How Much Decomposed Granite for 4,000 Square Feet?
How much decomposed granite for 4,000 square feet depends on depth. At 3 inches you need about 37.04 cubic yards, roughly 50.0 tons at 1.35 tons per yard. Each inch of depth over 4,000 square feet adds about 12.35 yards.
Volume and tonnage calculator →Decomposed granite for 4,000 sq ft by depth
| Depth | Cubic yards | Tons | Tons +10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 in | 24.69 | 33.3 | 36.7 |
| 3 in | 37.04 | 50.0 | 55.0 |
| 4 in | 49.38 | 66.7 | 73.3 |
Working it out
- 4,000 sq ft × (3 ÷ 12) ft = 1,000.0 cubic feet.
- ÷ 27 = 37.04 cubic yards.
- × 1.35 tons per yard = 50.0 tons.
About decomposed granite
DG should be laid in thin lifts, wetted and compacted. Loose DG at a deep depth stays soft and tracks onto shoes. Expect the weight to fall in the range of 1.25 to 1.45 tons per yard.
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.
When to choose decomposed granite
Works well for:
- Garden paths and patios with a natural look
- Around trees and in xeriscape designs
- Stabilized DG for accessible paths
Think twice 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 20x25 area at 3 inches takes about 6.3 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.
- Ordering exactly the math. Uneven ground and spillage nearly always need a little more than the flat calculation.
- Forgetting that compaction shrinks loose material. A loose 4-inch spread of a dense-graded stone may finish closer to 3 inches after rolling.
- Mixing up cubic yards and tons. Yards are volume, tons are weight; convert with the product’s weight per yard.
Questions people ask
How many tons of decomposed granite for 4,000 square feet?
About 50.0 tons at 3 inches deep.
How many cubic yards of decomposed granite for 4,000 square feet?
About 37.04 yards at 3 inches.
How much decomposed granite for 4,000 square feet at 2 inches?
About 33.3 tons, or 24.69 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 3,000 Square Feet?
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