Dubbed America's first "Notable Pedestrian" in the 19th century, Edward Payson Weston popularized the activity of walking—and declared after 50 years of criss-crossing the country that the surface that feels finest underfoot is humble decomposed granite. "The best that I have walked upon," he wrote in a travel journal. He should know.
What Weston didn't mention was that decomposed granite also is one of the best-looking surfaces. Here are nine ways to add style—and low-cost luxury—to a landscape with decomposed granite:
Dress Up a Driveway
Above: A ribbon driveway in Belgium has stone-paved parking strips bordered by decomposed granite. Photograph via Vlassak Verhulst. For more, see Hardscaping 101: Ribbon Driveways.
Decomposed granite (or DG, as it's nicknamed) is a fine gravel formed from the weathering of igneous rocks such as feldspar, quartz, and mica. To earn the DG label, gravel has to have small particles (typically no bigger than 3/8 inch).
Decomposed granite is a low-cost alternative to stone, brick, or tile. For a large hardscape project such as a driveway, decomposed granite is also a low-profile material that blends well with other materials. It's a natural-looking surface that quietly recedes into the background, ceding attention to more dramatic landscape elements such as stone or turf.
Widen a Walkway
Above: Designer Jenni Kayne frames a garden path with decomposed granite. Photograph via C Magazine.
Decomposed granite is a low-cost material—from $40 to $50 per cubic yard is the typical price range—and can be used as a border for a more expensive paving material. Its soft, natural coloring visually widens a space without competing with other hardscape elements.
Replace a Lawn
Above: In Malibu, CA a decomposed granite "lawn" replaces turf grass, complementing the colors of the cedar entry gate and the stucco privacy wall. Photograph via Fiore Landscape Design.
Decomposed granite is a permeable surface that will prevent rainwater runoff and (unlike grass) requires no water, making it an eco-friendly choice.
Choose a Complementary Color
Above: A few different colors and sizes of decomposed granite. For more, see Hardscaping 101: Decomposed Granite.
Decomposed granite is a local product and its color range typically mimics that of nearby landscape rocks. The range of colors varies from buff to brown, and also includes shades of gray, black, red, and green.
The variety makes decomposed a versatile hardscape material; choose a color to match or complement other stone or brick hardscape materials.
Pave a Patio
Above: Landscape architect Christine Ten Eyck designed a decomposed granite surface for The Thunderbird hotel in Marfa, TX.
Notable pedestrian Edward Payson Watson was by no means the last person to notice how soft and forgiving decomposed granite feels underfoot. It's an inviting surface underfoot.
Define a Dining Spot
Above: Photograph via A+B Kasha.
Use decomposed granite as you would an area rug, to define the perimeter of an outdoor room or seating area.
Control Weeds
Above: LA-based garden designer Lauri Kranz creates a weed-free perimeter of decomposed granite in the vegetable garden. Photograph via C Magazine.
Like mulch, decomposed granite deters weed. It last longer than mulch (which breaks down in a season or two) and is a stable surface that won't wear away.
Flameproof a Fire Pit
Above: SF-based Arterra Landscape Architects created a spark-resistant setting for a backyard fire pit in Woodside, CA.
Create a safety perimeter free of combustible materials with a surface of decomposed granite.
Blur Boundaries
Above: Photograph via June Scott.
Decomposed granite is a soft material that will blend in with the borders of planting beds. Because the gravel particles are small, edging material can be flush to the ground.
For more on paths and garden design, see:
- Hardscaping 101: Decomposed Granite.
- Design Guide for Paths and Pavers.
- Hardscaping 101: Pea Gravel.
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