2022 Decomposed Granite Cost | Crushed Granite Pricing

Heather Robbins
by Heather Robbins

Using natural rocks and stones to define your outdoor landscape is a popular choice among many homeowners. You can understand why since those materials provide both aesthetic and functional benefits. While you’re searching for materials to use for your landscaping, don’t forget about the potential benefits you can get from granite.

To be more specific, you should take a closer look at decomposed granite. Decomposed granite presents you with a way of adding a new design dimension to your yard. On top of that, it also offers practical benefits that turn it into a highly useful landscaping material.

The average cost per ton of decomposed granite is $13. The price of decomposed granite goes up to about $40 if you’re purchasing it by the cubic yard. Stabilized granite is available for the price of $190 per ton. On average, you can expect to pay $210 if you want decomposed granite installed in your yard.

Defining your outdoor landscape can be done in different ways with the help of different materials. For this guide, we want to focus on what decomposed granite can do for your property.

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Cost of Decomposed Granite

Estimate TypeCost Per TonCost Per Cubic Yard
Low-End Estimate$10$30
Mid-Range Estimate$13$40
High-End Estimate$16$50

Homeowners have numerous options to choose from if they are looking for good landscaping materials. Decomposed granite is not mentioned frequently as a potential option, but it brings some good qualities to the table. You can purchase a ton of decomposed granite for the average price of $13.

Even on the high-end, decomposed granite is still affordable at $16 per ton. Shop around and you may also see it sold for the price of $10 per ton.

Why Choose Decomposed Granite for Your Yard

First off, decomposed granite adds a rugged dimension to your outdoor landscape. It’s a kind of design dimension that you can only get from natural rock.

The stability of decomposed granite is also worth touting. You can use it to line certain parts of the yard that receive regular foot traffic. The decomposed granite will not scatter all over your yard when used in that manner.

Decomposed granite also works well for drainage purposes. It won’t cause water to pool in certain areas so you’ll be able to avoid the formation of soft spots.

You can purchase decomposed granite per ton, but if you need more, buying by the cubic yard is also an option. A cubic yard of decomposed granite costs $40. The cubic yard of decomposed granite should be able to provide good coverage.

Cost of Stabilized Granite

Estimate TypeCost Per Ton
Low-End Estimate$180
Mid-Range Estimate$190
High-End Estimate$200

Decomposed granite can work well as a liner for patios, gardens, and other spots in your yard. However, you may find that it is simply not stable enough for high-traffic areas. In that case, you may want to consider purchasing a ton of stabilized granite for $190.

For those who may be unaware, stabilized granite is decomposed granite that has been combined with some kind of stabilizer. The introduction of the stabilizer improves the decomposed granite in different ways.

Arguably the main benefit of adding the stabilizer is the creation of layered material that is less prone to shifting. Decomposed granite may still shift a bit if it’s used for your driveways and walkways. That issue can be mitigated by the addition of the stabilizer.

The stabilizer also enhances the durability of the decomposed granite. The surface of the stabilized granite can withstand a great deal of wear and tear. It will maintain its appearance even after years of enduring foot and vehicle traffic.

Notably, different stabilizers can be used to create stabilized granite. The stabilizer used may even impart certain positive qualities to the material. Talk to the supplier about the stabilizer to learn more about its specific benefits.

Labor Cost to Install Decomposed Granite

Estimate TypeCost
Low-End Estimate$110
Mid-Range Estimate$210
High-End Estimate$300

Once you’ve decided on which type of decomposed granite to use, you will now have to worry about installation. This isn’t the type of installation you should handle solo. Pay $210 for professional installation to ensure that the decomposed granite additions work as intended.

Many assume that installing decomposed granite is easy. After all, you just need to pour it over your target areas.

While pouring the decomposed granite is indeed easy, properly leveling it is not. The layers have to be even or else the paths and driveways you’ve created will not be easy to traverse.

Improper leveling may also cause the decomposed granite to scatter faster. Bits of granite may already be found all over your yard not long after your DIY installation. Avoid that possible issue by paying for professional installation.

Cost Factors for Installing Decomposed Granite

We’ve already touched on the cost of installing decomposed granite, but that number can still change. Specific cost factors can cause that number to fluctuate and you must account for them in your decision-making process. Check out the relevant cost factors for decomposed granite installation below.

Additional Materials

Different tools and materials are often required for decomposed granite installations. Some of those tools are ones you may already have such as shovels and rakes. Other tools like landscaping fabrics and soil compactors may not be lying around in your garage.

