Looking for an inexpensive flat path? Decomposed Granite (DG) is a great, low-maintenance, and inexpensive material to use for paths. The easiest method of installation is simply layering DG where you want it and begin using the space. The problem with this method is your path may sink, shift, or quickly dissipate.

Our client had plenty of green space, but found the use of it awkward. This bed bisected their usable space and walking through the lawn left their shoes sodden. We first mark the space with spray paint. This notes the edge for us as well as allows the client to understand exactly what parameters we imagine. When stripping/removing great amounts of sod I highly recommend using a sod stripper. It will save your back and make sod-removal a much easier chore than removal by hand/shovel.

Set the machine to cut as shallowly as possible to remove the sod and roots but not churn up/disturb the soil beneath.

Once all of the sod is stripped, and hence the edges defined, excavate the area to allow the base layer to be installed. Sometimes you can use the excavated soil on the same site to fill in low spots on the property or it can be raked into the neighboring lawn.

We often use crushed concrete as our base layers. It is an inexpensive material that transports and installs easily, and can be compacted very well.

Install your base material in thin layers, making sure to wet each layer before you compact it.

After the base layer is prepared, we begin installing our edging. While not strictly necessary it helps keep the area low-maintenance. Hitting the DG with a line trimmer (‘weed eater’) can produce flying bits that can find and shatter nearby windows. Also, edging keeps the perimeter neat and in place for years to come.

Above you see the DG installed but uncompacted; functional but a bit too rough for this project.

Below you notice how smooth the path becomes once compacted. Wetting down each layer as you go helps you get greater compaction.
Remember to install your material in thin layers and to compact the dampened materials well to create a uniform and long-lasting path.

Be sure to select a compactor that is narrow enough to fit in your project. A wider machine will cover more area faster, but becomes burdensome when you try to turn it around. You may create small divots when you pivot the compactor; these are expected and do not undermine the finished product. With practice you can learn to turn the machine without causing much disturbance.

 By shortening the bed beside the driveway we created a usable, and easily accessible, path.

Once we finished the client wanted a slightly roughed look. We ran a leaf rake over the top to loosen up the top layer

There is little maintenance needed for a well-installed DG path. Weeds do not find the material very hospitable, and refreshing the path is as simple as adding additional layers of material and compacting them down.