Decomposed Granite vs Recycled Asphalt: Size, Cost, and Which to Use
Decomposed Granite runs about $25 per ton and Recycled Asphalt about $15 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 $25 to $45 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.
Recycled asphalt is made from reclaimed asphalt pavement that has been crushed and screened. When compacted, it hardens over time as residual asphalt binder reactivates, creating a durable and cost-effective driving surface.
Common Uses
Decomposed Granite
- ✓ Walkways
- ✓ Patios
- ✓ Landscaping
- ✓ Driveways
- ✓ Dog runs
- ✓ Bocce courts
Recycled Asphalt
- ✓ Driveways
- ✓ Parking areas
- ✓ Rural roads
- ✓ Access roads
Pros & Cons
Decomposed Granite
- + Natural gold and tan look that fits Western landscapes
- + Compacts into a firm, walkable surface
- + Cheap at $25 to $45 per ton loose
- + 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
Recycled Asphalt
- + Very affordable
- + Compacts into a hard surface
- + Less dust than gravel
- + Reuses existing materials
- − Can soften in extreme heat
- − Dark color absorbs heat
- − Limited availability in some regions
Cost Comparison
| Measure | Decomposed Granite | Recycled Asphalt |
|---|---|---|
| Per ton | $25 – $45 | $15 – $30 |
| Per cubic yard | $30 – $50 | $20 – $45 |
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.
Recycled Asphalt
Crushed asphalt pieces typically under 1 inch. Black or dark gray in color.
Published February 11, 2026
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