Why Decomposed Granite is a Smart Choice for Hardscape
Decomposed Granite (DG) is a great alternative for hardscape spaces in landscape design. We have used decomposed granite in a few of our outdoor spaces, proving to be a fantastic choice for various reasons. Today I am sharing thoughts on why it’s a smart choice to use decomposed granite for hardscape in your landscape design.
Have you ever endeavered in a landscape design project, which required hardscaping? Then you know it can quickly become a very labor intensive and expensive piece of the puzzle. There are many options to choose from, including tiles, concrete, pavers and more. We have found decomposed granite to be an ideal hardscape option.
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What is Decomposed Granite?
Decomposed granite, also known as DG, is formed from the natural weathering and erosion of natural rock. This rock or granite is tough, hard and igneous. In the landscape industry it’s known as granular stone surfacing material, and depending in which part of the country you are located in, it might be referred by different terms such as Rock Dust, Crusher Fines, Disintegrated Granite, and Chat
DG consists of particle size ranging from 3/8″ maximum down to very fine rock dust particles. This mixture of sizes allows for the correct blend of particles, each having a particular job. The large particles provide strength, while the medium sizes are space fillers, and the fines are the binders. DG comes in over 30 colors, which makes it very versatile from a design stand point. These 30 plus colors also have different shades, which are all from the natural rock. DG colors are all natural, never dyed. Plus you can also combine different colors to achieve a custom look.
Decomposed Granite is similar to gravel, however it contains more of the “fines” particles, which are the binders. This makes DG a more stable medium. It can be used simply for ground cover areas, pathways and trails, filler for hardscape joints, and even driveway material. When DG fails as a hardscape material, it is simply because it is used in a wrong application.
Why is Decomposed Granite (DG) a smart choice for hardscape?
Decomposed granite has become a popular hardscape material for a complexity of reasons. It’s natural, permeable, aesthetically versatile, and wonderfully inexpensive. DG can evoke a Mediterranean feel in a sitting courtyard or give cottage vibes in a quaint walkway plus it can even have a contemporary feel with linear designs. Whatever your design aesthetic might be, it can work into your style.
Benefits of DG
- Attractive natural appearance
- Aesthetically versatile
- Provides good drainage
- Inexpensive
- Low maintenance
Our Outdoor Spaces with Decomposed Granite
We use DG in four main outdoor spaces in our home, and we will probably add more as we continue to improve our landscape design. It has proven to be a fabulous option. We love the look, which provides provincial vibes, plus it’s easy to work with as the benefits above pointed out.
Vegetable Garden
Our vegetable garden is one of the first things we integrated when we moved in and designed the backyard almost twenty years ago. To fill the ground space between the raised planting beds DG was the best and easiest choice. Our landscape designer actually recommended and installed it. At the time Mr. M was still in the corporate world, and I was busy with our two littles so time for DIYs was limited then.
Front Seating Area
Although we started the front yard remodel at the tail end of 2019, we did the bulk of the work in 2020. Since we were sheltered in place, we were able to spend much time and energy on the project. One of the main changes was the front sitting area we added. We love the space and use it all the time. DG was the perfect material to fill the space. All the plantings are new in these pictures. Everything has grown in so well to frame the space and hold the DG in place.
Secondary Driveway
At the onset of the project we had one driving teenager in the household with a soon to be second, which prompted us to add a secondary driveway. We had the space and all the plantings the previous owner had in this area was not our preference. We had lived with it for too long, and it was time for a change. We were happy to upgrade the space. DG made this project so easy without paving and pouring concrete. If you follow the links below the mages you can see more on the evolution of the front yard remodel.
Walkways in Top Front Planting Area
Last but not least are the walkways and landing pads Mr. & Master M added to the top planting areas in the front yard last year. It has finished the space off nicely. More plantings willl be added as the space evolves, but the hardscaping was key. The softness of the DG walkways and accents is everything!
There are many other applications for DG besides how we used it in our landscape design. It works well as mulch material as well, making it a great solution for a tree where the grass won’t grow underneath. DG also smooths transitions between gardens and wilderness. It’s such a versatile solution between spaces, integrating different areas in your landscape design easily and economically.
Closing Thoughts about using Decomposed Granite for Hardscape
The DG in all our spaces has been the perfect choice for us for many reasons. We appreciate the look, the cost and the ease of use since we like to do most of the work ourselves. I love the crunchy sound, the softened look, the permeability giving all the rustic and casual vibes to our spaces, yet it remains firm underfoot. The silver blue color selection fits our aesthetic of the design in the plantings and the house paint color, plus compliments the slate walkways..
Decomposed granite is such a smart choice for hardscape. It’s a fantastically easy material to work with, live with and enjoy. It does require upkeep depending on how much the space is used. Over time DG weathers and erodes, which can easily be added at a minimal cost. As the yard and garden continue to evolve we will make sure to share everything here.
Get the Smart Decomposed Granite (DG) Hardscape Look
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A collection of plants is not a landscape, any more than a list of choice words is a poem. The merit is in the design, not the material it is expressed in, and the best designs, like the best poems, make ordinary material significant by its arrangement.”
Nan Fairbrother
sharing @ between naps on the porch
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