Does decomposed granite need a base layer?

Optional for most applications but recommended for paths and patios with foot traffic. A 2 to 4-inch compacted crushed stone base improves drainage, provides structural stability on clay or soft subsoil, and reduces the amount of DG that works down into the native soil over time. For driveways, a compacted crushed stone base is required. Installing landscape fabric between the base and the DG prevents mixing of materials and provides additional weed suppression. Without a base, DG on clay soil gradually sinks and develops an uneven surface.

Decomposed Granite Calculator — Cubic Yards, Tons & Cost 2026

Q: How do you calculate decomposed granite?

Three steps: 1) Raw volume: Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (in) ÷ 324 = Cubic yards loose. 2) Add compaction factor: natural DG ×1.20 (20% extra for compaction), stabilized DG ×1.15, resin-coated DG ×1.10. 3) Multiply by density for tons: natural DG 1.50 tons per cubic yard, stabilized 1.50 tons per cubic yard, resin-coated 1.70 tons per cubic yard. Example: 200 sq ft patio at 3 inches, natural DG: 200 × 3 ÷ 324 × 1.20 = 2.22 cubic yards. Tons = 2.22 × 1.50 = 3.33 tons.

Q: How many cubic yards of decomposed granite per ton?

Natural and stabilized DG: approximately 0.67 cubic yards per ton (at 1.50 t/yd³). Resin-coated DG: approximately 0.59 cubic yards per ton (at 1.70 t/yd³). Decomposed granite is denser than pea gravel (1.35 t/yd³) because its finer particle size packs more tightly. Always order by cubic yards and convert to tons for delivery — volume is what you measure, tons is what suppliers charge for.

Q: What is the difference between natural, stabilized, and resin-coated decomposed granite?

Natural DG is loose, finely ground granite with no additives — lowest cost, good for garden beds and low-traffic areas, but erodes and tracks on shoes. Stabilized DG has a polymer or liquid binder mixed in during installation that hardens the surface when compacted and watered — semi-firm surface, reduced erosion, good for paths and patios. Resin-coated DG arrives pre-mixed with epoxy resin and compacts to a nearly solid surface — most durable, most expensive, good for high-traffic paths and driveways.

Q: How deep should decomposed granite be?

Depth by application: garden beds and ground cover — 2 to 3 inches. Pedestrian paths and patios — 3 to 4 inches for natural DG, 2 to 3 inches for stabilized DG (stabiliser reduces migration). Driveways — 4 to 6 inches of resin-coated or stabilized DG over a 4-inch compacted base. Decomposed granite requires deeper installation than pea gravel because it compacts 20 to 30 percent during installation, meaning a 3-inch finished depth requires approximately 3.6 to 3.9 inches of loose DG before compaction.

Q: How much does decomposed granite cost in 2026?

2026 bulk pricing: natural DG $40 to $100 per cubic yard / $30 to $70 per ton. Stabilized DG $100 to $225 per cubic yard / $75 to $165 per ton. Resin-coated DG $150 to $300 per cubic yard / $110 to $220 per ton. Delivery adds $60 to $150 per load. Professional installation: $1.50 to $3.50 per sq ft for natural DG, $4 to $8 per sq ft for stabilized, $8 to $15 per sq ft for resin-coated installed. Significant regional variation — Southwest and California have more competitive DG pricing due to local granite sources.

Q: Is decomposed granite better than pea gravel?

They suit different applications. Decomposed granite compacts to a semi-firm surface — better for paths where a stable walking surface is preferred. Pea gravel stays loose — better for drainage applications, dog runs, and pool surrounds where the open structure is a functional advantage. DG tracks on shoes more than pea gravel. DG holds its shape on gradients better than pea gravel. Pea gravel drains faster. DG costs more per cubic yard than pea gravel. For patios, DG gives a firmer surface but pea gravel drains better. Choice depends on whether firmness or drainage is the priority.

Q: What is the compaction factor for decomposed granite?

