For decomposed granite (DG), buyers typically pay for material, delivery, and installation. The main cost drivers are depth, area size, removal or prep work, edging, and local labor rates. This article breaks down the cost per yard and how to estimate a project accurately.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Material (DG by yard) | $25 | $40 | $50 | Typical bulk DG price per cubic yard. |
| Delivery | $50 | $100 | $150 | Distance and loader fees can affect cost. |
| Installation (labor) | $2.00/ft² | $2.80/ft² | $4.00/ft² | Depth of 2–3 inches commonly used. |
| Base prep & edging | $1.00/ft² | $2.00/ft² | $3.50/ft² | Includes sub-base, weed barrier, edging materials. |
| Totals (typical project) | $80–$120 | $180–$350 | $400–$700 | Assumes 100–200 ft² area at 2–3 inch depth. |
Overview Of Costs
Cost ranges combine material, delivery, and installation for typical DG projects. The total installed price per cubic yard commonly falls within a broad band due to depth and area size. For a standard 2–3 inch depth over 100–200 ft², expect a project-wide cost in the mid-range, while smaller or larger jobs push toward the low or high ends. Assumptions: region, depth, and area size.
Cost Breakdown
Breakdown shows how money is allocated across categories. A DG project splits into materials, labor, and ancillary fees. The table below uses a mix of totals and per-unit pricing to illustrate typical costs.
| Category | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials (DG) | $25/yd³ | $40/yd³ | $50/yd³ | Assumes standard gray DG, 1–1.5” compaction depth. |
| Labor & Installation | $2.00/ft² | $2.80/ft² | $4.00/ft² | Includes wheelbarrow work, raking, and leveling. |
| Delivery | $50 | $100 | $150 | Distance from quarry to site matters. |
| Base Prep | $1.00/ft² | $2.00/ft² | $3.50/ft² | Weed barrier, compacted sub-base where needed. |
| edging & Accessories | $0.50/ft² | $1.50/ft² | $3.00/ft² | Metal, plastic, or concrete edging options. |
What Drives Price
Depth, area, and delivery distance are the top price levers. Deeper fills require more DG and more compaction time. Larger areas need more labor, and longer delivery runs increase fuel and load costs. Regional labor rates and material availability also influence the final price. The 2–3 inch standard depth is common, but going shallower or deeper shifts per-yard costs noticeably.
Ways To Save
Smart planning can lower totalDG project costs. Consider combining delivery trips, choosing standard edging, and preparing the site yourself for minor pre-work. Selecting a uniform DG color and avoiding specialty aggregates reduces material waste. If possible, source DG from nearby suppliers to cut delivery fees, and request a single invoice for all services to simplify budgeting.
Regional Price Differences
Prices vary by region due to transport and labor norms. In urban West Coast markets, expect higher delivery fees and labor rates versus rural Southern regions. Midwestern suburbs often fall in between. A typical installed range reflects these regional gaps, with ±15%–25% differences between regions based on current logistics and demand.
Labor, Hours & Rates
Labor time scales with area and depth. A 100 ft² area at 2 inches deep might require 10–14 labor hours in a small crew. If edging adds plastic or metal borders, installation time increases modestly. For a 150 ft² area at 2.5 inches, consider 12–16 labor hours as a practical guideline.
Additional & Hidden Costs
Hidden costs can surprise if not planned for. Permit considerations are rare for small DG projects, but drainage work or weed barrier upgrades add cost. Equipment rental, disposal of old material, and surface grading to prevent pooling may contribute to the total. Long-distance delivery and off-spec DG (lower quality) can also raise prices.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Three scenario cards help visualize typical projects.
- Basic: 100 ft² area, 2 inch depth, standard DG, simple edging. Materials: $25–$40/yd³; Labor: $2.00/ft²; Delivery: $50–$100. Total: $180–$320.
- Mid-Range: 150 ft² area, 2.5 inch depth, upgraded edging, weed barrier. Materials: $35–$45/yd³; Labor: $2.50–$3.00/ft²; Delivery: $80–$120. Total: $320–$520.
- Premium: 250 ft² area, 3 inch depth, premium edging, enhanced base prep. Materials: $40–$50/yd³; Labor: $3.00–$4.00/ft²; Delivery: $100–$150. Total: $650–$1,000.
Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.