How Much Does Decomposed Granite Cost in 2025?

This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

Decomposed granite (DG) costs an average of $60 per ton, with most homeowners paying between $40 and $80. Covering a 400-square-foot space costs roughly $160 to $900, once you factor in depth and delivery. Your final bill will depend on the quality of the granite, the thickness of the layer, and whether you opt for natural, stabilized, or resin-coated DG. Budget accordingly and hire a professional granite installer to ensure a surface that lasts for decades.

Decomposed Granite Cost Factors

The cost of decomposed granite varies widely, depending on the labor requirements, project type, and the type of rock you choose.

Labor

Professional granite installers handle site prep, leveling and grading, compact the granite, and install any necessary edging. Expect to pay between $70 and $80 per hour for professional installation of your decomposed granite, with total labor costs ranging from $350 to $800.

Labor costs can vary significantly based on your location—pros in urban areas or regions with higher costs of living may charge more. Additionally, market demand and seasonal factors can influence labor costs. If you have trees or roots in the way, you may need to pay an additional $200 to $2,000 per tree for the removal cost.

Project Type

Your total cost will vary based on the type of decomposed granite project you’re doing. Here are the average fees for several common project types.

Crushed Granite Driveway

Installing a 10-by-50-foot crushed granite driveway costs $1,750 for materials and installation. This assumes a gravel driveway covered to a depth of six inches, adequate for supporting vehicle weight. It should take about two hours to dump and spread the crushed granite. However, this price doesn’t include the labor needed to level and grade your driveway, which costs between $1,500 and $2,000.

Crushed Granite Patio

The total labor cost of a crushed granite patio is an average of $360 for materials, or $800 including labor, assuming a standard 20-by-20-foot patio at three inches deep.

Crushed Granite Walkway

Plan on laying about three inches of gravel for comfortable and safe footing on your walkway. Materials average $130, or roughly $300 with labor. If the path cuts through uneven terrain, additional leveling and preparation will increase the price.

Rock Type

There are three primary types of granite rock, and the type you choose will affect your overall costs. Natural granite is the most budget-friendly option, while resin-coated granite can cost up to $225 per ton.

Decomposed Granite Costs by Measurement

The cost of decomposed granite can be measured by cubic yard, ton, or square foot. These are the cost breakdowns per measurement.

Decomposed Granite Cost per Cubic Yard

You'll pay between $40 and $255 per cubic yard for decomposed granite, depending on the type of decomposed granite. Transportation is often the greatest cost variable due to the material's weight. All suppliers charge a fee for moving the granite to your work site, but pricing models vary. Some suppliers charge a flat rate per mile for transportation, while others charge a flat fee per cubic yard within a set service range.

Decomposed Granite Cost per Ton

The average cost for a ton of basic decomposed granite is $60. A cubic yard of half-inch decomposed granite weighs approximately three tons; however, this weight decreases as the size of the gravel increases.

Calculate the cost per ton by dividing the price per cubic yard by the number of tons in a cubic yard. This figure assumes the gravel isn’t compressed, which occurs when the gravel remains in one place for a prolonged period.

Budgeting for Decomposed Granite

Decomposed granite is a cost-effective alternative to stone pavers or concrete for surfacing driveways, paths, or garden beds. Here are a few ways to further reduce your project costs when it’s time to call a local granite and paving professional:

• Calculate the amount of crushed granite you need and purchase it in advance to minimize labor and transportation costs.

• Choose the right granite for your needs—save the more expensive, durable options like stabilized or resin-coated crushed granite for driveways and paths, and use natural granite where appropriate.

• Schedule your installer during the drier summer months when crews work more efficiently and labor rates tend to be lower.

• Match the depth to the project: aim for six inches on driveways and 2.5 to three inches on patios.

DIY vs. Hiring a Paving Pro

Installing decomposed granite yourself can save the $350 to $800 you’d normally spend on labor, but it’s back-breaking work unless you already own the right equipment. Professional paving contractors near you will arrive with compactors, grading tools, and the expertise to create a surface that withstands traffic and weather. If you value durability—and your weekend—hire a pro. Contact a local granite pro now to ensure your decomposed granite project is installed quickly and correctly.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.