Natural DG compacts 20 to 30 percent from loose to compacted state. Order 20 to 25 percent more than the calculated installed volume to achieve the correct finished depth after compaction. Stabilized DG compacts slightly less — order 15 to 20 percent extra. Resin-coated DG compacts 10 to 15 percent — order 10 percent extra. The compaction factor is the main calculation difference between DG and pea gravel — pea gravel's rounded shape resists compaction so only a 10 percent waste buffer is needed.

Q: Does decomposed granite need to be compacted?

Yes for paths, patios, and driveways. Compaction with a plate compactor (rent for $60 to $120 per half day) activates the natural binding properties of the granite fines, creating a semi-firm surface. For garden beds and low-traffic areas, a firm hand tamper or simply foot traffic is adequate. For stabilized DG, compaction while still damp is critical — it must be done before the stabiliser fully sets. Resin-coated DG must be fully compacted within the working time window specified by the resin product — typically 2 to 4 hours.

Q: Does decomposed granite drain well?

Natural (loose) DG drains adequately for most landscaping applications. Stabilized and resin-coated DG drain less well as the binding agents partially fill the void spaces between particles — compacted stabilized DG has significantly lower permeability than natural DG or pea gravel. For drainage-critical applications, natural loose DG or pea gravel is preferable. In jurisdictions with stormwater permeability requirements, verify that stabilized or resin-coated DG qualifies as a permeable surface — many codes do not count bound DG as permeable.

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Density values from landscape supply industry data · Compaction factors from geotechnical practice · Cost data from 2026 landscape supplier pricing · Methodology · Updated June 2026

Decomposed Granite Calculator

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Results include the selected compaction factor. DG compacts significantly. The compaction factor ensures correct finished depth. Order the cubic yards shown, not the raw pre-compaction volume.

Formula: Raw yd³ = Length × Width × Depth (in) ÷ 324. Add compaction factor: natural DG ×1.20, stabilized ×1.15, resin-coated ×1.10. Tons = yd³ × density (1.50 for natural/stabilized, 1.70 for resin-coated). DG is denser and compacts more than pea gravel — always include the compaction factor.

In This Guide

Formula — why DG needs a compaction factor
Three types of DG — which to choose
Depth guide by application
Pre-calculated quantities
Decomposed granite vs pea gravel
Cost guide 2026
Frequently asked questions

Formula — Why DG Needs a Compaction Factor

Decomposed granite is different from pea gravel in one critical way for calculation purposes: it compacts significantly during installation. A plate compactor reduces the volume of natural DG by 20 to 30 percent from its loose state. This means that if you need 3 inches of finished, compacted DG, you need to start with 3.6 to 3.9 inches of loose DG before compaction.

DG calculation formula: Raw yd³ = Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (in) ÷ 324
Order quantity = Raw yd³ × Compaction factor
Tons = Order quantity × Density

Compaction factors: Natural DG: 1.20–1.25 · Stabilized DG: 1.15 · Resin-coated DG: 1.10
Density values: Natural and stabilized: 1.50 t/yd³ · Resin-coated: 1.70 t/yd³

Most calculators and simple guides skip the compaction factor and calculate only the raw volume. This produces a consistent underorder. The finished compacted depth ends up 15 to 25 percent shallower than designed. For a 200 sq ft path at 3-inch finished depth, the difference between ordering with and without the compaction factor is 0.37 cubic yards. Approximately $25 to $55 worth of material that will be missing from the finished surface.

Three Types of DG — Which to Choose

Type	Surface quality	Cost per yd³	Lifespan	Best for
Natural DG	Loose, compacts to semi-firm	$40–$100	2–5 years	Garden beds, low-traffic landscaping, around trees
Stabilized DG	Semi-firm, reduced erosion	$100–$225	5–10 years	Pedestrian paths, patios, moderate-traffic areas
Resin-coated DG	Near-solid, highly durable	$150–$300	10–20 years	High-traffic paths, driveways, commercial areas

Natural DG is the lowest cost option. Natural DG is the lowest cost. Granite fines with no additives. It compacts moderately and creates an attractive natural surface but erodes under rain and disperses under foot traffic over time. The main limitation is that it tracks on shoes more than pea gravel or stabilized DG. In dry climates (Southwest, California), natural DG performs well for years with minimal maintenance. In wet climates or areas with significant rainfall, stabilized DG is a better choice.

