Specialty Aggregate Products

What it is

Standard decomposed granite mixed with a polymer binding agent that hardens the surface after compaction and watering. It looks and feels like natural DG but resists washout, erosion, and weed growth. The polymer penetrates the fines and creates a semi-rigid surface that holds up to foot traffic and moderate vehicle loads.

Specs & installation

Typically 2-3" compacted depth over a prepared base. Must be moistened and compacted in lifts. Full cure takes 48-72 hours depending on conditions. Available in Yavapai Coral (warm peach/salmon) and Madison Gold (golden tan).

Common applications

Pro tip: Stabilized DG costs more per ton than standard DG, but eliminates the ongoing maintenance of raking, re-grading, and replacing washed-out material. For high-traffic pathways, the cost difference pays for itself within one season.

What it is

A carefully blended aggregate designed specifically for equestrian arenas and sports surfaces. Arena mix combines angular and rounded particles in a gradation that provides cushion, traction, and drainage. Unlike standard base materials, arena mix is formulated to stay loose on top while draining water through, preventing both dust and mud.

Specs & installation

Typically installed 3-4" deep over a compacted base with proper drainage. Available in Belmont Gold (warm gold tone) and Turner Grey (neutral grey). Requires periodic maintenance with a drag or harrow to redistribute material.

Common applications

Pro tip: Arena mix performs best when kept slightly moist. Dry arena mix creates dust; saturated mix becomes slippery. Many facilities install a simple sprinkler system to maintain optimal moisture levels year-round.

What it is

A fine-graded 1/4" minus aggregate specifically selected for baseball and softball field applications. Warning track material compacts firmly but stays loose enough on the surface to provide the distinctive crunch that alerts outfielders approaching the fence. The Yavapai Coral color provides a natural contrast against the grass.

Specs & installation

Installed at 2-4" depth over a properly graded and crowned base. The 1/4" minus gradation provides good compaction while maintaining surface texture. Color will darken slightly when wet, which is normal.

Common applications

Pro tip: Proper drainage is everything with ball fields. Crown the infield 1-2% from the mound and ensure the warning track drains away from the playing surface. Material should be laser-graded for a professional finish.

What it is

A proprietary blend of multiple aggregate sizes and processes combined to create a unique decorative surface. Deco blends are quarry-specific custom products that aren't available from standard production runs. They combine the visual appeal of screened rock with the stability of minus material for a surface that looks polished but stays in place.

Specs & installation

Available in Turner Grey (neutral slate grey with mixed tones). Install at 2-3" depth over weed barrier. Each batch is blended at the quarry to maintain consistency.

Common applications

Pro tip: Deco blends are a premium product with limited availability. Order ahead for large projects, as production runs are batch-specific. The blended gradation means these products don't compact as tightly as straight minus, so they're best for decorative applications, not structural base.

What it is

An extremely fine aggregate graded to 2 millimeters, which is roughly the size of a coarse grain of sand. This is the finest decorative aggregate available, producing a smooth, uniform surface with vivid color. At this gradation, the material flows almost like sand but compacts into a firm, visually striking surface.

Specs & installation

Install at 1-2" depth over a compacted, laser-graded base. Available in Apache Red (deep red) and Rebel Red (brighter red tone). The ultra-fine gradation requires a very level base, as any irregularities will show through.

Common applications

Pro tip: 2MM material is a specialty quarry product with higher cost per ton than standard aggregates. Measure your area carefully and order precisely. For bocce courts, the USBF recommends a minimum 2" depth of playing surface material over a 4" compacted base.

What it is

A hand-selected blend of multi-colored river rock and decorative aggregate from the New River quarry area. This is a premium product featuring naturally tumbled stones in a mix of earth tones, creating a variegated, organic look that can't be replicated by single-color products.

Specs & installation

1/2" to 1" size range. Install at 2-3" depth over weed barrier. The natural color variation means each delivery will be slightly unique. Best viewed from close range where the color diversity is visible.

Common applications

Pro tip: New River Deco is a limited-availability product. It commands a premium price but creates a look that standard single-color rock cannot match. For large projects, order all material at once to ensure color consistency across the entire installation.