Greeting Everyone!
Decomposed granite (DG), a popular landscaping material, is made up of a mixture of fine gravel material. It is available in an array of colors and compacts well to form a stable surface for patios, driveways, and paths, or as a base layer for laying pavers and artificial grass.
However, decomposed granite is not without its drawbacks. Let’s look at some of its pros and cons.
Pros:
- Enhances Curb Appeal: A DG patio adds to your home’s aesthetic appeal.
- Wide Color Options: DG comes in over 30 shades, providing plenty of options for homeowners. Colors range from yellow, brown, white, grey, and dark blue depending on the source.
- Easy to Install: All you need is some basic handy skills and tools.
- Low Maintenance: Once installed, DG paving is quite low maintenance.
- Great Drainage Material: DG is loose, highly permeable, and eco-friendly; great for free draining surfaces.
- Offers Good Traction: DG provides excellent underfoot traction whether it’s on walkways, patios, and garden paths.
- Great Mulching Material: Loose DG is an excellent non-organic mulch.
Cons:
- Can Erode and Become Mushy: Loose DG can easily erode when wet and soft. It also tends to become slushy after heavy rains. But this can be reduced by mixing in a binder or resin.
- Requires Refilling & Weeding: A DG surface is not completely maintenance-free, it requires refilling low spots from time to time. DG supports weed growth that requires frequent raking.
- Limited Use: DG is best used on relatively flat surfaces.
- Floor Damage: DG can be tracked indoors causing damage to wooden floors. A floor mat should be used at the entrance to trap the debris.
There you go, folks. Until next time!
