#8 Gravel vs Decomposed Granite

#8 Gravel

Small crushed stone approximately 3/8 to 1/2 inch in size. Good for walkways and as a top dressing for driveways. #8 gravel bridges the gap between coarse aggregates and fine pea gravel, offering a balance of comfort and stability.

Decomposed Granite

Granite that has weathered to the point of breaking into small pieces and fine particles. Creates a natural, rustic look that blends beautifully with desert and Mediterranean landscapes. When compacted, it forms a firm yet permeable surface.

#8 Gravel

• ✓ Walkways
• ✓ Patios
• ✓ Between pavers
• ✓ Asphalt mix
• ✓ Top dressing
• ✓ Drainage backfill

Decomposed Granite

• ✓ Patios
• ✓ Pathways
• ✓ Driveways
• ✓ Xeriscaping
• ✓ Ground cover
• ✓ Bocce courts

#8 Gravel

• + Smaller size is more comfortable to walk on
• + Compacts better than larger stone
• + Good for filling gaps between pavers
• + Excellent drainage
• + Smooth driveway top-dressing

• − Can migrate without edging
• − Not as stable as larger crushed stone
• − May be tracked by shoes
• − Less commonly stocked than #57
• − Dusty when dry

Decomposed Granite

• + Compacts into a firm walking surface
• + Natural, rustic appearance
• + Permeable — allows water infiltration
• + Low cost
• + Ideal for drought-tolerant landscaping

• − Can get muddy in heavy rain
• − Tracked indoors on shoes
• − Decomposes further over time and needs replenishing
• − Limited color options
• − Not suitable for high-traffic vehicle areas

#8 Gravel

#8 gravel consists of angular crushed stone pieces from 3/8" to 1/2" in diameter. Like other crushed stone, color varies by source quarry — gray, blue-gray, tan, and brown are most common.

Decomposed Granite

Decomposed granite is a mix of fine particles and small chunks, typically 1/4" and smaller. Colors include gold, tan, brown, gray, and reddish-brown depending on the granite source. Stabilized DG (with resin binder) creates an even firmer surface.