How do i install decomposed granite

This article has been viewed 27, times. Learn more Decomposed granite is a type of surfacing material made up of crushed rock. Since it is firm and water-resistant, it is often installed as a natural alternative to material like pavement.

A successful installation depends on excavating and flattening a well-drained spot. After surrounding the area with edging to hold the granite in place, fill in the hole and smooth out the material to create a level finish. The finished surface is great for gardens, driveways, patios, and many other projects. Log in Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers.

Please log in with your username or email to continue. No account yet? Create an account. Edit this Article. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. By using our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Cookie Settings. Learn why people trust wikiHow. Download Article Explore this Article parts. Tips and Warnings. Things You'll Need. Related Articles. Part 1. All rights reserved. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.

Choose a relatively flat area away from water drainage for protection. Decomposed granite can be washed away by flowing water, so choosing flat ground makes it last longer. Also, be aware of any utility lines that could be in the area and call your local utility company to mark their location so you don't accidentally damage them.

Rain will roll off the roof and onto the granite, ruining it. Outline the construction area using chalk or another tool. Mark the spot you plan on excavating for the installation. Doing this will help you plan out the work so the granite layer is consistent and even on all sides. The easiest way to create the outline is by using chalk spray paint. Make the outline as accurate as possible, taking time to measure the lines as needed to ensure they are the correct length for what you plan on building.

All of the tools you need for the installation, including chalk and granite, are available online and at most home improvement stores. Dig down at least 4 in 10 cm to create space for the granite. The exact depth will depend on the project, but a 4 in 10 cm layer of granite is enough for most areas that will receive heavy traffic.

Use shovels to remove soil from the excavation area. Decomposed granite , even when stabilized with a polymer additive, is still a crushed stone mix that is not impervious to water.

Water, especially in excess or for extended periods, will soften your path. You have managed this project with careful consideration to each phase. The underground work is done, subgrade and subbase layers are good to go. Install the decomposed granite directly over the subbase and grade into place using a grade rake , screed board , or hand tools for tighter areas.

Why, you ask? Because the ever important issue of stabilization has yet to be addressed. Nor do you want a DG bed in the floorboards of your car or truck. More is not always better, and this is definitely one of those instances. More DG costs more money, no need for a budget buster. Further, a thicker DG layer is like having a thicker sponge. Remember our water permeability section earlier? This means if your DG is at or below the level of your edge restraints , it will drop even lower.

What happens then? This is it, we have traveled the long road of preparation and we are now ready to finish our project. We are now going to send our DG pathway through a time portal and inject a modern innovation into the build process. G3 — Pathway Stabilizer is a water-based, liquid polymer formulation solely purposed to add cross-linking stability to a decomposed granite surface. Even better, this gem of an innovation is environmentally friendly.

How so? The easy to pour and ready-to-use liquid is safe around plants, shrubs, trees, animals, and pets. Stabilized DG holds up better than non-stabilized DG and can significantly reduce maintenance over the life cycle of a pathway.

Better yet, those pesky loose materials that are notoriously tracked all over are wrangled up and kept in place for a longer period of time. Divots, scuffs, or abnormal wear and tear can be fixed easily with some replacement DG and a topcoat maintenance application of G3 — Pathway Stabilizer.

As we veer into the application process for G3 — Pathway Stabilizer , take a peek at this short video demonstrating the process in a back yard. Just think how knowledgeable you will be when the neighbors stop by to see your new project. They will be in awe of your new found proficiency in natural pathway construction and maintenance.

Application is easy using a standard watering can with a shower head, just like the one you use to water the patio flower pots. To calculate how many gallons of G3 — Pathway you need, simply divide the total square footage commonly abbreviated as ft2, with a superscript 2 by Why are we dividing by 15?

Is that math making sense for you? But alas, this is not correct. It will make perfect sense if you break the process down into each single application. For those of you inquisitive minds who divided by 70, what answer did you arrive at?

If you said Since you already know how many square feet are covered with 1 gallon 20 first, then 50 second , simplify by mapping out a 20 square foot area and only fill your watering can with 1 gallon of liquid. Now you can monitor your own flow rate in real time as you move across the 20 ft2 area, which should empty the gallon of liquid. Of course, you can ramp these numbers up to cover more ground if you like.

The key is being consistent , not overly exacting. From a knowledge standpoint, you have just soaked in a copious amount of information and helpful tips. Do you feel like a Pro yet? What is the one thing a Pro has that a newcomer does not?

Like Luke Skywalker, you now understand the power of using The Force. Always consider the weather on a project, especially at the liquid polymer stage. Avoid super hot days degrees and up , super cold days 55 degrees and lower , and rainy days. Sounds like a lot of restrictions right? Not really, but it helps to think of it this way — would you paint your house in any of those conditions knowing their was risk of failure? Pour the G3 — Pathway Stabilizer liquid thoroughly and evenly over the prepped decomposed granite pathway.

Remember, this pour-in application is done pre-compaction. Allow the liquid to permeate into the DG , this is precisely where our cross-linking adventure starts. After minutes or when the surface appears moderately dry, fire up the vibratory plate compactor and circle over the surface in passes. Decomposed granite often referred to as DG is a type of gravel that consists of small particles of granite rock. When used as a landscape product, it is typically compacted to produce a hard, stable surface.

The material itself is relatively inexpensive, and the labor required to build a walkway or patio from DG is often simple and fast. This makes it a great alternative to more costly hardscape options such as concrete or pavers.

In addition to the cost savings, DG is long-lasting if done right , permeable to rainwater , and looks great. Read on to see what it takes to complete a project using decomposed granite…. Before you do anything, take some time to plan out your landscape. Where will the hardscapes be? How will they be shaped? What are the dimensions? What materials will you use for edging? These are just a few questions you should be asking yourself as you draw out a design and plan your decomposed granite patio.

Being diligent during this step will save you headaches down the road and ensure you get the best results. Using masons string, stakes, or even spray paint, mark out where the patio will be.

Use a steel garden rake or the back of a shovel to even out the layer. For small areas, you can use your hands, but wear gloves to protect your hands from the fine and rough material. Once the decomposed granite is level, use a hand roller compactor or hand tamper to finish the job. The compacted layer needs to be at least 4 to 6 inches thick to be structurally sound. Add additional layers until you achieve the right look and feel.

As a professional writer she has researched, interviewed sources and written about home improvement, interior design and related business trends.

She earned a B. Her full bio and clips can be viewed at www. Related Articles. Decomposed granite with stabilizers — When creating a pathway or small patio, the stabilized decomposed granite can be added and tamped down to soil or rough gravel material. Decomposed granite with resin — This type is often compared to asphalt but with a more permeable and natural look. It is easier to install and remove yet offers a solid surface for play areas, driveways or other surfaces that are often given a layer of asphalt.

Natural decomposed granite — This works best as a mulch replacement in garden beds or under a canopy of trees where plants and grasses may struggle to grow.