Decomposed Granite Stabilizer: Everything You Need to Know

Decomposed granite stabilizer has long been the choice for low-maintenance, attractive, stable ground cover. DG consists of tiny pieces of decomposed rock with a powdery texture that shifts and settles into spaces, albeit very slowly. 

Decomposed Granite (DG) is an artificial stone made from crushed limestone and sand. The material has been used for decades to create floors that can be maintained easily. Still, it’s only recently become more popular as a landscaping material because of its natural appearance and durability.

This article aims at giving you a decomposed granite stabilizer guide and explains why you should care about them. 

Decomposed Granite Stabilizer

Decomposed granite stabilizer (DG) is a type of decomposed Granite made up of tiny pieces of rock. DG consists of fine powdery material, which you can see as a white or light brownish color. The texture will shift and settle into spaces, albeit very slowly.

Stabilized dg is a product that has been around for quite some time. Its recent popularity has led many new homeowners to purchase it at their local stores. 

DG is not sticky by nature and has no adhesive properties when applied directly onto surfaces like concrete slabs, pavers, etc. Still, it does have excellent adhesion to many other materials, such as masonry projects where there is no need for any exterior finish on your project since you can use DG as an underlayment on top surfaces already finished with an epoxy coating or paint finish like stucco (concrete).

The Benefits of Decomposed Granite Stabilizer

• Low maintenance—the surface looks like natural rock, so any dirt or debris hides in DG’s irregularity;
• Beautiful look—DG can mimic many different types of stones in color, texture, and luster;

• Cost-effective—you don’t have to purchase expensive flooring materials; you can save money on your budget!

Composition of Decomposed Granite Stabilizer 

Most stabilizers are a mixture of materials like polymers, resins, binders, glues, or asphalt emulsions. These substances are complex mixtures, and you can use them with water. 

Resins are polymers with a low molecular weight (a few thousand units). At the same time, long chains of monomers make binders. Glues also fall into this category. They’re simply long chains with very little functional value once they disappear from their original shape and structure.

Some companies have responded by manufacturing their types of DG stabilizers. These are typically less expensive than granite companies and can provide similar, if not better results. But homeowners who’ve used these products report satisfaction with the results after one year but admit that initial installation costs can be high.

The Problems With Granite 

In the early days of Decomposed Granite stabilizer construction, contractors lay out the Decomposed Granite and expect it to stay in place to use and drive over. 

Suppose you want your stone driveway or patio to last longer than one season (or even one year). In that case, you’ll need some adhesive applied directly onto the top layer before installation begins. You can do this with sandpaper or other abrasive materials like steel wool. This will wear away at the surface over time until only smooth surfaces remain behind—which aren’t durable either. 

• Granite is not, by nature, a naturally sticky or binding substance.

Force can move Granite very easily. While some types of Granite may have more natural adhesion, there are still some drawbacks.

Decomposed Granite is soft and easily erodes underwater, under foot traffic, or in heavy equipment use. The problem is that Granite is not naturally a naturally sticky or binding substance. Some companies have responded by manufacturing their types of DG stabilizers, which can be an effective solution if properly applied. Most homeowners who’ve used these products report satisfaction with the results after one year but admit that initial installation costs can be high.

• Decomposed Granite is soft and easily erodes underwater, during foot traffic, or heavy equipment use.

Granite is soft, so it will easily erode under water, foot traffic, or heavy equipment use. Granite is also porous and absorbs liquids from its surroundings. This can lead to stains on floors if you have hard water with high mineral content (a common problem in some regions).

Decomposed Granite is not naturally sticky or binding like cement, so it won’t hold together well when walking on it. If your home has decomposed granite hardener installed in areas where people walk through often (like hallways), they may start to sink into the flooring over time as they settle into place—and this can cause damage to walls and ceilings below them.

Drawbacks of DG 

• The cost of installing decomposed granite stabilizer

The cost of installing decomposed granite stabilizer can be high. You’ll need an electric saw (or someone else’s help) and possibly an additional person if you want your countertop cut into smaller pieces for easier installation; this may add up quickly! However, once installed correctly, most users report satisfaction with their results after one year—and even longer if they’re careful about maintenance during this period.

• Stabilizers break down after a short time and become ineffective at holding the DG together.

Some homeowners even report that their stabilizers break down after a short period and become ineffective at holding the DG together. This can be frustrating, as your Granite needs to stay in good shape for as long as possible.

Suppose you’ve had trouble with your Granite. It might be worth looking into a stabilizer for decomposed Granite, whether or not there are other options for keeping your counters from deteriorating over time.

• They are petroleum-based.

The other disadvantage to many polymer-based stabilizers is that they have a petroleum base, which is anathema to many environmentally conscious clients who want natural alternatives whenever possible.

Many of the most popular decomposed Granite with stabilizers are made with natural products such as wood pulp from old newspapers or cotton fibers from old clothes. Other decomposed granite stabilizers are recycling materials, such as used tires and paper mill byproducts.

See also: A Warm Welcome: The Charm Of Granite Fireplaces

FAQs

Conclusion

In conclusion, DG stabilizers come in different types with varying levels of effectiveness and durability. A polymer that will not break down over time is the best choice when looking for a long-term solution. You can also use a decorative material such as sand or crushed stone to add texture and color to your landscaping project without affecting its ability to hold up under foot traffic or heavy equipment use.