Decomposed granite projects vary in price by project type, base prep, and material quality. This cost-focused guide presents realistic price ranges, per-unit rates, and drivers you’ll typically see in U.S. quotes for decomposed granite installations.
Assumptions: Midwest labor rates, standard DG material, normal access, and typical base preparation.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Installed price per sq ft | $3.50 | $5.50 | $6.50 | Includes material, labor, base, edging, and compaction |
| DG material (uninstalled) per ton | $20 | $35 | $50 | Color and screen size affect pricing |
| Base material (crushed rock) per ton | $25 | $35 | $60 | Common for 4-6 inch base |
| Edge restraint per linear ft | $1.00 | $2.50 | $4.00 | Concrete, metal, or timber borders |
| Site preparation (grading, trenching) per hour | $45 | $75 | $120 | Depends on soil and slope |
| Delivery/haul charges | $50 | $150 | $350 | Distance-driven; fuel costs |
Key Cost Drivers for Decomposed Granite Projects
Color choice, screen size, and compaction level are major price levers that shape the installed cost. Darker tones and finer screenings often cost more per ton, while heavy-duty compaction or steeper slopes raise labor hours.
Materials and Per-Unit Pricing by DG Type and Area
Typical DG material costs range from $20 to $50 per ton when purchased as bulk gravel. Installed costs per square foot usually run from about $3.50 to $6.50, depending on base and edging requirements.
| DG Type | Material Cost (per ton) | Installed Cost (per sq ft) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard decomposed granite, 1/4″ to 3/8″ | $20-$35 | $3.50-$5.50 | Most common for paths and patios |
| Fine DG, 1/8″ to 1/4″ | $25-$45 | $4.50-$6.00 | Better compaction, smoother surface |
| Premium color DG (blast-dried or specialty blend) | $35-$50 | $5.50-$6.50 | Higher price; aesthetic impact |
Labor and Time: Project Size by Square Foot
Labor hours scale with area and base complexity; expect 1.5 to 2.5 hours per 100 sq ft for prep and installation on flat sites. Driveways and larger paths add truck access and edging work, increasing time per square foot.
| Project Size | Prep Hours | Install Hours | Labor Rate (per hour) | Labor Cost Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100-200 sq ft path | 2-4 | 3-5 | $75 | $375-$1,100 |
| 300-600 sq ft patio or walkway | 4-8 | 6-10 | $75 | $900-$2,600 |
| 400-800 sq ft driveway segment | 6-12 | 8-14 | $75 | $1,600-$3,900 |
Base Preparation and Edging: Concrete, Gravel, and Border Costs
Base depth commonly ranges from 4 to 6 inches; deeper bases add material and labor costs. Edging adds a durable boundary but increases overall price, especially with metal or decorative borders.
| Base Depth | Material Cost | Labor Time | Edge Cost per Linear Ft | Subtotal Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 inches | $20-$40 per ton for base | 1-2 hours per 100 sq ft | $1-$4 | $1.50-$3.50 per sq ft |
| 6 inches | $30-$60 per ton for base | 2-3 hours per 100 sq ft | $1-$4 | $2.00-$5.50 per sq ft |
Delivery, Dump Fees, and Site Constraints
Delivery charges depend on distance and load size, often adding 5% to 15% to the project total. Steep terrain, restricted access, or city permits can increase both delivery and labor time.
| Scenario | Delivery Fee | Dump/Disposal Fee | Access Multiplier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Urban site with curbspace | $60-$180 | $0-$60 | 1.0x-1.2x | Parking constraints may raise costs |
| Rural site with long haul | $120-$350 | $20-$100 | 1.1x-1.5x | Higher fuel and time |
Regional Price Variations Across the United States
Prices tend to be higher in coastal regions and major metros due to labor rates and transport. Midwest areas generally fall within the lower to mid-range band for DG projects.
| Region | Installed Cost per Sq Ft | Notes | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Coast urban | $4.50-$6.50 | Higher base and edge costs | High |
| Midwest suburban | $3.75-$5.50 | Balanced labor | Mid |
| Southern rural | $3.00-$5.00 | Access varies | Low to mid |
Common Price Scenarios by Job Scope
Path-only installations are typically simpler and cheaper than full patios with multiple zones. Driveway segments with edging and larger base requirements will push price higher quickly.
| Scenario | Typical Range | Included Elements | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garden path, 100-200 sq ft | $350-$1,100 | DG, base, edging, compact | High value for low area |
| Patio conversion, 300-500 sq ft | $1,500-$3,500 | DG surface, base, edging, borders | Moderate to high labor |
| Small driveway, 400-600 sq ft | $2,000-$4,000 | DG, base, edging, possible grading | Most common scale |
What Affects Per-Unit and Total Quotes Most
Site grade, moisture content, and access drive final price more than most other factors. Poor drainage, clay soils, or limited turning radius can require extra base and longer crew time.
Assumptions: flat site, accessible with standard equipment, no major drainage issues.