True Cost Guide Landscape Install Crushed or Decomposed Granite

How Much Does Decomposed Granite Cost?

Q: How much does a yard of decomposed granite cover?

A cubic yard of gravel will cover 54 square feet to a depth of six inches . This figure is for the depth at the time of installation, which will decrease over time. Most local gravel suppliers recommend reducing this coverage by at least 15% when estimating the stable depth.

Typical Range:

$125 - $300

Cost data is based on research by HomeAdvisor.

Updated September 15, 2022

Written by HomeAdvisor.

Installing decomposed granite, also called crushed granite, on a 400-square-foot area typically costs between $125 and $300, with a national average cost of $212. The cost of materials alone ranges from $35 and $60 per inch of depth, assuming you use basic crushed granite. The most important cost variables are the granite’s quality and depth of coverage.

Average Crushed Granite Costs

Cost Category	Total Cost
Low	$125
Average	$215
High	$300

Decomposed Granite Installation Costs

Decomposed granite installation costs range from $70 to $80 per hour for labor. However, contractors usually quote a price for the entire job rather than the time required for each task. Contractors are more likely to provide an hourly rate when you supply the granite and other materials yourself. The time contractors require to complete a project depends on the project's size and type.

Crushed Granite Driveway

The labor cost of installing a crushed granite driveway is usually between $120 and $240. This figure assumes a 10-by-50-foot gravel driveway covered to a depth of six inches, which is adequate for supporting the weight of vehicles. It doesn’t include the labor needed to level and grade the driveway, which is typically between $1,500 and $2,000. Clearing the ground of trees costs between $200 and $500, depending on their size.

Crushed Granite Patio

The total labor cost of a crushed granite patio is between $400 and $700, assuming a typical 10-by-10-foot patio. The cost of installing the granite itself is less than $50, but contractors will also need to excavate and prepare the site. These tasks require additional time and labor.

Crushed Granite Walkway

Most busy walkways require about three inches of gravel to ensure a comfortable, safe step. The labor costs to install a 4-by-50-foot granite walkway typically range from $180 to $420. The time it takes for a pro to level and prepare the site contributes most to the cost.

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Decomposed Granite Cost per Cubic Yard

The cost of decomposed granite is between $30 and $50 per cubic yard for the most inexpensive types. Transportation is by far the greatest cost variable for decomposed granite due to the weight of this material. All suppliers charge a fee for moving the granite to the work site, but specific pricing models vary. Some suppliers charge a flat rate per mile for transportation, while others charge a flat fee per cubic yard within a given service range.

Decomposed Granite Cost per Square Foot

Covering a 20-by-20-foot area to a depth of six inches with decomposed granite costs between $220 and $370, which is less than $1 per square foot. This project would require 200 cubic feet of material, or about 7.4 cubic yards. You may also need to add a stabilizing agent to the gravel if you live in an area with heavy rainfall, which increases the cost of materials.

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Decomposed Granite Cost per Ton

The cost for a ton of basic decomposed granite is between $40 and $70, assuming the gravel has an average size of .5 inches. A cubic yard of half-inch decomposed granite weighs about three tons, but this weight will decrease as the size of the gravel increases. Calculate the cost per ton by dividing the cost per cubic yard by the number of tons in a cubic yard. This figure assumes the gravel isn’t compressed, which occurs when the gravel remains in one place for a prolonged period.

Granite Rock Prices

There are three primary types of granite rock. The type you choose affects your overall costs.

Natural Decomposed Granite

Natural decomposed granite provides nutrients and drainage for plants, making it a popular and longer-lasting alternative to mulch. This type of granite typically costs around $140 per ton.

Stabilized Decomposed Granite

Stabilized decomposed granite costs about $185 per ton. The price for this type of granite is much higher than that of simple crushed granite because the supplier must add and mix a stabilizing agent with the granite. The granite also requires time to decompose.

Decomposed Granite With Resin

Decomposed granite with resin additives resembles asphalt, and it’s typically the strongest and longest-lasting decomposed granite type. Many people use it for driveways since it doesn’t erode as quickly as other granite types. However, it’s among the most expensive granite types at around $225 per ton.

DIY vs. Hire a Decomposed Granite Installation Pro

The process of pouring and smoothing gravel doesn’t require much skill once the gravel is onsite. The challenging aspect of gravel projects is leveling and grading the site, which generally requires hiring a local gravel driveway installer. Removing mature trees from the site is also a task you should leave to the pros.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How deep should decomposed granite be?

The depth of decomposed granite primarily depends on the weight that the surface must support. A driveway must support vehicles, so it should be about six inches deep. A surface that people will walk on regularly will need at least three inches of gravel, while largely decorative surfaces can get by with only one inch of gravel.

How long does decomposed granite last?

Decomposed granite with a stabilizer should last seven to 10 years before it shifts enough to require replacement. It primarily depends on how tightly packed the granite is and how often your location receives heavy rainfall. The slope of the surface is also an important factor for the length of time the site will retain the granite; higher slopes will result in shorter granite retention periods.

How much does a yard of decomposed granite cover?

A cubic yard of gravel will cover 54 square feet to a depth of six inches. This figure is for the depth at the time of installation, which will decrease over time. Most local gravel suppliers recommend reducing this coverage by at least 15% when estimating the stable depth.

Is decomposed granite cheaper than concrete?

Yes, decomposed granite is typically cheaper than concrete. For example, concrete driveway costs range from $1,800 to $6,000, while decomposed granite driveways usually range from $1,500 to $2,000. Depending on your location and the area you need covered, you could save even more by choosing decomposed granite over concrete.