How Much Does 18 Tons of Decomposed Granite Cover?
How much does 18 tons of decomposed granite cover depends on how deep you spread it. At about 1.35 tons per cubic yard, 18 tons is roughly 13.3 cubic yards. Spread 3 inches deep, that covers about 1,440 square feet. Every added inch of depth cuts the coverage noticeably.
Volume and tonnage calculator →How the coverage is figured
- Tons to cubic yards: 18 ÷ 1.35 = 13.3 yd³.
- Cubic yards to cubic feet: × 27 = 360 cu ft.
- Divide by depth in feet: at 3 inches (0.250 ft), 360 ÷ 0.250 = 1,440 sq ft.
Coverage of 18 tons at different depths
| Depth | Square feet covered | Square yards |
|---|---|---|
| 2 in | 2,160 | 240 |
| 3 in | 1,440 | 160 |
| 4 in | 1,080 | 120 |
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. Weight runs about 1.25 to 1.45 tons per cubic yard, so treat the table as a planning range rather than an exact figure.
Planning around 18 tons
18 tons will usually take two or more truck loads, though legal limits vary by truck and state. Spread from the pile with a loader, skid steer or wheelbarrow, then rake to depth before compacting if the material calls for it.
- Check depth as you go. Stakes marked at the target depth help keep the spread even.
- Expect some loss. Compaction and uneven ground use more than the flat-math figure. Keep about 10 percent in reserve.
- Ask about moisture. Wet material weighs more, so a ton of it covers less.
To run your own numbers, use the volume and tonnage calculator.
Where decomposed granite fits
Best suited to:
- 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 14x28 area at 4 inches takes about 6.5 tons.
- Weight used here: about 1.35 tons per cubic yard.
Mistakes that throw off the order
- 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.
- Ignoring the base. A thin surface layer over soft soil fails early no matter how much material is on top.
- Assuming every supplier uses the same weight. Two yards selling the same product name can quote different tons per yard.
Questions people ask
How many cubic yards is 18 tons of decomposed granite?
About 13.3 cubic yards at 1.35 tons per yard.
How many square feet does 18 tons of decomposed granite cover at 3 inches?
About 1,440 square feet.
How many square feet does 18 tons cover at 2 inches?
About 2,160 square feet.
How much does a yard of decomposed granite weigh?
About 1.25 to 1.45 tons.
Will 18 tons fit in one truck?
It depends on the truck. Single-axle dump trucks often carry under 10 tons and tandems around 13 to 16; your supplier will know their limits.
Related guides
- Crushed Stone vs Gravel: Differences and Best Uses
- Tons to Cubic Yards for Gravel: Conversion Chart
- How Many Tons of Gravel in a Dump Truck? Loads and Coverage
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