Decomposed Granite vs Washed Gravel: Size, Cost, and Which to Use
Decomposed Granite runs about $25 per ton and Washed Gravel about $25 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.
Washed gravel consists of crushed or rounded stone that has been mechanically washed to remove all fines and dust. Without fines, the stones do not compact, allowing water to flow freely between them. Washed gravel is commonly used where drainage is the primary concern.
Common Uses
Decomposed Granite
- ✓ Walkways
- ✓ Patios
- ✓ Landscaping
- ✓ Driveways
- ✓ Dog runs
- ✓ Bocce courts
Washed Gravel
- ✓ Drainage systems
- ✓ French drains
- ✓ Foundation backfill
- ✓ Septic systems
- ✓ Pipe bedding
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
Washed Gravel
- + Excellent drainage
- + No dust or mud
- + Does not retain water
- + Clean, uniform appearance
- − Does not compact
- − Can shift under load
- − Requires edging or containment
Cost Comparison
| Measure | Decomposed Granite | Washed Gravel |
|---|---|---|
| Per ton | $25 – $45 | $25 – $45 |
| Per cubic yard | $30 – $50 | $30 – $60 |
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.
Washed Gravel
Typically available in 3/4" (#57), 1"–2", or mixed clean stone sizes. Color varies by source material but is usually gray, tan, or off-white.
Published February 11, 2026
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