How Much Does 20 Tons of Decomposed Granite Cover?
How much does 20 tons of decomposed granite cover depends on how deep you spread it. At about 1.35 tons per cubic yard, 20 tons is roughly 14.8 cubic yards. Spread 3 inches deep, that covers about 1,600 square feet. Halve the depth and you roughly double the area.
Volume and tonnage calculator →How the coverage is figured
- Tons to cubic yards: 20 ÷ 1.35 = 14.8 yd³.
- Cubic yards to cubic feet: × 27 = 400 cu ft.
- Divide by depth in feet: at 3 inches (0.250 ft), 400 ÷ 0.250 = 1,600 sq ft.
Coverage of 20 tons at different depths
| Depth | Square feet covered | Square yards |
|---|---|---|
| 2 in | 2,400 | 267 |
| 3 in | 1,600 | 178 |
| 4 in | 1,200 | 133 |
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. 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.
Putting 20 tons to use
For delivery, 20 tons means multiple trips or a larger truck. Ask the supplier how they will split it. 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
Good uses:
- 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 10x20 area at 3 inches takes about 2.5 tons.
- Weight used here: about 1.35 tons per cubic yard.
Mistakes that throw off the order
- Skipping drainage. Water sitting under any surface softens the base and leads to ruts and potholes.
- Forgetting that compaction shrinks loose material. A loose 4-inch spread of a dense-graded stone may finish closer to 3 inches after rolling.
- Assuming every supplier uses the same weight. Two yards selling the same product name can quote different tons per yard.
- 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 cubic yards is 20 tons of decomposed granite?
About 14.8 cubic yards at 1.35 tons per yard.
How many square feet does 20 tons of decomposed granite cover at 3 inches?
About 1,600 square feet.
How many square feet does 20 tons cover at 2 inches?
About 2,400 square feet.
How much does a yard of decomposed granite weigh?
About 1.25 to 1.45 tons.
Will 20 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
- How Much Does 18 Tons of Decomposed Granite Cover?
- How Much Does 19 Tons of Decomposed Granite Cover?
As an Amazon Associate, AsphaltTons.com earns from qualifying purchases. Product links below are sponsored.