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One of the best things about a decomposed granite patio is that it’s DIY-friendly! It is an affordable and simple hardscape option that homeowners can explore. Pavers are cheap but durable materials usually installed for walkways, driveways, and patios. One downside to selecting the resin option is that the drainage is nowhere near as good as loose or stabilized decomposed granite. This quality gives it a longer life span and requires less maintenance. Many landscaping companies will deliver decomposed granite with a stabilizer already mixed in.
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Loose Decomposed Granite - Loose DG, the least expensive type, is simply the granite aggregates, without any additives. Uses for loose DG include landscape mulching, garden paths, patios, play areas and sports courts. Since it is not a solid surface, loose DG provides excellent drainage. Once compacted, a patio or walkway covered with lose DG will be fairly hard. However, loose DG is easily affected by erosion and will need to be filled in often. Avoid laying loose DG near your house because it is easy to track inside, which can be quite messy and may damage hardwood flooring.
Xeriscape Gardens
Common choices include stone, pavers, treated lumber, corten steel and aluminum. For softer distinctions, trim edges with naturally erosion-resistant plants like sedums, thyme or creeping phlox. Unlike grass or mulch that requires frequent care, DG offers a fuss-free, environmentally friendly ground cover.
Popular Decomposed Granite Projects
Weed barriers, retaining walls and erosion control promote landscape longevity. Hopefully by now you already know what type of edging you’ll be using. We commonly use redwood bender board for DG patios, since it is unobtrusive, easy to use with many different patio styles, and holds up well over time. Spending time outdoors can be refreshing and yes, even when the wind is cold and the winter nights are coming. A decomposed granite and paver patio is aesthetically pleasing in an outdoor space. They come in a variety of textures, shapes, and colors, so you have many options to choose from.
This also makes decomposed granite an incredible hardscaping material. Utilize DG to create terraced gardens on slopes or uneven terrain. Retaining walls made from stone or wood can divide the space into leveled sections filled with decomposed granite.
Natural Decomposed Granite
If you choose a resin-coated DG material though, this cost will be higher since the material has a surface like asphalt. In xeriscape gardens, DG serves as ground cover or mulch, preventing weed growth while providing proper drainage. Use different DG colors to create attractive designs, adding visual interest to your garden beds and pathways. DG mulch lasts for several seasons, making it a durable and cost-effective choice. Homeowners want to spend time with their family and friends, not mowing the lawn or weeding.
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Wandering gravel pathways feel pleasant underfoot versus harsh concrete. Encourage meandering through garden beds by incorporating organically shaped flagstone stepping stones. Repeat circular patio motifs echoed by tiered container plantings. Line gathering areas with low stone walls, preventing material creep. Site analysis informs ideal rock sizes, border choices and necessary base preparations. Pea gravel suits patios while larger stones stabilize heavily used walkways or inclined routes.
Use a decomposed granite that has stabilizer pre-mixed into the material. When putting together all the design elements for a landscape, you must consider every aspect. For example, you should pay attention to textures in the landscape, colors, plants, trees, and use of space. Decomposed granite is an all-natural material used to design pathways in a landscape. Decomposed granite consists of tiny bits of rock gathered up into one large heap and act as a functional alternative to dirt.
Additionally, install DG circles or pathways with seating areas to create cozy, conversation-friendly spots. Add elements like large stones, raked patterns, and minimalistic plantings to evoke a sense of balance and harmony, perfect for meditation and relaxation. Decomposed Granite is a type of naturally occurring, weathered rock that breaks down into finer granules over time. It's typically composed of small granite pieces that are 3/8 inches or smaller and resembles a combination of gravel and sand.
Regularly sweep or rake the surface to remove leaves and debris. Periodically add more decomposed granite as needed to fill in any depressions. If it becomes compacted or loses its texture, you can loosen it up by raking or adding water.
When used as a landscape product, it is typically compacted to produce a hard, stable surface. The material itself is relatively inexpensive, and the labor required to build a walkway or patio from DG is often simple and fast. This makes it a great alternative to more costly hardscape options such as concrete or pavers. Building a decomposed granite patio will set you back $40 to $60 per cubic yard for its raw product materials alone.
Compared to loose decomposed granite, stabilized decomposed granite is more expensive, but it’s still less expensive than decorative concrete and natural stone. In a xeriscaped garden, DG can be used as a ground covering the same way you would use gravel, sand, or crushed rock. Using DG for patios is also great because the material drains well and prevents weeds from breaking through. You can also use different colors to create a checkerboard – or any – design. Decomposed granite, or DG for short, is a highly versatile landscape rock that is available in many colors.
Traditionally, DG has been one of the least expensive pathway materials. In addition to having the right price, it can be used on hilly paths with less erosion potential than other landscape rock products. Follow these tips for correctly and effectively installing decomposed granite in your landscape.
Decomposed granite is an attractive, affordable way to pave your patio, walkway, or driveway. It comes in shades of tan, brown, and gray, offering a soft yet rustic ground cover. You can also use decomposed granite as if it were an outdoor area rug in entertainment areas. Homeowners and business owners can even have two colors mixed, such as green and white, in order to create dynamic colors that are unique for their exterior.
There are many options out there for binding agents to mix with Decomposed Granite. We use an organic pyllium based binder which is preblended with the D.G. Once it has been wet and compacted, it creates less dust in dry conditions and less mud in wet conditions than the non-stabilized form.