The workers may need to use additional tools and materials based on the type of installation you’re requesting. Don’t be surprised if the workers charge you more because you want some complex installations.

Delivery

Delivery cost is something people often overlook whenever they’re ordering materials for home improvement. They fail to account for it and they’re surprised when they are greeted by a large bill.

When shopping for decomposed granite, try to look for suppliers who are located close to your home. Even if they sell their decomposed granite at a slightly higher price, they can make up for that via lower delivery costs.

Preferred Payment Method

The granite installers in your area may prefer to be paid differently. Some may give you a quote of the total price while others may prefer to charge by the hour.

More often than not, the final amount you have to pay still ends up at the same place. Even so, you may want to do some calculations beforehand to see if one installer is offering a slightly better deal.

Crushed Granite Cost

Crushed or decomposed granite installation on a 400-square-foot area costs between $125 and $300, or $0.30 and $0.70 per square foot. If you choose ordinary crushed granite, the supplies alone will cost between $35 and $60 per inch of covering.

The quality of the granite and the depth of coverage are the two most critical pricing factors. The cost of crushed and decomposed granite is also affected by your location and distance from the nearest quarry.

Decomposed Granite Installation Cost

Decomposed granite installation costs between $70 and $80 per hour of work. Contractors, on the other hand, often offers a fee for the total work rather than the time spent on each task.

When you supply the granite and other materials yourself, contractors are more likely to offer an hourly fee. The length of time it takes contractors to finish a project is determined by its size and kind.

Decomposed Granite Cost By Project

Cost By Project
ProjectMaterial CostLabor CostSizeTotal
Crushed Granite Driveway$1,500 – $2,000$120 – $24010 x 50 x 6″$1,620 – $2,240
Crushed Granite Patio$400 – $700$100 (prep included)10 x 10$400 – $800

Crushed Granite Driveway Cost

Crushed granite driveway installation typically costs between $120 and $240 in labor. This calculation is based on a 10-by-50-foot gravel driveway that is six inches deep and capable of bearing car weight.

It excludes the cost of labor to level and grades the driveway, which generally ranges from $1,500 to $2,000—depending on the size of the trees, clearing the land costs at least $200 to $500.

Crushed Granite Patio Cost

A crushed granite patio will cost between $400 and $700 to install, based on a standard 10 by 10-foot patio. The granite alone will cost less than $50 to install, but contractors will also need to excavate and prepare the location. Because it’s critical for a patio to be level, these chores necessitate a lot more effort.

Decomposed Granite Cost By Measurement

Cost By Measurement
MeasurementCost
Per Cubic Yard$30 – $50
Per Square Foot$220 – $370
Cost Per Ton$10 – $16

Decomposed Granite Cost Per Cubic Yard

The lowest varieties of decomposed granite cost between $30 and $50 per cubic yard, depending on location and quality. Due to the density of decomposed granite, transportation is by far the most expensive cost variable.

Although the precise price scheme differs, all providers will charge you in some form for transporting the granite to the job site. Some suppliers charge a flat rate per mile for transportation, while others charge a flat fee per cubic yard within a defined service area.

Decomposed Granite Cost Per Square Foot

Decomposed granite costs between $220 and $370 to cover a 20 by 20-foot area to a depth of six inches or less than $1 per square foot.

This job would take around 7.4 cubic yards of material or 200 cubic feet. If you live in a region with a lot of rain, you may need to add a stabilizing agent to the gravel, which may raise the cost of supplies.

Decomposed Granite Cost Per Ton

A ton of decomposed granite costs between $10 and $16, assuming the gravel is 12 inches in diameter on average. A cubic yard of 12-inch decomposed granite weighs around three tons, but as the size of the gravel grows larger, the weight decreases.

Divide the cost per cubic yard by the number of tons in a cubic yard to get the cost per ton. This illustration implies the gravel isn’t compacted, which happens when it sits in one location for a long time.

Granite Rock Prices

Granite Rock Prices
TypeCost Per Ton
Blue Crushed Granite, 3/8″$60
Blue Stabilized Decomposed Granite, 3/8″$185
Red Crushed Granite, 3/8″$60
Red Stabilized Decomposed Granite, 3/8″$185
Gray Crushed Granite, 3/8″$60

Crushed Red Granite Price

Crushed red granite typically costs $60 per ton. Because granite comes in a variety of hues, color isn’t a significant pricing consideration. Other elements that influence cost include the supplier, location, distance from the quarry, and gravel size.

The price per ton is usually given by suppliers assuming the buyer orders a complete truckload. When they have a surplus, they may sell in smaller amounts at the same price per ton.

