Decomposed granite patio is one of the most cost-effective methods to improve your yard’s appearance or create a more casual walkway. DG patio has become even more popular because of its soft texture and permeability. It is aesthetically pleasing, affordable, and durable. If you ever consider a DIY landscape project, decomposed granite patio is a wise choice.

Decomposed granite patio is relatively eco-friendly. It is porous and creates a hardscape that does not require water. After the granite has been installed, it will continue to weather, adding nutrients to the surrounding soil and vegetation. Its durability comes from the weathering and erosion of solid granite boulders. DG consists of minute granite fragments (three-eighths of an inch or smaller) and fine granite, which resembles gravel but is more stable and finer. It is available in various colors, including buff, brown, gold tones, rose, variants of pink, and steel blue.

It is no surprise that many constructors and homeowners are now considering decomposed granite as their go-to landscaping material. That is why we created this guide to help you understand the benefits of DG, the cost, and how to install your decomposed granite in simple steps.

Is Decomposed Granite Good For Patios?

Decomposed granite is a good option for outdoor patios; they provide a wonderful addition to your homes and contribute to the aesthetic of your business places. Depending on the type of decomposed granite installed, your DG patio can offer many admirable benefits. 

• Decomposed granite patios are inexpensive. Compared with other paving materials you can use on your patios, you will find that decomposed granite costs you less. Both installation and maintenance are less expensive. 
• They are highly absorbent, preventing water from sitting or creating puddles on your patios. 
• DG comes in different styles and patterns, leaving you with various options. Over thirty shades and colors to beautify your homes and business places. 
• Decomposed granite is easy to clean; it requires less time and energy to maintain and stay tidy. Also, with the basic equipment, your DG patios will remain durable for a long time. 

Decomposed Granite Patio Problems

Decomposed granite is a popular paving material. This paving material is suitable for outdoor landscaping. It has many benefits that make it desirable to homeowners. However, you should consider a few pitfalls before deciding on the right paving material for your patios. 

• Decomposed granite needs a regular refill: DG gets scattered and lost with regular use because of its nature. The challenge here is getting the exact color or pattern to add up to what you already have installed. 
• Depending on the type of DG patio you have installed, your patio might remain stable or muddy with heavy rainfall. A good example is loose DG. Loose decomposed granite tends to get muddy or erode when wet. DG is more suitable in areas with low rainfall. 
• Although decomposed granite is very porous and offers a good drainage system, it loses its ability to filter and automatically drain water when coated with resin. 
• Decomposed granite patios can grow weeds and moss. This will require that you frequently remove and maintain your patios. 

Decomposed granite vs. Crushed granite

DG and crushed granite are closely related. However, crushed granite is not crushed as finely as decomposed granite. While crushed granite may not be the best paving material for homeowners with certain disabilities or a family with toddlers, decomposed granite patios bring smoothness and stability that is safe for you and your children. Crushed granite still has its benefits and can be manipulated to create stable surfaces. Deciding between crushed granite or DG patios shouldn’t be that difficult. Decomposed granite has a more economical impact and requires less maintenance. On the other hand, crushed granite has definite sharp edges that require more maintenance. 

How to Build A Decomposed Granite Patio 

When decomposed granite is used as a landscape material, it’s compacted into a tough, stable surface material to fit your patios. Here is a simple guide to help you install your DG patios. 

Step One: Mark Out The Area

You can’t install any paving material without deciding the area you want to cover. String, spray paint, or stakes are good materials for marking your areas. 

Step Two:  Excavation 

Excavation can be the most fun part of DIYs or the worst. Whichever the case is, you can’t escape excavation if you decide to do your patios yourself. Using a shovel, dig out the topsoil as much as possible. Most times, you will need to decide the level of your patio. You will have to answer questions like: should your patio be on the same level as your surrounding or a little higher? Your answer to this question will determine how much topsoil should be removed. 

