Decomposed Granite vs Lava Rock: Size, Cost, and Which to Use

Decomposed Granite

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.

Lava Rock

Lava rock is a lightweight, porous volcanic stone commonly used in landscaping. Its rough texture helps retain moisture while allowing airflow to plant roots.

Decomposed Granite

• ✓ Walkways
• ✓ Patios
• ✓ Landscaping
• ✓ Driveways
• ✓ Dog runs
• ✓ Bocce courts

Lava Rock

• ✓ Landscaping
• ✓ Garden beds
• ✓ Decorative ground cover

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

Lava Rock

• + Very lightweight
• + Excellent moisture retention
• + Decorative appearance

• − Breaks down over time
• − Sharp edges
• − Can scatter easily

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.

Lava Rock

Typically 3/4"–1.5" sizes. Red or black.