The Complete Guide to Stabilizer for Decomposed-Granite Paths
Decomposed granite (DG) and crushed-stone paths give desert landscapes a natural look—but loose fines can wash away or rut under foot traffic. Stabilizer is a 100% psyllium, plant-based binder that locks those particles together, creating a firm, ADA-friendly surface that still drains like regular DG. Below you’ll find what it is, a step-by-step install, and the key benefits for Coachella Valley projects.
What Exactly Is Stabilizer?
Stabilizer is a powdered, organic binder pre-mixed into DG or ⅜″ minus crushed rock at roughly 10–15 lbs per ton of aggregate. When lightly moistened, the binder coats each grain; after compaction it cures into a cohesive matrix that resists erosion yet remains permeable.
Installation: 6 Simple Steps
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Sub-base prep — Excavate 3–4″ below finish grade. Compact a 2″ road-base layer to ~95% density.
Pro tip: Lightly pre-wet the base to speed compaction. -
Blend Stabilizer & rock — We can pre-mix at Low Desert Rock Supply by loader, or you can use a cement mixer: 10–15 lbs binder per ton.
Important: Uniform mixing is critical—spreading on top will not work. -
Spread in two lifts — Rake the first 1½–2″ lift, mist, then compact with a plate tamper. Repeat for the second lift.
Why: Thin lifts prevent “mush” spots. - Final hydration — Mist the surface until it darkens. Avoid puddles.
- Final compaction — One more tamper pass to lock everything tight.
- Cure — Keep off for 24 hours; avoid heavy equipment for 72 hours.
Five Big Benefits of Using Stabilizer
- Durability without concrete — Handles foot traffic, carts, and garden equipment while keeping a natural look.
- Erosion control — Binder limits wind blow-off and washouts during monsoon storms.
- Accessibility — Meets firmness guidelines for ADA pathways when installed to spec.
- Permeability — Water infiltrates, reducing runoff and helping drought-tolerant plantings.
- Low maintenance — Occasional top-dressing + re-mist; no weeds through cracked concrete.
Where Stabilizer Shines in the Coachella Valley
- Front-yard xeriscapes that must satisfy HOA aesthetic rules
- Golf-course cart paths & tee-box walk-ups (no heat-island effect)
- Resort courtyards & fire-pit lounges—cooler under bare feet than pavers
- Public parks & ADA trails where dust control is mandatory
Order Pre-Mixed DG or Crushed Rock
Skip the guesswork—Low Desert Rock Supply can blend Stabilizer right into your selected rock and deliver in bulk anywhere from Palm Springs to La Quinta and beyond.
Request a Quote Call 760-272-4973 Shop DG Options
FAQ
Q: Can I add Stabilizer to rock that’s already installed?
A: No. The binder must be blended evenly before placement; surface application won’t penetrate deeply enough to bond the fines.
Q: How thick should a Stabilizer path be?
A: 3″ compacted thickness (installed in two 1½″ lifts) handles most pedestrian traffic; use 4″ for golf carts or light vehicles.
Q: Will the color change after curing?
A: The binder dries clear, so the rock keeps its natural hue—just a slightly darker tone when wet.
Ready for a cooler, cleaner, longer-lasting path? Visit our yard, call us, or request a quote. Our team will match the right DG color and Stabilizer ratio to your project’s soil, slope, and traffic.