Step Three: It’s time to install edging.

Redwood bender boards, steel edging, or pavers are suitable edging materials for different decomposed granite patio styles. When installing your edging, ensure that you use the right level and ensure the elevation is accurate. 

Step Four: Install your DG 

Before getting to this step, you could determine the exact quantity of DG you will need to install on your patio. But if you haven’t, then there is no need to worry. A landscape material calculator will help you decide the amount of DG you need for your patio. Once you have calculated the quantity you need by entering the patio’s square footage and the DG’s depth, you can now spread the decomposed granite over the area. 

Lay down and compact your patio until it is evenly leveled to the required thickness. Wet each layer with a garden hose until it is moist and then use heavy equipment or a plate compactor to run it down. 

Once you have leveled a layer to your satisfaction, move on to the next layer and repeat the same process. When leveling, use a rake or broom to loosen up the surface. This will help you achieve a smooth and natural patio. 

Your decomposed granite patio is ready to be used! 

Decomposed Granite Patio Cost 

The initial cost of purchasing and installing decomposed granite on your patios is quite low. This is because decomposed granite is available and, to an extent, easy to produce. Also, the installation process doesn’t take up much time and energy. Unlike concrete and asphalt patios, decomposed granite patios take up less time. 

The price of DG will depend on several factors. This may include; color, size, quality, and whether it’s stabilized. Building a small patio can cost less than 20 dollars if you decide to do it yourself. DG patios will cost 40 to 50 dollars per cubic yard to purchase the material, and you can expect to pay between 70 to 80 dollars per hour for installation. 

Decomposed Granite Patio Ideas And Images 

1. Decomposed Granite Paths and Patios: decomposed granite can enhance their beauty and create a beautiful and relaxing pattern for paths and patios. 

2. Brown DG for patios: made from natural erosion of solid granite. It’s stable and durable with a natural feel.

3. Low-cost Decomposed Granite Patios: eco-friendly, durable patio covered with decomposed granite.

4. Colorful Decomposed Granite: DG comes in different colors and styles that can brighten your day. This fine DG is perfect for patios. 

5. Fine Decomposed Granite: decomposed granite is composed of fine rocks that have weathered. 

Decomposed Granite: Frequently Asked Questions

Does decomposed granite attract bugs?

Since DG patios are weathered rocks, it’s easy to assume they will attract bugs and insects to your homes. Well, DG is a hundred percent environmentally friendly and doesn’t decay. And since it does not decay, your decomposed granite patios won’t attract bugs. 

Is decomposed granite comfortable to walk on?

DG has been broken into fine and small particles of similar sizes. This material is stable and compacted down into the installed area, making it easy and comfortable to walk on. Decomposed granite is a powdery material with a relaxing feel and is much more attractive than other paging materials. 

What happens to decomposed granite when it rains?

Bad news. As mentioned earlier, decomposed granite is best suited for locations with low rainfall. So depending on where you leave and how heavy the pour is. Your DG can be a total mess. Thankfully, decomposed granite is porous and provides a great draining system for water from sitting on the surface. But when the rain becomes heavy, it can create a mess and ruin the entire area. 

Decomposed granite may also be a poor choice because of its ability to erode, get muddy, or grow weeds. If you live in an environment with heavy rainfall, you should consider a more suitable paving material for your patios, walkway, or driveways. 

Conclusion 

DG is a great choice for your patios, but you must consider all the factors that can affect or ruin your DG patio before jumping on it. Decomposed granite, when installed properly, can successfully be used to pave any outdoor surface and will remain there for a long period.

Anyone who’s ever dealt with a flood knows the value of proper drainage. Whether from a downpour, a burst pipe, or another type of flood, drainage will eventually be an issue. When it comes to your patio, a fully functioning drainage system will keep the water where it should be and protect your home’s foundation from water damage. 

