If you’ve been scrolling through landscaping photos lately, you’ve probably noticed the shift. Clean-line patios, structured garden paths, and defined entryways are replacing overgrown lawn edges across the Salt Lake Valley — and Bluffdale homeowners are right in the middle of it. Hardscaping is one of the fastest-growing Utah landscaping trends in 2025, and for good reason: a well-built walkway adds curb appeal, controls drainage, and dramatically improves how your yard feels to navigate.
But before you start digging, there’s a decision every homeowner faces: what material do you actually use? Three options dominate the conversation — gravel pathways, decomposed granite (DG), and concrete or natural stone pavers. Each has real advantages, and each has trade-offs that matter especially in Utah’s freeze-thaw climate.
This guide breaks down all three side by side so you can make the right call for your Bluffdale property, your budget, and your maintenance tolerance.
Utah’s climate is not gentle on hardscaping. Bluffdale and the broader Salt Lake County region see hot summers pushing past 100°F, followed by winters that regularly dip below freezing — sometimes within the same month in early spring or late fall. That freeze-thaw cycle is the single biggest factor in how any walkway material performs over time.
Water that seeps into soil or base layers expands when it freezes. That expansion heaves materials, cracks rigid surfaces, and shifts gravel beds. A material that looks great in a California landscape video may behave very differently on a Bluffdale hillside after three Utah winters.
Beyond climate, here are the four criteria most homeowners in Salt Lake County care about:
A gravel pathway is often the most affordable and fastest walkway solution available to Bluffdale homeowners. When we say gravel, we’re typically talking about crushed stone, pea gravel, or pathway gravel — smaller aggregate that compacts reasonably well underfoot and allows water to drain through the surface rather than pooling on top.
Cost
Bulk gravel is one of the most cost-effective hardscape materials in Salt Lake County. When you order by the ton or cubic yard — as most DIY landscapers do — you pay a fraction of what paver installation would cost. A basic gravel path with a simple edging system is something most capable homeowners can install in a weekend.
Durability
Gravel does shift. Heavy foot traffic and rain events will redistribute aggregate over time, especially if the path lacks firm edging. That said, gravel handles Utah’s freeze-thaw cycles better than rigid surfaces — because it has no structural integrity to crack. It flexes with the soil movement rather than fighting it.
Drainage
This is where gravel genuinely excels. A properly installed gravel pathway Bluffdale homeowners can rely on should include a compacted base layer of road base or crushed aggregate beneath the surface material. Water moves through gravel quickly, reducing puddle formation and keeping your foundation drier during spring snowmelt.
Maintenance
Expect to refresh gravel every few years as material migrates or compacts into the soil. Weeds can push through without a quality landscape fabric layer underneath. Installing edging along both sides of the pathway — whether steel, aluminum, or bender board — will dramatically reduce how often you need to redistribute the aggregate.
Best for: Cost-conscious homeowners, informal garden paths, side-yard access routes, and anyone who values drainage over a polished, permanent look.
Decomposed granite, often called DG, sits between gravel and pavers on the spectrum of hardscape materials. It’s finer-grained than most gravel — almost sandy in texture — and when properly compacted, it forms a semi-firm surface that feels more intentional than loose stone while still draining well.
DG is extremely popular across Utah and the broader Intermountain West for xeriscaping projects, desert-style landscape designs, and pathways that need to blend into a natural aesthetic. If you’ve walked a well-maintained desert garden trail, you’ve probably walked on something close to decomposed granite.
Cost
Decomposed granite is competitively priced with gravel and significantly cheaper than pavers. Buying in bulk from a local Salt Lake County landscape supply source keeps costs manageable, especially for longer pathway runs or large patio areas. Some homeowners also use DG as a patio base material before adding an accent border or stepping stones.
Durability
DG compacts better than loose gravel, which means it shifts less under regular foot traffic. However, in its natural (non-stabilized) form, it can soften and rut after heavy rain or snowmelt — a real consideration in Bluffdale’s spring season. Stabilized DG, which includes a binder mixed into the material, performs significantly better but costs more and requires more careful installation.
Drainage
Like gravel, decomposed granite allows water to pass through — though more slowly than coarser aggregate. The compact surface reduces splash and mud, making it better than bare soil or mulch for high-use areas. A decomposed granite walkway in Salt Lake County performs best over a road base sub-layer with proper cross-slope to direct runoff.
Maintenance
DG requires less frequent redistribution than gravel, but it’s not maintenance-free. Leaf blowers and foot traffic gradually disturb the surface. Over several seasons, non-stabilized DG will need top-dressing to restore its level, compacted appearance. Weeds are also a factor — a fabric barrier under DG is strongly recommended.
Best for: Xeriscaping projects, front yard pathways, desert-style designs, homeowners who want more refined aesthetics than plain gravel without committing to pavers.
Concrete pavers and natural stone pavers represent the high end of walkway materials in terms of upfront cost and visual impact. A properly installed paver path dramatically transforms a property’s curb appeal — and in a market like Bluffdale, where newer homes sit on well-maintained lots, pavers can meaningfully increase perceived home value.
