Decomposed granite (DG) usually costs $30-$80 per cubic yard for loose bulk material, before delivery; installed paths or patios commonly run $4-$12 per square foot. Price depends on yardage, whether the DG is stabilized, delivery distance, site preparation, and labor.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loose DG material | $30 per cu yd | $55 per cu yd | $80 per cu yd | Bulk, before delivery |
| Delivered bulk DG | $100 per cu yd | $175 per cu yd | $300 per cu yd | Small orders or long hauls cost more |
| Installed DG surface | $4 per sq ft | $7 per sq ft | $12 per sq ft | Typical prepared path or patio |
| Stabilized DG | $50 per cu yd | $90 per cu yd | $150 per cu yd | Material price varies by binder and supplier |
Decomposed Granite Price Per Cubic Yard for Common Projects
For a basic residential order, buyers often pay $30-$80 per cubic yard for loose DG at the supplier. Delivery can bring the effective price to roughly $100-$300 per yard, especially when the order is small or the truck travels far. Stabilized DG, color-selected material, or fine screened grades can cost more than standard loose aggregate.
A cubic yard covers about 324 square feet at 1 inch deep, 162 square feet at 2 inches, or 108 square feet at 3 inches. A compacted path generally needs about 2-3 inches, plus a stable, drained base. For a typical 500-square-foot area at 3 inches, allow about 4.6 cubic yards before extra material for compaction and waste.
Assumptions: Residential bulk purchase, standard access, and no major excavation or drainage work.
How Material, Delivery, and Labor Shape a DG Quote
Installed pricing includes more than the aggregate. A contractor may charge separately for excavation, base rock, edging, compaction, and haul-away. The ranges below show common components; site conditions and local labor rates can change the total.
| Quote component | Typical price | What changes the charge |
|---|---|---|
| DG material | $30-$80 per cu yd | Color, screening, stabilization |
| Delivery | $50-$150 per load | Distance, truck size, minimum order |
| Site preparation labor | $1-$4 per sq ft | Removal, grading, soil condition |
| Base rock and compaction | $1-$3 per sq ft | Base depth and equipment access |
| Edging and disposal | $2-$8 per linear ft; $100-$500 disposal | Edging material and debris volume |
Labor and preparation can cost as much as, or more than, the DG itself. A basic installation may use a small crew and a plate compactor; steep slopes, hand-carrying, or extensive grading can require extra hours and equipment.
Which Yardage and Surface Specs Push the Price Higher?
Thickness drives the quantity calculation: increasing a surface from 2 inches to 4 inches doubles the DG volume, before accounting for compaction. For example, 500 square feet at 2 inches takes about 3.1 cubic yards; at 4 inches it takes about 6.2 cubic yards. Contractors may recommend a thicker section where foot traffic is heavy or the soil is soft.
Stabilized DG is often chosen for paths that need a firmer, less dusty finish. It can add roughly $1-$4 per square foot to installed pricing, depending on the binder, base, and application method. Slopes above about 5% may need added containment or drainage, while narrow access that prevents truck or compactor entry can raise labor costs.
Confirm the quoted depth after compaction, not just the loose depth. Ask whether the estimate includes base material and whether it specifies loose or compacted cubic yards.
Can a Small DG Path Cost More Per Yard?
Yes. A small path may use only 1-2 cubic yards, but suppliers often charge a delivery minimum or a full truck fee. In that case, delivery might add $75-$200 or more, making the delivered cost per yard substantially higher than for a larger order. Some suppliers sell bags for small repairs, but bagged DG usually costs more per cubic yard and requires more handling.
For comparison, a 200-square-foot path at 3 inches requires about 1.9 cubic yards before waste. A 1,000-square-foot area at the same depth needs about 9.3 cubic yards. Combining nearby projects or ordering enough for future touch-ups can reduce the delivery cost per yard.
Delivery Minimums and Site Access Add Real Charges
Delivery quotes depend on mileage, truck capacity, and unloading conditions. A driveway that cannot accommodate a large dump truck may require a smaller vehicle or multiple trips. Wheelbarrow transport from curb to backyard is typically billed as additional labor, often adding $100-$400 on a modest project.
Old paving, roots, buried irrigation, or hard soil can also add excavation and disposal fees. Removal may cost about $2-$6 per square foot for existing surface material, with heavier concrete or difficult access pushing charges higher. Ask for a written quote that separates delivery, excavation, disposal, base work, and finish material.
How Long Does DG Installation Take, and What Is Labor?
A straightforward 300-500-square-foot installation may take a two- or three-person crew about one day when access is clear and the ground needs little correction. Labor commonly falls around $50-$100 per worker-hour, or roughly $1-$4 per square foot for preparation and spreading. Larger areas, hand loading, or significant grading can extend the schedule to two or more days.
Compare estimates by crew scope and finished depth, not only by the hourly rate. A low labor quote may exclude excavation, base compaction, edging, or cleanup.
DG Compared With Pea Gravel and Crushed Stone
Loose DG is often a lower-cost surface than pavers, but it needs occasional raking and replenishment. Pea gravel commonly costs $25-$75 per cubic yard before delivery and stays loose underfoot; crushed stone often costs $30-$70 per cubic yard and can provide a more angular, stable layer. Local availability can reverse these comparisons.
Stabilized DG generally costs more upfront than loose DG, but may reduce erosion and material movement when correctly installed. It is not a substitute for proper drainage or a strong base. Compare installed prices for the same area, depth, and base specification.
Where Can Homeowners Trim a Decomposed Granite Budget?
Measure the area carefully and calculate volume using length × width × depth, with depth in feet and volume in cubic feet divided by 27. Add about 5%-10% for shaping and compaction, rather than ordering a large unmeasured surplus. Confirm the supplier’s minimum load before choosing a delivery quantity.
Costs may also fall by keeping the existing grade when drainage allows, handling simple clearing before the crew arrives, and choosing standard local DG instead of a premium color. Avoid cutting base depth on soft soil or a slope, since premature rutting can lead to repair expenses. Get at least two itemized quotes using the same area, depth, material type, and access details.