Why Houston Homeowners Choose Decomposed Granite
Decomposed granite (DG) has become one of the most popular landscaping materials in the Houston area. This naturally weathered granite creates a beautiful, rustic surface that compacts firmly while still allowing water to permeate—perfect for our Texas clay soil and drainage challenges.
Our 1/4" minus decomposed granite features warm earth tones ranging from tan to gold, creating a natural aesthetic that complements both traditional and modern Texas landscapes.
Popular Uses in Houston
Pathways & Walkways
Creates firm, stable walking surfaces that blend naturally with your landscape and garden beds.
Patios & Seating Areas
Provides an affordable, attractive base for outdoor living spaces that drains well after Houston rains.
Xeriscaping
Ideal for low-water landscapes, reducing irrigation needs while creating a beautiful desert-inspired look.
Driveways
When compacted properly, creates a durable driving surface at a fraction of concrete costs.
Dog Runs
Drains quickly and doesn't hold odors like mulch. Easy to clean and comfortable for pets.
Commercial Properties
Low maintenance option for HOAs and businesses looking for attractive, durable ground cover.
Why Decomposed Granite Works in Houston
Excellent Drainage
Allows water to permeate through—critical for Houston's heavy rains and clay soil
Heat Resistant
Stays cooler than concrete in summer sun, comfortable for walking barefoot
Weed Suppression
When properly installed with landscape fabric, minimizes weed growth
Cost Effective
Fraction of the cost of concrete or pavers with similar functionality
Decomposed Granite vs. Granite Base: Which Is Right?
| Feature | Decomposed Granite (1/4" Minus) | Granite Base |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Pathways, patios, xeriscaping | Driveways, foundation base, under pavers |
| Appearance | Finer texture, decorative finish | Coarser, utilitarian look |
| Compaction | Compacts well, slightly loose surface | Compacts very firm and stable |
| Drainage | Excellent permeability | Good drainage when compacted |
| Comfortable Walking | Yes - smooth underfoot | Rougher texture |
| Price | $85.00/cubic yard | $91.00/cubic yard |
How Much Decomposed Granite Do You Need?
For pathways and patios, we recommend 2-3 inches of depth. For driveways, use 4 inches. Here's a quick guide:
| Area Size | At 3" Depth | Approximate Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 100 sq ft (10×10) | ~1 cubic yard | ~1.4 tons |
| 200 sq ft | ~2 cubic yards | ~2.8 tons |
| 500 sq ft | ~5 cubic yards | ~7 tons |
| 1,000 sq ft | ~10 cubic yards | ~14 tons |
Pro Tip: Our material calculator does the math for you. Just enter your project dimensions and we'll tell you exactly how much to order.
Installation Tips for Houston
Best Practices
For the best results with decomposed granite in Houston:
- Use landscape fabric: Install weed barrier underneath to prevent weeds from growing through
- Add edging: Steel or aluminum edging keeps DG contained and looking crisp
Consider adding a stabilizer to decomposed granite for high-traffic areas—it binds the material together while still allowing drainage.
Installation Steps
- Excavate the area to desired depth plus 1 inch for compaction
- Install landscape fabric over compacted subgrade
- Add edging around perimeter
- Spread decomposed granite evenly, 3 inches deep
- Compact with a plate compactor or hand tamper, wetting as needed