Resources / How Much DG Do I Need?
Homeowner guide
How Much DG Do I Need for My Backyard?
No contractor experience needed. This guide walks you from measuring your yard to placing an order in four steps.
Last updated March 2026
Homeowners order from TradeMaster all the time. You don't need a contractor account. Just use the estimate form on the homepage — dispatch will confirm your delivery window before anything ships.
Measure your space
Walk the area and measure length × width in feet. For irregular shapes, break the space into rectangles, calculate each one, and add them up. You don't need to be exact — a close estimate is fine. Dispatch can help you dial it in when they call.
Pick your depth
Depth is measured in inches. Common depths for residential projects: DG pathways and natural-look ground cover — 2 to 3 inches. Gravel driveways and parking areas — 3 to 4 inches. Paver base or compacted base material — 4 to 6 inches. When in doubt, go a little deeper — a thin layer settles fast.
Calculate cubic yards
Multiply: length (ft) × width (ft) × depth (inches) ÷ 324. That gives you cubic yards. For example: a 20 ft × 30 ft backyard at 3 inches deep = 20 × 30 × 3 ÷ 324 = about 5.6 cubic yards.
Convert to tons
Multiply cubic yards by the material density. DG is roughly 1.1 tons per cubic yard. Quarter Minus is about 1.35. Madison Gold is about 1.3. So 5.6 cubic yards of DG = roughly 6.2 tons. Our calculator does this automatically — just pick your material and enter dimensions.
Skip the math — use the calculator
Enter your dimensions and pick a material. It handles the conversion for you.
Which material is right for my project?
Decomposed Granite (DG)
Best for: Natural paths, desert yards, xeriscape
Most popular homeowner material in the valley.
Quarter Minus
Best for: Compacted pathways, patio base, putting greens
Binds tight — great when you want something solid underfoot.
Madison Gold
Best for: Front yard rock, accent beds, walkways
Warm amber look that reads well against Arizona homes.
Fill & Top Soil
Best for: Raised garden beds, lawn leveling, grading
Good for projects before you plant or sod.
Partial loads available from 1 ton
We deliver starting at 1 ton. For most backyard projects, 5–10 tons is a common range — the calculator will tell you exactly what your project needs.
Materials in this guide
Running a project for a client?
The Phoenix Contractor’s Guide covers the bid-and-delivery side — load sizing, haul routing, site prep, and the volume tier program.