Decomposed Granite (DG) consists of weathered granitic rock screened to 1/4"-minus particles blended with natural granite fines. Unlike round pea gravel that shifts underfoot, dampened and compacted DG locks into a smooth, architectural surface ideal for garden walkways, Mediterranean courtyards, fire pit patios, and bocce courts.
The 3 Types of Decomposed Granite Installations
- Natural Unstabilized DG: Compacted with water and a plate tamper. Lowest cost, great for garden paths and dog runs, though heavy rain on slopes can cause minor erosion.
- Organic Polymer-Stabilized DG: Blended with an organic plant-based binder (about 12–15 lbs of stabilizer per ton of DG). Resists foot-traffic tracking and rain washouts while remaining 100% permeable.
- Resin-Paved DG: Mixed with liquid polyurethane resin for commercial ADA walkways and driveways with strength approaching asphalt.
How Deep Should Decomposed Granite Be Installed?
- Walkways & Garden Trails: 3 inches compacted depth over firm sub-soil (or over 3" of compacted road base in clay climates).
- Courtyard Patios & Fire Pit Zones: 3 to 4 inches installed in two separate 1.5"–2" dampened lifts, compacting each lift with a 200-lb vibratory plate tamper.
Calculate your exact DG tonnage—including a 15% plate-tamper compaction factor—using our Decomposed Granite (DG) Calculator.