Patio drainage options are the choices you make about the direction of stormwater and runoff on your property. Improper drainage can leave standing water on your patio and cause long-term damage. Avoid future damage and maximize the use of your outdoor space by including a patio drainage system in your construction plans.

Read on to learn:

• Why does your patio need a drainage system?
• What are the main patio drainage options?
• Common patio drainage problems and solutions
• 10 Patio Drainage Ideas
• Popular patio drains and drainage products

Why does your patio need a drainage system?

Whether you have an existing patio with standing water after a storm or you’re planning to construct the patio of your dreams, proper drainage should be a priority. If you wanted standing water on your patio, you’d have built a pool. 

Ensure the health and longevity of your patio and home by installing and maintaining a proper drainage system. Your foundation benefits from the protection, and your wallet is spared expensive repair costs to fix avoidable damage. When you question whether your plan is sufficient, consult the experts. 

Further Reading – Tips for Hiring a Local Paving Company 

what	Consequences of Poor Patio Drainage
Erosion	Without a system to keep water in the right place, it can erode the soil under your patio. If too much soil washes away, your patio may become unstable and dangerous to use.
Water Damage	Poor drainage allows water to seep into your foundation, crawlspace, or basement, creating the potential for water damage. A damaged foundation puts your entire home at risk.
Insect Invasion	Standing water attracts insects, particularly mosquitos, which are enough to ruin any outdoor experience.
Mold	Poor drainage seeping water into basements or crawlspaces will create mold, leading to poor air quality and damage to structural elements. It also causes mildew, which could damage your pavers.
Drowned Plants	Plants need water, but too much will kill them. Poor drainage can cause root rot and plant death.

Further Reading – How to Clean Pavers – Tips for Cleaning Patio or Driveway

What are the main patio drainage options?

• Slope 

Why not use nature’s advantages when designing your outdoor space? If you set a proper slope and grade of at least a quarter-inch per linear foot, water should flow away from the areas you need to protect naturally without much more work on your part.

• French drain

If your patio site doesn’t have enough natural drainage, consider adding a French drain to channel the water where you want it. A French drain is a covered trench holding a perforated pipe and aggregate (gravel) to redirect water. 

A French drain is an excellent option if you’re concerned about the aesthetics of your patio. You can match the aggregate to the rest of your patio, and the drainage trench adds an attractive border to your outdoor area.

• Permeable pavers

For your patio, permeable pavers are another way to integrate drainage into your aesthetic design. Take advantage of the land’s natural water absorption for sustainable landscaping choices. You also have the option to use permeable grass pavers, which incorporate living plant material to help harvest and recycle rainwater while preserving green space. You can also include permeable pavers in French drains.

Further Reading – How Long Before You Can Drive on Pavers?

Common patio drainage problems and solutions

Further Reading – How to Drain Asphalt Driveway Puddles

Improper pitch

While a completely level surface for your patio sounds ideal; it’s actually a recipe for disaster. Runoff water has nowhere to go on a level surface, leaving you with standing water to cause water damage. Plan a gradual slope while designing your patio to avoid this problem before it starts. 

Clogged drain system

Especially with older patios, leaves and debris may clog an existing drainage system. Depending on the severity of the clog, the fix could be as simple as clearing a grate cover. 

Further Reading – Ultimate Guide to Storm Drain Repair – 8 Essential Elements

Badly placed downspouts and roof overhangs

Your patio is near your house, though not necessarily built simultaneously. If you don’t consider the placement of roof overhangs and downspouts when planning your patio drainage, you may face future problems. Simply reroute the water flow to the drainage system. 

Sinking pavers

Erosion is one of the problems you may face from improper drainage on your patio. Pull up the pavers in question and examine the base underneath. You should excavate down past the top layer of soil and lay a base of gravel or crushed stone to help control drainage and soil erosion. 

