The short version
Decomposed granite (DG) is fine-crushed tan/gold granite, from 3/8" down to fines, sold by the ton. It compacts into a firm, walkable surface that still drains. Plan on about 1.25 tons per 100 sq ft at 2" compacted depth, the standard path depth, over a compacted crushed limestone base with edging.
What DG is
Angular granite fragments from 3/8" down to fines. The fines are the point: when you wet and compact DG, they bind the larger pieces into a hard surface that a wheelbarrow rolls across, while water still drains through. It's the tan/gold path material you see in parks all over Texas. People also call it "DG," "crushed granite" or "granite fines."
Coverage table
| Finished depth | Calculator math (loose, 1.4 tons/cu yd) | Order for compacted depth | 1 ton covers (compacted) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2" (paths, patios) | 0.86 tons per 100 sq ft | 1.25 tons per 100 sq ft | ~80 sq ft |
| 3" | 1.3 tons per 100 sq ft | 1.9 tons per 100 sq ft | ~53 sq ft |
| 4" | 1.7 tons per 100 sq ft | 2.5 tons per 100 sq ft | ~40 sq ft |
DG loses volume when you wet and compact it, so order from the compacted column. The loose figure is what the plain sq ft × depth ÷ 324 × 1.4 formula gives. Quick sizes at 2":
| Area | Tons |
|---|---|
| 50 sq ft | 0.6 |
| 100 sq ft | 1.25 |
| 200 sq ft | 2.5 |
| 500 sq ft | 6.5 |
| 1,000 sq ft | 12.5 |
The path and driveway wizards on the rock & gravel page size the DG, the base and the edging together. For other shapes, use the rock calculator.
Best uses
- Garden paths. The classic use. Firm enough for a wheelbarrow, holds its color, ages well.
- Patios. Informal patios in courtyards, under bistro tables, around fire pits. Cooler underfoot in summer than concrete.
- Driveway top course. 1.5" of DG over a 6" compacted 1" crushed limestone base. The gold tone reads well against the limestone. See how to size a gravel driveway.
- Dog runs. Drains well, easy on paws.
- Xeriscape and native beds. As a ground cover or mulch alternative under drought-tolerant plants.
Install basics
- Excavate 4" to 6".
- Lay woven landscape fabric.
- Compact 2" to 4" of 1" crushed limestone base. Don't skip this. DG on bare dirt sinks and erodes within a year.
- Install steel edging. DG migrates without an edge.
- Spread DG 2" thick.
- Mist with water (don't flood) and compact with a plate compactor.
- Mist and compact a second time. DG firms up best with two cycles.
For driveways, go to a 6" base and a 1.5" DG top course. Plan to top up for the first couple of years, since DG settles 10% to 15% as it cures.
DG vs Texas Blush vs pea gravel
| DG (gold) | Texas Blush (pink) | Pea gravel | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surface | Firm, walkable | Firm, walkable | Loose, scatters |
| Color | Warm tan/gold | Pink/rose-red | Tan/gray mix |
| Best for | Standard paths, patios | Decorative color contrast | Drainage, loose beds |
| Compacts firm | Yes | Yes | No |
Texas Blush is the same kind of material from a different source with a warmer color. Pick it for contrast against gray stone or red-toned plantings; pick standard DG for everything else.
What to order with it
- 1" crushed limestone for the base, on the same delivery.
- Landscape fabric under the base.
- Steel edging to hold the edge.
More on rock sizes and coverage: How much rock or gravel do I need and the Rock & Gravel guide.
Buying tips
- Mist as you spread. Dry DG blows around; lightly moist DG stays put.
- Order the base and the DG together so they arrive on one truck. See the delivery policy for same-day cutoffs.
Contractor notes
Volume pricing at 10+ tons. Tandem-load standard. Bundle quote available with limestone base course.
