made of 3/8", 1/4", or smaller particles, giving it a texture similar to rough sand.
Decomposed granite comes in a wide variety of colors—typically earth tones like brown, gold, gray, and red.
How much decomposed granite do I need?
As a general rule, one cubic yard of decomposed granite will cover approximately 100 square feet in a 3" layer, depending on the particle size.
Measure the length and width of the area you plan to cover, and then enter the measurements in our calculator below to find out how much decomposed granite you need for your project.
*Material prices only; not including delivery or installation
Decomposed granite FAQs
Where can you buy decomposed granite?
You can buy decomposed granite from:
Landscaping / garden centers and nurseries
Rock quarries
Local crushed stone suppliers
Online stone retailers
Home improvement stores
Landscaping companies
How much does a yard of decomposed granite weigh?
A cubic yard of decomposed granite weighs about 2,700 to 3,000 lbs. or 1.3 to 1.5 tons.
Is decomposed granite permeable?
Yes, decomposed granite is permeable, allowing rainwater to return to the soil without pooling on the surface, creating runoff, or causing drainage problems.
Getting estimates from landscaping companies
Small projects that use decomposed gravel are DIY-friendly, but grading an area of your yard for proper drainage and installing a layer of DG for a patio or driveway is often best handled by a professional. Follow these tips to find the right landscaping company near you:
Get quotes from 3 different landscape contractors.
Check company reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Choose a licensed, insured company with 5+ years of experience.
Request a written estimate detailing the cost of all materials, delivery, installation labor, and any other expenses.
Don't pay the full cost up front. Pay a deposit and reserve the final payment until the job is complete.
Questions to ask landscapers
When evaluating landscapers, ask these questions to ensure you hire the best company for your project:
How long have you been in business?
Do you work with specific landscaping stone and hardscape suppliers?
Do you recommend natural or stabilized decomposed granite for my project?
What colors of decomposed granite are available?
Does the estimate include all delivery fees and installation labor?
Are there any other costs that might come up during the job?
Will my yard need any special preparation before the decomposed granite is delivered? If yes, is that included in the estimate?
How soon will the decomposed granite be delivered, and how long will the installation take?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.