A decomposed granite patio is the latest in outdoor landscaping. If you are considering installing a new patio in your outdoor space (or redoing an existing patio), decomposed granite is an excellent choice for a natural and beautiful material that will wear for years.
What is decomposed granite? A paving material made up of small pieces of granite that can be as fine as sand or as large as pebbles, decomposed granite is fairly easy to apply and provides a more natural appearance than concrete. Decomposed granite driveways are very popular to give an attractive, yet less polished look. This material is available in neutral tones of gray, tan and brown. The cost of decomposed granite varies depending on whether or not a stabilizer has been added. As most basic patio installations using decomposed granite do not require a stabilizer, this material would be an economical choice for your landscaping project. You could also make decomposed granite paths leading away from your patio to other areas as well.
The following basic steps should be followed when attempting to install a patio using decomposed granite.
1. Remove all grass. If you do not remove the grass, instead leaving it to decompose, you risk creating small areas of “settlement.” Your materials will sink into the pockets created by the dead grass and your surface will not remain level.
2. Compact the base soil. After removing the grass, use a plate compactor to compact the soil and create a tight and level surface. (A plate compactor, also called a plate tamper, can be rented for the day or week at a local equipment rental company).
3. Lay down approximately four to six inches of an aggregate base, such as gravel. Use the plate compactor again to compact this surface.
4. Lay down approximately three inches of decomposed granite on top of your aggregate base. Once again, compact this layer.
5. Be sure that the center of your patio is not lower than the outside edges. It should instead slope ever so slightly outward or from one side to another. The reason for this is that decomposed granite will absorb water, but it does so slowly. If you create a slight slope, you will prevent puddles from appearing on your patio every time there is wet weather.
6. Install edging. You may want to consider an edging material as the final step in your patio installation. Not only will this create a more finished look, but also an edge will help to keep the decomposed granite in place. Choose a type and color of edging that will complement the color of your granite.
That is all you need to do to install a decomposed granite patio. The natural beauty of your new patio will bring you pleasure for years to come.
December 25, 2010
Decomposed Granite