Decomposed Granite Cost Calculator

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E-E-A-T Review: This calculator logic was reviewed by David Chen, Professional Landscape Architect.

Estimate the total project cost for installing decomposed granite (DG) for patios, pathways, or driveways, including both material and labor expenses.

Decomposed Granite Cost Calculator

Estimated Total Project Cost:

$0.00
Calculation Breakdown:

Decomposed Granite Cost Calculator Formula

$$ V_{cy} = \frac{L \times W \times D}{12 \times 27} \\ MC = V_{cy} \times P_{cy} \\ TC = MC + LC $$

Where:

  • $V_{cy}$: Volume in Cubic Yards
  • $L$: Project Length in feet
  • $W$: Project Width in feet
  • $D$: Depth/Thickness in inches
  • $MC$: Material Cost
  • $P_{cy}$: Price per Cubic Yard
  • $TC$: Total Cost
  • $LC$: Labor Cost

Formula Source: Home Depot, Hunker

Variables Explained

  • Project Length & Width (Feet): The linear dimensions of the area you intend to cover with decomposed granite. Used to find the total square footage.
  • DG Depth/Thickness (Inches): The typical depth for a DG pathway is 2 to 4 inches. This determines the total volume of material needed.
  • DG Price per Cubic Yard ($): The cost of the material itself. DG is usually sold by the cubic yard (CY) or ton.
  • Total Estimated Labor Cost ($): The cost charged by contractors for preparation, delivery, and installation. Enter 0 if you plan to do the work yourself (DIY).

What is Decomposed Granite (DG) Cost?

Decomposed granite (DG) is a versatile and affordable material used in landscaping, known for its natural, rustic appearance. The total cost is determined by two main factors: the material volume needed (driven by the project size and depth) and the labor required for preparation and installation.

Material costs can fluctuate based on the type of DG (e.g., stabilized vs. non-stabilized), color, and whether it’s purchased in bulk (cubic yards) or in bags. The calculator simplifies this by taking the bulk price per cubic yard and adding a flat labor fee for a comprehensive project estimate.

How to Calculate DG Project Cost (Example)

  1. Determine Area and Depth: A pathway is 50 feet long and 3 feet wide, with a desired depth of 4 inches.
  2. Calculate Volume in Cubic Feet: $(50 \text{ ft} \times 3 \text{ ft}) \times (4 \text{ in} / 12) = 150 \text{ sq ft} \times 0.333 \text{ ft} \approx 50 \text{ cubic feet}$.
  3. Convert to Cubic Yards: $50 \text{ cubic feet} / 27 \approx 1.85 \text{ cubic yards}$.
  4. Calculate Material Cost: If DG costs $60 per cubic yard, the material cost is $1.85 \times \$60 = \$111.00$.
  5. Determine Total Cost: If the estimated labor cost is $\$500$, the total project cost is $\$111.00 + \$500 = \$611.00$.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How much decomposed granite do I need for a 3-inch depth?
A: The volume depends on the area. For a 3-inch depth, you need approximately 1 cubic yard of DG for every 108 square feet of area.

Q: Is stabilized DG more expensive than regular DG?
A: Yes, stabilized DG (which uses a binding agent) is typically more expensive than standard DG, but it offers better dust control and erosion resistance.

Q: What is the typical DG installation labor cost?
A: Labor costs vary widely based on location and site preparation complexity, but generally range from $5 to $15 per square foot, or $300 to $600 per day.

Q: How does this calculator handle different units?
A: The calculator uses feet for length/width and inches for depth, automatically converting the volume to cubic yards for compatibility with standard bulk material pricing.

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