Further Reading – Alternative Driveway Materials – Considerations for Your Next Project

10 Patio drainage ideas

1. Dry creek bed xeriscaping

Direct stormwater away from your foundation with dry creek bed xeriscaping (landscaping requiring little or no irrigation). Using rocks of various sizes, build a channel for rainwater to move along, letting you control the course. As an added design element, you can add solar lights. 

Further Reading – Best 20 Driveway Lights – The Ultimate Buying Guide

2. Build a yard drain

If you’re already familiar with the parts of your lawn or patio prone to flooding, try installing a yard drain. A network of buried pipes will carry the water away from the drain. 

3. Install a rain barrel

Put the excess water collected by your downspouts to good use instead of wasting it. Place a rain barrel next to your downspout and use it later for your garden. Some states have made rainwater collection illegal, so please check the law before putting a rain barrel in your yard.

4. Build a French drain

A French drain offers a long-lasting drainage system that is not likely to clog when built properly. With a trench, perforated PVC pipe, and permeable aggregate like gravel, you can build an effective and attractive drainage system for your patio. 

5. Replace concrete with drainage materials

If your concrete or asphalt patio consistently holds standing water, consider replacing it with permeable pavers to distribute the water properly while still providing a usable space. 

Further Reading – Residential Asphalt Paving – Everything You Need to Know

6. Install a catch basin

If you notice water pooling frequently at the base of your gutter downspouts, consider adding a catch basin beneath them to protect your foundation. Collect the excess stormwater and allow it to flow into buried PVC pipes away from your home. 

Further Reading – How to Build A Concrete Catch Basin – 8 Steps to Follow

7. Build a dry well

If you have the potential for a large volume of stormwater, you might want to build a dry well as a failsafe for your patio drainage. A dry well is a large underground basin filled with rocks of various sizes. It collects large amounts of water and slowly distributes it to the surrounding soil. 

8. Use downspout extensions

If stormwater overtakes the ability of your downspouts, add extensions to divert the water flow further away from your foundation. Downspout extensions are one of the fastest, least expensive ways to boost your patio drainage. 

9. Add a channel drain

If your current drainage or slope sends water in the wrong direction, use a channel drain to divert the water to your chosen path. 

10. Use permeable pavers on paths as drainage

Add proper drainage to your patio or lawn with permeable pavers over a French drain. You will add attractive paths to your outdoor space while ensuring proper drainage protects your foundation.

Further Reading – Asphalt Water Guide – Prevent Your Asphalt from Water Damage

Popular patio drains and drainage products

• Paver size drain grate

This 6”x6” insert fits 3” and 4” drainpipes and is perfect for adding a drain to any drainage system. Reviewers gave overwhelmingly positive ratings, saying they liked the look and the ease of installation. The design also allows easy grate removal to clean and maintain your drain. 

• Easy trench drain channel with stamped steel grating

This easy 3-inch interlocking trench system is a popular choice for anyone wanting to add a channel drain to their yard or patio drainage system. The kit has five pieces, including two end caps and the bottom outlet adapter. Customers said it was easy to use and worked well. 

• Geo grid permeable base

The geogrid design is perfect for either sloped or flat land. The pockets allow you to choose loose aggregate or soil and grass seed. The recycled polyethylene grid virtually eliminates erosion and is an excellent choice for poor or unstable soil areas.

• Interlocking patio deck tiles

Ensure your patio works with your drainage system with these interlocking patio deck tiles. They allow water to drain underneath, and customers love how fast and easy it is to use them. The set contains nine 11.75”x11.75” tiles. 

• Catch basin drain kit

Why worry about designing a catch basin when you can use this ready-made option? Convenience meets function with this catch basin drain kit. Reviewers said it was easy to use and worked as expected. 

Conclusion

It’s important to know your patio drainage options and to pick one that suits your location. Proper patio drainage will help protect your home’s foundation and basement from water damage while giving you full use of your outdoor space. No matter what style you choose for your patio, there are drainage options to fit seamlessly with your design.