How to Install Decomposed Granite Walkways
Decomposed granite is a loose landscaping material composed of broken-down granite. Its sandy consistency, mixed with ¼-inch pieces of granite, forms a compactable, long-lasting surface. Decomposed granite is applied in one of two ways: loose, or with a resin on top that creates a solid surface. For a simple, casual path, you can use loose decomposed granite and basic tools to install a walkway in a day or two. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Ropes or hoses
- Spade
- Shovel
- Hand tamper
- Pack
- Landscape fabric
- Rake
- Edge restraints
- Hammer
- Spikes
Instructions
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Make a general sketch of your yard, including permanent landscape features such as trees, fences and slopes. Determine the path of the walkway and its width. Secondary paths have a typical width of 30 to 36 inches, while a primary walkway should be approximately 4 feet wide. Lay ropes or hoses along the walkway borders.
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2
Cut along the borders with a spade and unearth about 6 inches of earth from the area. Continue digging with a shovel until the bottom is flat, and pack down the subsoil with a hand tamper.
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3
Rake 2 inches of pack, gravel and stone dust over the site and tamp it down. Compacted pack forms a nearly solid surface to keep decomposed granite from sinking over time. Lay landscape fabric over the pack to block weeds and reinforce the loose surface.
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4
Shovel decomposed granite over the surface until it is ground level. Rake it evenly and tamp it down to pack the material firmly together. Add an additional 2-inch layer down the middle of the walkway, and tamp it to form a slight slope on the sides so the middle is the highest point. Sloping decomposed granite prevents puddles from forming on the walkway.
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5
Install edging along the sides with metal or plastic edging strips, a hammer and nail spikes to contain loose material and stop weed encroachment. For a more formal look, use pavers or natural stones as edge restraints.
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References
Resources
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