1/2" minus - Decomposed Granite

Decomposed Granite, or DG, is a natural, versatile material perfect for creating functional walkways, patio surfaces, and garden paths. It consists of weathered, fine-grained granite that has broken down over time into small, manageable particles. When spread and compacted, it forms a firm, permeable surface that allows water to drain naturally while resisting common issues like mud or standing water.

The material offers a natural aesthetic, providing a soft, earthy look that integrates seamlessly with modern landscape designs, native planting beds, and stone borders. It is an excellent choice for homeowners seeking a low-maintenance, permeable alternative to concrete or asphalt.

🧮 Skip the Guesswork: Unsure how many yards to order? Avoid purchasing mistakes or shorted projects by utilizing our interactive material calculator positioned directly at the top of this product page. Simply input your area's total length, width, and your desired material depth in inches to get an instant volume requirement for a secure, confident checkout.

Proper installation of decomposed granite is essential to achieving a firm, long-lasting surface that stays in place. Follow these basic setup rules:

1. Clear and Grade: Strip away existing weeds and sod from your path or patio area. Grade the native ground to create a slight slope (about 1% to 2% grade) away from house foundations or structures to ensure water moves off the surface.
2. Compact the Sub-base: For high-traffic areas, install a 2 to 3-inch layer of crushed road base underneath the DG. Compact this base layer firmly to prevent your finished surface from sinking.
3. Install and Compact: Spread the decomposed granite to a final compacted depth of 2 to 3 inches. Use a plate compactor to firmly vibrate the material into place. Water the surface lightly during compaction to help the fine particles bind together and lock in place.
4. Final Edge: Border your DG project with steel edging, concrete curbing, or stones to keep the material contained and prevent it from migrating into your grass or garden beds.

Coverage Estimates

• 1 Cubic Yard: Covers roughly 160 square feet at a 2-inch depth.
• 1 Cubic Yard: Covers roughly 100 square feet at a 3-inch depth.

Decomposed granite is highly flexible, serving as the base or finish for many common landscape projects:

1. Garden Paths and Walkways: Provides a stable, natural-looking walking surface that is permeable and easy to install.
2. Patio Surfaces: Creates an affordable, natural-toned patio area that allows for drainage and works well in informal outdoor seating spaces.
3. Flower Bed Ground Cover: Acts as a long-lasting, weed-suppressing bed filler that stays in place much better than mulch in dry, exposed locations.
4. Driveway Top-Dressings: Can be used as a finishing top-layer for gravel driveways to fill voids, increase firmness, and create a smoother driving surface.

Decomposed granite is a low-maintenance material, though minor care keeps it looking sharp:

1. Rake and Refill: In high-traffic areas, minor displacement or "pitting" can occur. Simply use a garden rake to pull material back into low spots and perform a quick hand-compaction to keep the surface firm.
2. Weed Prevention: While the material is naturally dense, wind-blown weed seeds can eventually sprout. We recommend applying a landscape weed barrier fabric under the base layer during installation to prevent bottom-up growth.
3. Surface Refresh: Over many seasons, you may choose to add a thin, fresh top layer of DG to brighten the color and restore full thickness in areas where foot traffic has naturally thinned the layer.

Material Type: Naturally weathered, screened granite.

Common Names: DG, Decomposed Granite, 1/2" Minus Granite.

Size Profile: 1/2" minus (particles ranging from 1/2 inch down to fine dust).

Texture Profile: Angular, compactable particles that bond together when hydrated and compacted.

Local Logistics: Available for home and commercial jobsite delivery throughout Austin, Kyle, San Marcos, and surrounding ZIP codes. Can be bundled onto a single delivery order with mulches, topsoils, or limestone borders.

Natural Stone Disclaimer:
Natural stone varies in color, size, and texture. These variations are normal and part of what makes natural material unique. No two loads are identical.

What is Decomposed Granite?
Decomposed granite (DG) is a naturally occurring granite that has weathered into smaller, gravel-like particles. It is popular for its natural look, permeability, and ability to form a stable, firm walking surface once compacted.

What is the difference between crushed granite and decomposed granite?
Crushed granite is physically broken by machinery into sharp, uniform, angular pieces and is typically sold in specific sizes (like 3/8" or 3/4"). Decomposed granite is naturally weathered, containing a wider range of particle sizes—from small stone chips down to fine dust—which allows it to pack and bond together firmly, whereas standard crushed granite often stays loose.

What does 1/2" minus mean?
The term "1/2" minus" describes the particle size distribution of the material. It means the largest particles in the mix are 1/2 inch, and all of the material smaller than that (the "fines" or dust) is included. This blend of large and small particles is exactly what allows the material to compact into a stable, solid surface.

Can I order bulk decomposed granite along with mulch or limestone borders for the same delivery?
 Yes! Yards Direct makes it easy to bundle your landscape materials online. You can place your order for decomposed granite on this page and add our shredded hardwood mulches, pre-blended soils, or limestone borders to your cart for a single, coordinated delivery straight to your property.