Decomposed Granite Coverage: How Much DG You Need
Decomposed granite coverage: one cubic yard of decomposed granite (DG) covers about 108 square feet at 3 inches deep and about 162 square feet at 2 inches. DG typically weighs around 1.25 to 1.4 tons per cubic yard, so a ton covers roughly 75 to 85 square feet at 3 inches. Because DG compacts, plan extra so the finished depth is correct.
Volume and tonnage calculator →Coverage table per cubic yard
| Compacted depth | Approximate coverage |
|---|---|
| 2 inches | About 162 sq ft |
| 3 inches | About 108 sq ft |
| 4 inches | About 81 sq ft |
DG compacts by roughly 20 to 25 percent, so order loose volume accordingly. A 3 inch compacted layer may need nearly 4 inches of loose material.
Recommended depths
| Use | Compacted depth |
|---|---|
| Garden paths | 2 to 3 inches |
| Patios | 3 to 4 inches over base |
| Light driveways | 4 inches or more over crushed base |
| Mulch-style top dressing | 1 to 2 inches, uncompacted |
For driveways, DG works best as a top layer over a substantial crushed stone base. See crushed granite driveway.
Types of DG
- Natural DG: loose; can erode and track indoors.
- Stabilized DG: mixed with a binder that hardens after watering and compaction, for firmer, more erosion-resistant surfaces.
- Resin-coated DG: binder-coated for a very firm surface, closer to pavement.
Stabilized DG is often used for accessible paths and patios.
How to install
- Excavate to the planned depth plus base.
- Install edging, which is essential because DG migrates.
- Add and compact a crushed base on driveways or heavy-use patios.
- Spread DG in lifts of about 1.5 to 2 inches.
- Moisten and compact each lift with a plate compactor or roller. See how to compact gravel without a compactor for small areas.
- Crown or slope the surface so water drains.
Calculating DG
- Measure area in square feet.
- Multiply by compacted depth in feet.
- Add about 20 to 25 percent for compaction.
- Divide by 27 for cubic yards. See cubic feet to cubic yards.
- Multiply by about 1.3 for tons.
Example: a 12 by 20 foot patio at 3 inches compacted: 240 × 0.25 = 60 cubic feet, plus 25 percent = 75 cubic feet, or about 2.8 cubic yards, roughly 3.6 tons.
DG vs other surfaces
- Pea gravel drains well but stays loose. See pea gravel patio.
- Stone dust packs similarly but is gray rather than tan. See stone dust driveway.
- Pavers or concrete cost more but are firmer.
Bottom line
Decomposed granite covers about 108 square feet per cubic yard at 3 inches compacted. Add 20 to 25 percent for compaction, use solid edging, compact in thin moist lifts, and consider stabilized DG for firmer, less dusty paths and patios.
Questions people ask
How much area does a yard of decomposed granite cover?
About 108 square feet at 3 inches and 162 square feet at 2 inches.
How much does decomposed granite weigh?
Roughly 1.25 to 1.4 tons per cubic yard.
How deep should decomposed granite be for a patio?
About 3 to 4 inches compacted, often over a base.
Does decomposed granite compact?
Yes, by roughly 20 to 25 percent. Order extra.
What is stabilized decomposed granite?
DG mixed with a binder that hardens for a firmer, erosion-resistant surface.
Related guides
- Crushed Granite Driveway: Decomposed Granite vs Crushed Stone, Costs and Care
- Stone Dust Driveway: Does Screenings Work as a Driveway Surface?
- How to Compact Gravel Without a Compactor
- Pea Gravel Patio: How to Build One and What It Costs
- Cubic Feet to Cubic Yards: Conversion and Examples
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