Stabilized DG has a polymer binder mixed in during installation. Stabilized DG has a polymer binder After compaction and watering, the binder activates and hardens the surface. This significantly reduces erosion, migration, and shoe tracking while maintaining a natural appearance. The compaction window is critical. Stabilized DG must be compacted while still damp. If it dries before compaction, the binder sets without the compaction pressure and the surface will not achieve its intended hardness.

Resin-coated DG arrives from the supplier with epoxy resin already coating each particle. Resin-coated DG arrives from the supplier When compacted, the resin bonds particles together permanently. The finished surface is nearly as hard as compacted gravel and requires minimal maintenance. It is significantly more expensive than natural DG and requires careful, complete compaction within the resin's working time window.

Depth Guide by Application

Application	DG type	Finished depth	Loose depth needed
Garden bed / ground cover	Natural	2 inches	2.4 inches (order 20% extra)
Pedestrian path (low use)	Natural or stabilized	3 inches	3.6–3.75 inches
Patio / seating area	Stabilized	3–4 inches	3.45–4.6 inches
High-use path	Stabilized or resin-coated	4 inches	4.4–4.6 inches
Driveway (surface layer)	Resin-coated	4–6 inches	4.4–6.6 inches
Over concrete	Any	2–3 inches	2.2–3.6 inches

Pre-Calculated Quantities

Natural DG at 1.50 t/yd³ with 20% compaction factor, standard 3-inch finished depth unless noted. All include 20% compaction factor.

Area	Sq ft	Cubic yards	Tons
10 × 10 ft path section	100	1.22	1.83
12 × 20 ft patio	240	2.93	4.40
16 × 20 ft patio	320	3.91	5.87
3 ft × 50 ft path	150	1.83	2.75
20 × 20 ft courtyard	400	4.89	7.33
500 sq ft garden bed (2 in)	500	4.07	6.11

Decomposed Granite vs Pea Gravel

Factor	Decomposed granite	Pea gravel
Surface firmness	Semi-firm to firm (compacted)	Loose
Drainage	Good (natural), moderate (stabilized/resin)	Excellent
Tracks on shoes	Yes — fine particles stick to shoe soles	Minimal
Comfort underfoot	Firm — like packed earth	Soft — cushioned
Cost per cubic yard	$40–$300 (by type)	$30–$55
Weed suppression	Moderate with fabric	Good with fabric
Best for paths	Yes — firm surface preferred	Yes — softer surface
Best for dog runs	Poor — dust on paws	Excellent
Best for driveways	Yes (stabilized or resin-coated)	Surface only, with base
Climate best suited	Dry (erodes in heavy rain)	All climates

Cost Guide 2026

DG type	Per cubic yard	Per ton	Per sq ft installed (3 in)
Natural DG	$40–$100	$30–$70	$0.50–$1.50
Stabilized DG	$100–$225	$75–$165	$1.50–$4.00
Resin-coated DG	$150–$300	$110–$220	$3.00–$8.00
Delivery fee	$60–$150 per load regardless of quantity
Professional installation (labour)	$1.50–$3.50/sq ft (natural), $4–$8 (stabilized), $8–$15 (resin-coated)

DG pricing is significantly more regional than pea gravel. The Southwest US (Arizona, California, New Mexico, Nevada) and parts of Texas have abundant local granite sources, producing natural DG prices at the lower end of the national range. The Northeast, Pacific Northwest, and Mountain states pay more due to longer supply chains. Stabilized and resin-coated DG prices are more consistent nationally because the stabiliser and resin additives are the primary cost driver rather than transport distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you calculate decomposed granite?

Three steps: 1) Raw yd³ = Length × Width × Depth (in) ÷ 324. 2) × compaction factor (1.20 natural, 1.15 stabilized, 1.10 resin). 3) × density for tons (1.50 natural/stabilized, 1.70 resin-coated). Example: 200 sq ft at 3 in natural DG = 200 × 3 ÷ 324 × 1.20 = 2.22 yd³ / 3.33 tons.

