Decomposed granite (DG) typically costs $40-$100 per cubic yard for loose bulk material, while delivery and installation can bring the total to $150-$350 per yard of project volume. Price depends on DG type, order size, hauling distance, site access, and whether labor includes grading and compaction.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loose DG material | $40/yard | $65/yard | $100/yard | Bulk, before delivery |
| Delivered DG | $75/yard | $120/yard | $200/yard | Small loads may cost more per yard |
| Installed DG | $150/yard | $240/yard | $350/yard | Includes typical spreading and compaction |
| Installed surface by area | $2/sq ft | $4/sq ft | $8/sq ft | Varies with depth and preparation |
What a cubic yard of DG costs delivered and installed
Loose decomposed granite commonly sells for $40-$100 per cubic yard at a landscape supplier. The middle of the range is about $65 per yard for ordinary, non-stabilized material. Color-selected DG, stabilized blends, and small retail orders can be more expensive than standard bulk stock.
Delivery often adds $35-$100 per order for nearby, full-size loads; longer trips or small-load minimums can push the delivery charge to $100-$250. With spreading, grading, and compaction, a straightforward job usually totals $150-$350 per cubic yard of installed material. A delivered quote is not the same as the material-only price.
Assumptions: standard DG, typical U.S. supplier pricing, accessible ground, and no major excavation or edging work.
How delivery, grading, and compaction appear on DG quotes
Contractors may quote DG by cubic yard, square foot, or as one project total. Ask whether the amount covers only supply or includes delivery, base preparation, spreading, water, and compaction. A low material price can still produce a higher installed total if the site needs substantial leveling or old surface removal.
| Quote item | Typical charge | What changes the rate | Usually included |
|---|---|---|---|
| DG material | $40-$100/yard | Color, grading, stabilization | Bulk material only |
| Delivery | $35-$100 nearby; $100-$250 for small or long-distance loads | Distance, truck size, minimum order | Drop-off at accessible location |
| Labor | $50-$100 per worker-hour | Access, slope, hauling distance | Spreading and basic shaping |
| Compaction equipment | $50-$150 per day | Rental duration and machine size | Plate compactor or similar tool |
| Removal and disposal | $2-$6/sq ft | Existing material and disposal fees | May be priced separately |
Labor can be estimated as . For example, two workers spending 6 hours at $65 per hour would cost about $780 in labor, before material, delivery, and equipment. Confirm the scope behind each line item before comparing bids.
How depth changes cubic-yard coverage and total price
One cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet. At a 2-inch finished depth, it covers about 162 square feet before compaction; at 3 inches, about 108 square feet; and at 4 inches, about 81 square feet. Actual coverage can be lower when the subgrade is uneven or the material settles during compaction.
For a 500-square-foot path at 3 inches deep, the basic calculation is roughly 4.6 cubic yards before a waste allowance. Ordering about 5-5.5 yards may be more practical, depending on site shape and grade. A deeper layer raises the material bill and can also require extra labor to move and compact it. Measure the area and specify finished depth, not just the number of yards.
Which DG blend and site conditions raise the estimate?
Stabilized DG contains a binder that helps reduce erosion and loose dust. It may cost about $100-$200 per cubic yard as material, compared with $40-$100 for ordinary DG; installed stabilized surfaces may reach $5-$12 per square foot. The binder does not eliminate the need for a well-prepared base or correct compaction.
Depth and slope also affect the quote. A 2-inch layer over a level patio is generally less demanding than a 4-inch layer on a grade, where runoff control and firm compaction matter more. Narrow access that prevents a truck from reaching the work area can add hand-hauling time. Stabilization, depths over 3 inches, slopes, and difficult access are common reasons bids rise.
Why DG prices differ between nearby and remote markets
Local quarry supply, trucking distance, fuel, and contractor availability all affect DG pricing. Areas close to a quarry or landscape supply yard may fall near the lower end of material ranges. Remote locations and dense urban areas can face higher delivery and labor charges, even when the stone itself is similar.
As a planning adjustment, rural or remote deliveries may run 10%-30% above a nearby-market quote, while high-cost metro labor can raise installed prices by 15%-35%. These are budgeting comparisons, not fixed regional tariffs. Compare delivered totals from suppliers serving the same job address.
Three DG project examples show how scope changes the bill
A 300-square-foot garden path at 2 inches deep needs about 1.9 cubic yards before extra material. With a 2.2-yard order, nearby delivery, basic raking, and compaction, a reasonable total is about $500-$900, or roughly $1.70-$3 per square foot. Hand-carrying through a narrow gate can increase labor.
A 500-square-foot patio at 3 inches deep may require about 5-5.5 yards after allowance. Standard DG with grading, delivery, and compaction could total $1,200-$2,200, or about $2.40-$4.40 per square foot. A stabilized blend and more detailed preparation could raise the quote to $2,500-$4,500.
A 1,000-square-foot driveway area at 4 inches deep uses roughly 12.3 yards before allowance, so an order near 13-14 yards may be needed. With base work, equipment, delivery, and compaction, a typical budget is $3,000-$6,500; excavation or drainage corrections may cost extra. These examples assume workable access and no major retaining or drainage construction.
How to lower a DG bill without sacrificing a firm surface
Measure the area carefully and ask suppliers to calculate cubic yards at the specified finished depth. Ordering too little can mean another delivery fee, while ordering too much leaves paid material unused. Combine areas into one delivery when practical, and check whether the supplier has a minimum load charge.
Compare standard and stabilized DG only where the use warrants it; a lightly used garden path may not need the higher-priced blend. Clear vegetation and movable debris before the crew arrives, but leave grading and compaction to the installer if the surface must meet a particular slope or firmness. Request separate prices for excavation, base material, edging, delivery, and installation. Keeping the work area accessible and the scope consistent makes competing quotes easier to evaluate.