Stabilized Decomposed Granite Cost

The price of stabilized decomposed granite is around $185 per ton. Because the provider must add and mix a stabilizing chemical with the granite, the price for this form of granite is significantly greater than for basic crushed granite. Decomposition of granite takes time as well.

DIY vs. Hire a DG Installation Pro

Once the gravel is on-site, the procedure of pouring and leveling it doesn’t take much talent. The most challenging element of gravel projects is leveling and grading the site, which usually necessitates the use of a gravel driveway installer near you. Removing mature trees off the property is likewise a job best left to the professionals.

Of course, if you’re planning to do this project alone, then it will cost less than if you hired a professional. But you need to be comfortable doing a project like this if you want to do it alone. As a friend or a family member to help you.

If you have no one to help you, then it’s best for you to call a professional. You can always watch what they’re doing and ask questions so that you can do it on your own and save yourself a few bucks next time.

What Factors Influence The Cost of Decomposed Granite Installation?

There are many different factors that will influence the cost of the decomposed granite installation. Therefore, it’s important for you to know all of these factors so you can get the best ballpark price for what your project will cost.

For example, if you have all of the tools you need and you want to DIY this project, then it will cost less than if you don’t have all the tools locked, loaded, and ready to go. Find out what colors go with Venetian gold granite.

Cost Considerations

  • Extra materials: You should budget for extra materials such as landscaping fabric, soil compactors to hold the decomposed granite in place, wheelbarrows, rakes, and shovels in addition to the crushed granite itself.
  • Check tools: Most of these tools may already be in your shed, or if you hire a contractor, they will most likely bring them with them to complete the work.
  • Contractors bill for labor differently. When expertly placed, decomposed granite looks fantastic. A landscaping project of excellent quality may be ensured by a professional with expertise with various types of granite and installation techniques.

    Contractors usually charge for installation in a variety of ways. Those that charge by the hour will ask for $70 to $80 for each hour of labor, with a 500 square foot area taking around five hours to complete. For those that charge by the extent of the project, the installation might cost anywhere from $120 to $300. The design, pans, equipment, and cleanup will all be part of the installation process.

  • Classifications: Decomposed granite is classified into many kinds based on the size of individual particles. Size #10 granite, for example, is a fine powder used for skyscrapers and other large-scale projects. #57 granite is made up of 0.75-inch broad chunks that are roughly the size of a coin (such as a quarter). Type #2 granite is slightly bigger, with a diameter of 1.5-2.5 inches. Finally, size #1 granite is one of the biggest, having an egg or orange-shaped diameter.
  • Size: The various sizes available will define the decomposed granite’s precise application as well as its cost. Granite in sizes #10, #57, and #411 (finer particles) costs significantly less, around $0.50 per square foot—granite in sizes #2 and #1 costs around $0.76 per square foot to buy.

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Related Questions

How deep should decomposed granite be?

The weight that the surface must hold determines the depth of decomposed granite. A driveway should be roughly six inches deep to sustain automobiles.A surface that people will walk on a daily basis will require at least two inches of gravel, but surfaces that are mostly ornamental will only require one inch.


How long does decomposed granite last?

Before it moves sufficiently to necessitate replacement, decomposed granite with a stabilizer should last seven to 10 years. It is largely determined by the density of the granite and the frequency with which your region receives significant rains. The slope of the surface is also significant in determining how long the granite will remain on the site.


How much does a yard of decomposed granite cover?

A cubic yard of gravel will cover 54 square feet with a six-inch layer of gravel. This value represents the depth at the time of installation; with time, it will decrease. When determining the stable depth, gravel providers in your region recommend reducing this covering by at least 15%.


Is Decomposed Granite More Expensive Than Concrete?

Concrete is a material often used for landscaping applications because of its beauty and durability. However, the high cost of concrete forces many homeowners to consider their options.Decomposed granite could be the cost-effective alternative to concrete that you’re looking for. By using decomposed granite, you can achieve the backyard aesthetic you want without busting your budget.


How Many Square Feet Does a Ton of Decomposed Granite Cover?

You can cover a good amount of ground with a ton of decomposed granite. Assuming proper installation, a ton of decomposed granite should cover about 70 square feet of space. The layers of decomposed granite should also go about three inches deep.

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Heather Robbins
Heather Robbins

Heather is a passionate writer who loves anything DIY. Growing up, she learned everything from home repairs to design, and wants to share her tips with you. When she's not writing, she's usually hiking or searching for her next DIY project.

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