Decomposed Granite vs Jersey Shore Gravel: Size, Cost, and Which to Use
Decomposed Granite runs about $43 per ton and Jersey Shore Gravel about $60 per ton. Compare size, drainage, compaction, and which one to use.
Overview
Decomposed granite, or DG, is granite that weathered in the ground into a mix of sand, silt, and small chips, then was dug and screened to 1/4 or 3/8 inch minus. It costs $43 to $152 per ton in 2026, weighs 1.3 to 1.5 tons per cubic yard, and compacts into a firm, natural-looking path or patio surface in gold, tan, gray, or rose. It is the standard path material in California, Arizona, Texas, and most of the drought-tolerant West.
Jersey Shore gravel is a naturally rounded, multicolored stone originating from river deposits in the northeastern United States. Its smooth texture and varied coloration make it a popular decorative gravel.
Common Uses
Decomposed Granite
- ✓ Walkways
- ✓ Patios
- ✓ Landscaping
- ✓ Driveways
- ✓ Dog runs
- ✓ Bocce courts
Jersey Shore Gravel
- ✓ Landscaping
- ✓ Garden beds
- ✓ Decorative ground cover
- ✓ Walkways
Pros & Cons
Decomposed Granite
- + Natural gold and tan look that fits Western landscapes
- + Compacts into a firm, walkable surface
- + $43 to $152 per ton loose, cheap where granite is local
- + Permeable, counts as pervious surface in many codes
- + Easy to install with a plate compactor
- − Loose DG tracks into the house and erodes in rain
- − Stabilizer adds $10 to $30 per ton
- − Needs edging or it spreads
- − Poor in freeze-thaw climates
- − Muddy when saturated
Jersey Shore Gravel
- + Attractive multicolor appearance
- + Smooth texture
- + Low maintenance
- − Does not compact
- − Can shift under foot traffic
- − Higher cost than standard gravel
Cost Comparison
| Measure | Decomposed Granite | Jersey Shore Gravel |
|---|---|---|
| Per ton | $43 – $152 | $60 – $120 |
| Per cubic yard | $84 – $109 | $75 – $150 |
Sizes & Colors
Decomposed Granite
Decomposed granite is a mix of sand-sized particles and small granite chips, usually 1/4 inch minus, sometimes 3/8 inch minus. Colors run gold, tan, buff, gray, brown, and rose depending on the quarry. Gold and tan are the standard California and Arizona look. Sold loose, or stabilized with a binder that is mixed in dry or applied as a liquid.
Jersey Shore Gravel
Typically available in 3/8" to 1.5" sizes. Colors include tan, brown, gray, and red tones.
Published February 11, 2026
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