How many cubic yards of decomposed granite per ton?

Natural and stabilized: 0.67 yd³ per ton (1.50 t/yd³). Resin-coated: 0.59 yd³ per ton (1.70 t/yd³). DG is denser than pea gravel (1.35 t/yd³) because finer particles pack more tightly.

What is the difference between natural, stabilized, and resin-coated DG?

Natural: loose granite fines, no additives, $40–$100/yd³, 2–5 year lifespan. Stabilized: polymer binder mixed in, semi-firm surface, $100–$225/yd³, 5–10 years. Resin-coated: epoxy pre-mixed on particles, near-solid surface, $150–$300/yd³, 10–20 years.

How deep should decomposed granite be?

Garden beds: 2–3 inches finished. Paths and patios: 3–4 inches finished. Driveways: 4–6 inches. DG compacts 20–30%, so order more than the finished depth: 3-inch finished depth needs ~3.6 inches of loose DG before compaction.

How much does decomposed granite cost in 2026?

Natural DG: $40–$100/yd³. Stabilized: $100–$225/yd³. Resin-coated: $150–$300/yd³. Delivery: $60–$150/load. Southwest US is cheapest due to local granite sources. Northeast and Pacific Northwest pay more.

What is the compaction factor for decomposed granite?

Natural DG: 20–30% compaction (order ×1.20–1.25 of calculated volume). Stabilized: 15–20% (×1.15). Resin-coated: 10–15% (×1.10). This is the main difference from pea gravel calculation — pea gravel only needs 10% waste buffer.

Is decomposed granite better than pea gravel?

Different applications. DG: firmer surface, better for paths and driveways, tracks on shoes, erodes in rain. Pea gravel: drainage, dog runs, pool surrounds, stays loose. DG better for dry climates. Pea gravel better for all climates where drainage matters.

Does decomposed granite need to be compacted?

Yes for paths, patios, and driveways. Use a plate compactor while slightly damp. Stabilized DG must be compacted before the binder sets — do not let it fully dry first. Resin-coated must be compacted within the resin working time (2–4 hours). Garden beds: hand tamping or foot traffic adequate.

Does decomposed granite drain well?

Natural DG: adequate drainage. Stabilized and resin-coated: reduced drainage as binders partially fill voids. In jurisdictions with stormwater permeability requirements, verify that stabilized or resin-coated DG qualifies — many codes do not count bound DG as permeable surface.

How long does decomposed granite last?

Natural DG: 2–5 years (erodes faster in wet climates). Stabilized: 5–10 years. Resin-coated: 10–20 years. All types last longer in dry climates (Southwest). Annual top-up for natural DG: 0.5–1 inch every 1–2 years.

Can you install decomposed granite over existing concrete?

Yes — 2–3 inches of DG over existing concrete. Concrete must slope for drainage. No base or fabric needed. Resin-coated bonds particularly well to concrete. Natural DG over concrete needs edging to prevent spreading at the perimeter.

Does decomposed granite get hot in summer?

Yes — 100 to 130°F in direct afternoon sun depending on colour. Warmer than pea gravel on average. Dark brown and red DG absorbs more heat than lighter gold or grey. In hot climates, lighter-coloured DG (gold, silver, white granite) stays cooler and more comfortable underfoot.

Related Calculators

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Pea Gravel Calculator

Calculate pea gravel. The main alternative to decomposed granite for patios, paths, and landscaping.

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#57 stone and crusher run. The base layer specification for DG driveways and high-traffic paths.

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Cubic Yards to Tons

Convert DG and other materials between cubic yards and tons. Covers 18 material types including decomposed granite.

Sources & Methodology

USGS — Natural Aggregates Statistics — granite aggregate density reference data

Density values: Natural and stabilized DG 1.50 t/yd³. Resin-coated DG 1.70 t/yd³ (higher due to epoxy resin coating added mass). Compaction factors: Natural DG 20–25% from geotechnical practice. Stabilized 15%. Resin-coated 10%. Cost data: 2026 landscape supplier pricing. Significant regional variation. Always confirm with local suppliers. Full methodology

Last reviewed: June 2026