How Much Does Decomposed Granite Cost? [2026 Data]

In 2026, the national average cost for decomposed granite is $60. Most homeowners pay between $40 and $80, with the spread driven by particle size, granite quality, and whether stabilizers or resin are added. Natural decomposed granite sits at the lower end, while stabilized or resin-blended options push costs higher.

Decomposed Granite Cost Factors: What Affects the Price?

Several factors affect how much you'll pay for decomposed granite (often abbreviated as DG), from the type and quality of material to delivery distance and site conditions.

Size of Project

Decomposed granite materials average $40 to $255 per cubic yard, not including installation or delivery, and your total material cost scales directly with the size of your project. Costs vary by square footage, as shown in the breakdown below.

Type

Decomposed granite comes in three types, with natural DG being the least expensive at $60 per ton and the least stable option, making it a poor fit for areas prone to heavy rainfall, runoff, or strong winds. DG treated with stabilizer offers greater longevity at $185 per ton, while DG with resin is the most durable choice at $225 per ton, holding up even in extreme weather conditions. Costs vary by type, as shown in the breakdown below.

Quality

Unstabilized decomposed granite contains no binders or additives, leaving it vulnerable to storm runoff, wind, and impact erosion, and while it costs roughly half as much as stabilized DG upfront, erosion-related replacements over time can make it the more expensive choice. Lower-quality DG also tends to cling to shoes and track indoors, where it can scratch wood flooring. Choosing a stabilized DG delivers better long-term stability and lower overall maintenance costs.

Color

Decomposed granite is available in a wide range of colors sourced from quarries across different regions. Colors available from nearby quarries cost less, while rare shades, custom blends, or colors requiring long-distance transport will add to your material cost. 

Delivery

Because decomposed granite is extremely heavy, with one cubic yard weighing well over a ton, most homeowners need professional delivery from the quarry or hardscape supply store. Delivery typically costs $50 to $75 per load, with the final price depending on the quantity ordered and the distance the driver must travel.

Labor

Professional decomposed granite installation runs $70 to $80 per hour, though most local hardscape contractors quote a flat rate based on the full scope of your project rather than billing hourly. For complete projects, labor typically falls between $350 and $800, though totals can extend well beyond that range in either direction depending on your specific job. For a full picture of what to budget, review overall landscaping costs alongside your installation quote.

Site Prep

Site preparation is a separate cost to factor in alongside labor, and the cost to clear land can add up quickly if your installation area is overgrown or uneven. Leveling and grading uneven terrain for a standard 10-by-50-foot driveway runs $1,500 to $2,000, and tree removal adds $200 to $2,000 per tree on top of that.

Project Type

One ton of decomposed granite costs around $60 and covers approximately 64 square feet at 3 inches deep, though some projects require greater depth. Costs vary significantly by project, as shown in the breakdown below:

Location

Where you live affects your decomposed granite costs in two ways: greater distance from the source quarry raises material prices, and hard-to-access project sites can add a premium to delivery fees.

Decomposed Granite Additional Costs: What Should You Budget For?

Pairing your decomposed granite project with complementary upgrades can increase your home's value and make your outdoor space more functional and enjoyable. Consider these add-on services when planning your overall budget.

• Cost to mulch garden beds: $100 to $800

• Cost to install an outdoor pond: $1,200 to $5,500

• Cost to install outdoor lighting: $2,000 to $6,000

• Cost to install a paver patio: $2,400 to $7,000

• Cost to install a retaining wall: $3,200 to $9,200

• Cost to level or grade land: $1,000 to $3,300

How to Save Money on Decomposed Granite Costs

Decomposed granite is a low-maintenance landscaping option, but it can still get quite expensive, especially for larger projects. Below are some ways you can save on costs.

1. Choose a Color That’s Abundant Locally

Decomposed granite is available in many different shades. Local quarries will often offer the best prices on locally sourced granite, as there are lower transportation costs. Choosing a shade that’s abundantly available locally will cost less than importing a color that may come from many miles away.

2. Buy All Your Decomposed Granite at the Same Time

As most quarries charge a flat rate for delivery based on your location, it makes the most financial sense to buy all the decomposed granite you’ll need for your various projects at the same time. When you do this, you’ll avoid having to pay multiple delivery fees for smaller loads. Make sure to take accurate measurements of your space before ordering to ensure you get the right amount for the coverage you need.

3. Prep Your Area Before Your Decomposed Granite Delivery

If you’re hiring a professional hardscaper for your decomposed granite, you can save a bit of money by taking on a bit of the labor yourself. Specifically, prepping your building site could be a job that requires no particular experience and no more equipment than what you already have in your shed. While grading and sloping land is a job best fit for the pros, you can consider doing other projects, like clearing bushes, cutting down small trees, and removing other obstacles.

Why You Should Hire a Decomposed Granite Installation Pro

Once you’ve bought your decomposed granite, we recommend hiring a local hardscape contractor to help you use it on your property. Most projects require hundreds or thousands of pounds of decomposed granite, which is backbreaking work to attempt yourself with a shovel and a wheelbarrow. Working with a professional saves you labor, time, and money, especially if you’d otherwise be renting heavy-duty equipment for the project.

Here’s why it’s ideal to hire a decomposed granite pro

Working with a professional to install your decomposed granite is a smart call for many reasons, such as:

• Save time on the installation process

• Avoid the risk of injury while transporting large loads of decomposed granite

• Ensure quality installation of the granite

• Boost home value with beautiful, long-lasting decomposed granite installation

• Ensure efficient use of your decomposed granite, saving money

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on 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. 

Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.