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How Much Decomposed Granite for a 3x100 Walkway?

How much decomposed granite for a 3x100 walkway is a quick volume problem. 300 square feet at 3 inches comes to 2.78 cubic yards. Decomposed granite usually weighs about 1.25 to 1.45 tons per cubic yard, so plan on roughly 3.8 tons.

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The math for a 3x100 walkway

  1. Area: 3 × 100 = 300 sq ft.
  2. Depth in feet: 3 ÷ 12 = 0.250 ft.
  3. Cubic feet: 300 × 0.250 = 75.0 cu ft.
  4. Cubic yards: ÷ 27 = 2.78 yd³.
  5. Tons: × 1.35 = 3.8 tons.

The volume and tonnage calculator does this for any size.

Decomposed granite needed by depth

DepthCubic yardsTons (approx.)Tons +10%
2 in1.852.52.8
3 in2.783.84.1
4 in3.705.05.5

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. Ask your supplier for their own tons-per-yard figure, since stone source and moisture shift it.

Preparing the walkway

Dig the path a few inches below grade, compact the bottom, add fabric if needed and install edging on both sides so the material stays on the walk. This walkway sees foot traffic, so match the depth to that load rather than to the minimum.

Ordering tips

  • Round up. Compaction and uneven ground eat material. Adding about 10 percent is common.
  • Delivery size. 4.1 tons fits in a single typical dump truck load; small loads may carry a delivery fee. See how many tons of gravel in a dump truck.
  • Bulk vs bags. At this size bulk delivery is usually the practical choice.
  • Where it drops. Have the truck dump as close to the walkway as firm ground allows.

When to choose decomposed granite

Best suited to:

  • Garden paths and patios with a natural look
  • Around trees and in xeriscape designs
  • Stabilized DG for accessible paths

Less suited to:

  • 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 15x30 area at 4 inches takes about 7.5 tons.
  • Weight used here: about 1.35 tons per cubic yard.

Common estimating mistakes

  • Using inches as if they were feet. Depth has to be divided by 12 before you multiply; skipping that step inflates the order twelvefold.
  • Mixing up cubic yards and tons. Yards are volume, tons are weight; convert with the product’s weight per yard.
  • Measuring only the main rectangle. Aprons, turnouts and curved edges add real square footage.
  • Ignoring the base. A thin surface layer over soft soil fails early no matter how much material is on top.

Questions people ask

How many tons of decomposed granite for a 3x100 walkway?

About 3.8 tons at 3 inches deep, or 4.1 tons with 10 percent extra.

How many cubic yards is a 3x100 walkway at 3 inches?

About 2.78 cubic yards.

How much does a cubic yard of decomposed granite weigh?

Usually around 1.25 to 1.45 tons, depending on stone size, fines and moisture.

How deep should decomposed granite be for a walkway?

The table above shows 2 to 4 inches. Shallower depths suit top dressing; deeper depths suit new installs and heavier use.

How many square feet is 3x100?

300 square feet.

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