Decomposed Granite vs Gravel Driveways

Decomposed Granite vs Gravel Driveways: The Complete Homeowner’s Guide

Choosing the right surface for a new driveway can feel like balancing a checkbook while blindfolded. You want something affordable, durable, and easy on the eyes—yet every material claims to tick all three boxes. Two of the most popular budget-friendly options are decomposed granite (DG) and gravel. Both install quickly, drain well, and cost a fraction of asphalt or concrete. But once you dig deeper, the differences start to matter: How much dust will coat your car? Will weeds pop through next spring? Does one choice raise resale value more than the other?

In this guide we’ll compare decomposed granite vs gravel driveways side-by-side, covering cost, upkeep, climate performance, and curb appeal. By the end you’ll know which surface fits your property, budget, and lifestyle—before the first shovel hits the ground.

What Exactly Are Decomposed Granite and Gravel?

Decomposed Granite (DG) Explained

Decomposed granite is granite rock that has weathered into pieces about 3/8-inch and smaller. Fines—super-fine particles—fill the gaps, creating a dense, semi-solid surface when compacted. Colors range from tawny gold to steel gray, depending on the parent stone. Stabilized DG includes an added binder (organic or liquid polymer) that locks the fines in place, reducing dust and erosion.

Gravel Driveways 101

“Gravel” is a catch-all term for crushed stone or naturally rounded river rock between 1/4-inch and 2 inches. Most driveways use three layers: a baseball-size base rock, a middle layer of 1–1½-inch crushed stone, and a ½- to ¾-inch top dressing for smoothness. Popular top-layer choices are pea gravel (rounded, colorful), crushed limestone (angular, locks well), and recycled concrete (budget green option).

Up-Front Cost Comparison

Material Prices (2024 National Averages)

• Decomposed granite: $45–$75 per ton; stabilized DG $75–$100 per ton.
• Crushed stone/gravel: $30–$55 per ton; pea gravel $40–$65 per ton.

A 12-ft × 25-ft driveway (300 sq ft) two inches thick needs roughly 3 tons of DG or 3.5 tons of gravel. Material-only, that’s $135–$300 for DG and $105–$230 for gravel.

Installation Labor

Both materials follow the same basic steps: excavate 4–6 inches, lay geotextile fabric, add and compact base, then top course. Expect $4–$7 per sq ft for professional install of either material if the base is sound. Stabilized DG may add $1 per sq ft for the extra binder application.

Total Project Cost (300 sq ft Example)

• DG driveway: $1,350–$2,100
• Gravel driveway: $1,200–$1,800

Difference: roughly $150–$300 more for DG—about the cost of one night in a nice hotel. Over ten years that gap shrinks to pennies a day.

Durability & Maintenance

Rutting & Migration

Unstabilized DG can scour under fast tires or heavy trucks, creating bald spots you’ll need to rake back into place every few months. Stabilized DG resists movement for 5–8 years before refresh coats. Angular gravel interlocks better than rounded pea gravel, so choose crushed limestone or granite if you haul trailers or RVs.

Dust Control

DG fines love to hitch a ride on your shoes and car tires. A quality stabilizer cuts dust by 80 % but adds cost. Gravel’s larger particles stay put, though the top ½-inch will scatter. A simple border or brick edging reduces fly-rock by 50 %.

Weeds & Pests

Both surfaces breathe, so weed seeds can germinate. A geotextile underlayment plus 2-inch layer depth keeps 90 % of weeds away. Spray emergers with white vinegar or spot-treat twice a year. Gravel’s air gaps also invite ants; DG’s tighter pack is less critter-friendly.

Resurfacing Schedule

• Unstabilized DG: top-dress every 2–3 years ($150 for 300 sq ft).
• Stabilized DG: refresh every 5–7 years ($250).
• Gravel: add ½-inch top course every 4–5 years ($100).

Climate & Drainage Performance

Rainy or Humid Regions

DG sheds water well when compacted, but torrential cloudbursts can carve gullies. Grade the driveway 2 % slope to the street and install a French drain along the uphill edge if you get 40-plus inches of rain yearly. Gravel’s larger voids gulp water, making it the safer bet in hurricane alley.

Freeze-Thaw Zones

Water trapped in DG can expand, loosening the surface. Use stabilized DG with a vapor-permeable binder rated for 100 freeze cycles. Gravel isn’t fazed by ice; just keep a plastic shovel handy—metal blades can flick stones into the lawn.

Hot, Dry Climates

DG’s natural hues stay cool under bare feet, a bonus in Arizona or California. Gravel can radiate heat, but lighter limestone blends deflect some rays. Either way, a stabilizing resin on DG prevents the “Pompeii dust cloud” every time the Santa Ana winds blow.

Curb Appeal & Design Options

Color Palette

DG leans desert chic—gold, rose, or charcoal—melding with Craftsman, Mediterranean, or mid-century homes. Gravel offers broader color play: snow-white marble, river-brown basalt, even turquoise glass blends for modern xeriscapes.

Texture & Sound

DG packs down to a faux-concrete finish; you can even stencil brick or flagstone patterns before final compaction. Gravel crunches under tires, delivering that classic “country estate” soundtrack some homeowners love and others hate.

Borders & Accents

Pair DG with steel edging for crisp lines, or inset railroad ties for rustic charm. Gravel looks sharp framed by concrete pavers or brick soldiers, preventing stones from wandering into grass.

Pro Installation Tips for Both Surfaces

Step 1: Soil Prep

Remove topsoil and organic matter to a depth of 6 inches. Run a plate compactor until footprints disappear. Lay woven geotextile fabric, not cheap plastic, to block weeds yet let water escape.

Step 2: Base Layer

Bring in 4-inch minus crushed rock (¾-inch to 4-inch mix) and compact in 2-inch lifts. Aim for a finished base 2 inches below final grade so your surface material sits flush with the sidewalk.

Step 3: Surface Course

• DG: Moisten lightly, spread 1½ inches, compact twice—once in each direction. If using stabilized DG, mix binder per manufacturer (usually 10–12 lbs per ton), then compact.
• Gravel: Spread top course ½-inch higher than desired; the first few car passes will settle it. Rake high spots into low ones within the first week.

Step 4: Edge Restraint & Maintenance Plan

Install edging within 24 hours while material is still loose. Schedule quarterly walk-throughs: refill dips, spray weeds, and regrade drainage channels before small issues snowball.

Decision Checklist: Which Should You Choose?

Answer the questions below; tally the column that wins most rounds.

• Do you drive heavy trucks or an RV? → Gravel
• Is dust a major concern near windows or a pool? → Stabilized DG
• Do you love barefoot, smooth texture? → DG
• Do you get 50+ inches of rain or frequent freeze-thaw? → Gravel
• Want the lowest 10-year cost? → Tie (within $100)
• Need the “designer” look to match upscale landscaping? → DG

Mostly DG? Go stabilized for best results. Mostly gravel? Choose angular crushed stone over pea gravel for stability.

Frequently Asked Questions