If your backyard has low spots, you might need to grade or add a base layer first.
That’s the part I always get hung up on. Even with a base, I’ve seen decomposed granite shift around after a few months, especially if you get a lot of foot traffic or rain. Did you use any kind of stabilizer or edging to keep it in place? I’m skeptical about how long it actually stays put without constant maintenance. Curious if anyone’s tried pavers with DG in between—does that help with the tracking or just make it more of a hassle to clean?
I tried the pavers-with-DG thing last year because it looked good on Pinterest, but honestly, it turned into a pain. The granite kept shifting out from between the pavers after every rainstorm, and I was constantly sweeping it back. Edging helped a bit, but not enough to make it worth the hassle for me. If you’re watching your budget, I’d say full pavers or concrete might be less upkeep in the long run, even if the up-front cost is higher.
I hear you on the DG between pavers—Pinterest makes it look so effortless, but in reality, it’s like herding cats every time it rains. I tried a similar setup a couple years back, thinking I’d save some cash and get that “rustic” look. Ended up spending more time with a broom than actually enjoying the patio. The shifting and washout just never stopped, no matter how much I tamped or edged.
That said, I’m not totally sold on concrete either. It’s low maintenance, sure, but it can crack if your soil moves (which mine does every spring). Full pavers are a solid middle ground, but they’re a pain to lay if you want them perfectly level. I guess it comes down to how much time you want to spend fixing vs. relaxing. If I had to do it again, I’d probably just bite the bullet and go with full pavers, even if my wallet cries a little at first. At least my broom would get a break...
- Can totally relate to the DG drama—looked great for about a month, then it was just endless patching and sweeping.
- Concrete’s tempting for the low effort, but like you said, the cracks show up way sooner than you’d think, especially with our freeze/thaw cycles.
- I went with full pavers last fall. It was a pain to get them level (ended up redoing a section twice), but honestly, haven’t had to touch them since.
- If budget’s tight, maybe do pavers in the main area and use gravel or mulch around the edges? Not perfect, but less headache than chasing DG after every storm...
If budget’s tight, maybe do pavers in the main area and use gravel or mulch around the edges? Not perfect, but less headache than chasing DG after every storm...
Yeah, I hear you on the DG—looked awesome for about two weeks at my place, then it was just a mess. Pavers are definitely more work up front, but I’ve found them way less stressful long-term. Only thing I’d add is to watch out for weeds sneaking up between the pavers if you don’t lay a good barrier. I tried mulch on the sides once, but it kept migrating into the paver joints... not a huge deal, just something to keep in mind. Concrete’s only worth it if you’re okay with patching cracks every couple years, honestly.