1. Average Costs
- Natural DG: $60 per ton
- Stabilized DG: $185 per ton
- Resin-Bonded DG: $225 per ton
Project Cost Examples
| Project | Materials Only | Materials + Installation |
|-----------------|--------------------|------------------------------|
| Patio (10'x10')| $20 | $130 |
| Walkway (4'x50')| $50 | $300 |
| Driveway (20'x24')| $230 | $1,425 |
2. Factors Influencing Costs
Particle Size
- Smaller particles cost less than larger pieces.
Example: $60/ton for 3/8-inch red, blue, or gray DG.
Type
| Type | Cost (Per Ton) | Best Uses |
|-----------------------|---------------------------|----------------------------------------------|
| Natural DG | $60 | Mulch, garden beds, general landscaping. |
| Stabilized DG | $185 | Walkways, patios, areas needing durability. |
| Resin-Bonded DG | $225 | Driveways, slopes, high-traffic areas. |
Quality
- Lower-Quality DG: Susceptible to erosion, requires frequent replacement.
- Stabilized DG: Long-lasting, less maintenance.
Delivery
- $50–$75 per load, depending on distance and volume.
Labor
- $70–$80 per hour for professional installation.
- Some contractors may offer flat rates for projects.
Site Prep
- Grading and Leveling: $1,500–$2,000 for driveway-sized areas.
- Tree/Brush Removal: $200–$500, depending on the number of trees.
3. Depth Requirements by Project
| Project | Depth | Notes |
|---------------|---------------------|------------------------------------------------|
| Patio | 2.5 inches | Supports furniture and light foot traffic. |
| Walkway | 3 inches | Withstands heavy foot traffic. |
| Driveway | 6 inches | Supports vehicle weight and reduces shifting. |
4. DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
DIY Installation
- Savings: Avoids $70–$80/hour labor costs.
- Tool Rentals: Compactor costs ~$100/day.
- Challenges: Time-intensive, requires precise leveling and compacting.
Hiring a Pro
- Advantages: Faster installation, long-lasting results.
- Ideal for: Driveways, slopes, or large projects requiring expertise.
5. Money-Saving Tips
- Choose Local Granite: Opt for colors available locally to avoid high transportation costs.
- Bundle Orders: Order all DG at once to save on delivery fees.
- Pre-Prep the Area: Clear the site of trees, bushes, and debris yourself to reduce labor hours.
6. Key Benefits of DG
- Aesthetic Versatility: Available in various natural colors.
- Cost-Effective: Lower than many landscaping materials like gravel.
- Low Maintenance: Durable and easy to maintain when stabilized.
Decomposed granite offers a durable, attractive, and budget-friendly option for landscaping projects of all sizes. With proper preparation and installation, it can enhance your outdoor space for years to come!
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