How Much Decomposed Granite for 1,000 Square Feet?
How much decomposed granite for 1,000 square feet depends on depth. At 3 inches you need about 9.26 cubic yards, roughly 12.5 tons at 1.35 tons per yard. Each inch of depth over 1,000 square feet adds about 3.09 yards.
Volume and tonnage calculator →Decomposed granite for 1,000 sq ft by depth
| Depth | Cubic yards | Tons | Tons +10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 in | 6.17 | 8.3 | 9.2 |
| 3 in | 9.26 | 12.5 | 13.8 |
| 4 in | 12.35 | 16.7 | 18.3 |
Working it out
- 1,000 sq ft × (3 ÷ 12) ft = 250.0 cubic feet.
- ÷ 27 = 9.26 cubic yards.
- × 1.35 tons per yard = 12.5 tons.
About decomposed granite
Decomposed granite (DG) is weathered granite broken into small particles and fines. It packs into a firm, natural-looking path surface, and stabilized versions include a binder. Most suppliers will quote 1.25 to 1.45 tons per yard for this material.
Getting the order right
- Measure odd shapes in pieces. Split curves and L-shapes into rectangles and add them.
- Add a margin. About 10 percent covers compaction and low spots.
- Bulk or bags. Bulk delivery is the practical choice here.
- Prep first. Remove sod, compact the subgrade and set edging before the stone arrives.
Use the volume and tonnage calculator for any other size.
Good and poor uses for decomposed granite
Works well for:
- Garden paths and patios with a natural look
- Around trees and in xeriscape designs
- Stabilized DG for accessible paths
Poor fit for:
- Steep grades without a stabilizer
- Areas right outside doors, since fines track in
- Driveways with heavy turning traffic
Quick reference numbers
- Per inch over 100 sq ft: about 0.42 tons of decomposed granite (0.31 cubic yards).
- Per inch over 1,000 sq ft: about 4.2 tons.
- Another size for comparison: a 8x16 area at 3 inches takes about 1.6 tons.
- Weight used here: about 1.35 tons per cubic yard.
Common estimating mistakes
- Skipping drainage. Water sitting under any surface softens the base and leads to ruts and potholes.
- Assuming every supplier uses the same weight. Two yards selling the same product name can quote different tons per yard.
- Ordering exactly the math. Uneven ground and spillage nearly always need a little more than the flat calculation.
- Using inches as if they were feet. Depth has to be divided by 12 before you multiply; skipping that step inflates the order twelvefold.
Questions people ask
How many tons of decomposed granite for 1,000 square feet?
About 12.5 tons at 3 inches deep.
How many cubic yards of decomposed granite for 1,000 square feet?
About 9.26 yards at 3 inches.
How much decomposed granite for 1,000 square feet at 2 inches?
About 8.3 tons, or 6.17 cubic yards.
How much does a yard of decomposed granite weigh?
About 1.25 to 1.45 tons.
Should I add extra?
Yes, about 10 percent is a common allowance.
Related guides
- Crushed Stone vs Gravel: Differences and Best Uses
- Tons to Cubic Yards for Gravel: Conversion Chart
- How Much Does a Ton of Gravel Cover? Depth Chart
- How Much Decomposed Granite for 750 Square Feet?
- How Much Decomposed Granite for 800 Square Feet?
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