Cost
Pavers are significantly more expensive than gravel or DG, both in material cost and installation labor. Even DIY paver installation is time-intensive: you’ll need to excavate several inches of soil, install a compacted base of road base gravel and sand, set each paver individually, and lock them in with polymeric sand. The results are stunning, but the investment is real.
Durability
High-quality concrete pavers are engineered to withstand Utah’s freeze-thaw cycles. Their interlocking design allows them to flex slightly with soil movement without cracking the way poured concrete does. A well-installed paver walkway can last 25 to 30 years with minimal structural issues. The critical factor is proper base depth — skimping on the base layer is the most common cause of paver failure in cold climates.
Drainage
Standard pavers with tight joints can restrict drainage. However, permeable pavers — which leave slightly wider gaps filled with gravel or crushed aggregate — offer excellent drainage performance comparable to loose materials. For Bluffdale homeowners concerned about stormwater or foundation drainage, permeable paver systems are worth the added consideration.
Maintenance
Pavers require the least day-to-day maintenance of the three options. Occasional sweeping and re-sanding of joints every few years is typically all that’s needed. If a paver shifts or cracks, you can replace individual units without disrupting the rest of the path — a significant advantage over poured concrete.
Best for: Front entries, main garden walkways, patio borders, high-visibility areas where aesthetics and longevity justify the higher upfront cost.
| Factor | Gravel | Decomposed Granite | Pavers |
| Upfront Cost | $ Low | $$ Moderate | $$$ High |
| Long-Term Cost | Low (refresh every 2–3 yrs) | Low–Moderate | Low (replace individual units) |
| Durability (Utah winters) | Good (flexible) | Moderate–Good | Excellent |
| Drainage | Excellent | Good | Moderate–Good (permeable: Excellent) |
| Maintenance | Moderate | Low–Moderate | Low |
| Aesthetics | Casual/Natural | Desert/Modern | Polished/Premium |
| DIY Friendly | Yes | Yes | Moderate |
The right answer depends on three things: your budget, your design vision, and how much ongoing maintenance you’re willing to do.
Many homeowners in Bluffdale and South Jordan also combine materials — using DG as a filler between stepping stones, or gravel as a border material along a paver path. Mixing textures is one of the defining characteristics of contemporary Utah hardscaping design in 2025.
DIY Landscape Supply delivers bulk gravel, decomposed granite, pathway sand, road base, and more directly to homes throughout Bluffdale, South Jordan, Herriman, Riverton, Draper, and Sandy. No hauling, no guesswork — just quality materials dropped at your curb when you need them. Order online or give us a call to talk through your project and get a fast, accurate delivery quote.
Call or Text: (385) 321-3341
Visit: diylandscape.supply
What is the cheapest walkway material for a Bluffdale home?
Bulk gravel is typically the most affordable option. When you order by the ton through a local Salt Lake County landscape supply company, your material cost per square foot is significantly lower than pavers. Installation is also straightforward for most DIYers, which eliminates labor costs entirely.
How deep should a gravel pathway be in Utah?
For residential walkways in the Salt Lake Valley, a 3–4 inch depth of pathway gravel over a 2–3 inch compacted road base layer is the standard recommendation. The base layer is essential for stability and drainage — skipping it is the most common reason gravel paths sink and shift after the first winter.
Does decomposed granite hold up in Utah winters?
Standard non-stabilized DG can soften and rut after freeze-thaw cycles if the base is not properly prepared. Stabilized DG performs much better and is the preferred option for year-round use in Bluffdale’s climate. A compacted road base sub-layer is essential regardless of which form of DG you choose.
Can I install pavers myself in Bluffdale?
Yes — paver installation is a legitimate DIY project, though it’s physically demanding. The key is proper base preparation: excavate 6–8 inches, install and compact a road base layer, add a 1-inch sand bed, then set your pavers with consistent spacing. The time investment is real, but the material savings can be significant on smaller pathways.
What is the best aggregate for a pathway in Salt Lake County?
For a natural-looking, low-maintenance pathway, 3/8-inch crushed gravel or 1/4-inch pathway mix are popular choices in Salt Lake County. Decomposed granite is ideal if you want a finer, more compacted surface. For high-use areas near a home’s entry, a flagstone or concrete paver path over a stabilized base offers the best long-term performance.
How much gravel do I need for a walkway?
Multiply your pathway’s length (feet) by width (feet) by your desired depth (in feet — so 3 inches = 0.25 ft). Divide by 27 to get cubic yards. As a general rule, one ton of 3/8-inch gravel covers approximately 80–100 square feet at a 3-inch depth. DIY Landscape Supply can help you calculate the exact quantity you need before you order.
Does DIY Landscape Supply deliver to Bluffdale?
Yes. DIY Landscape Supply provides bulk material delivery throughout Bluffdale and the greater Salt Lake County area, including South Jordan, Herriman, Riverton, Draper, and Sandy. Delivery is available by the ton or cubic yard with no need to haul materials yourself.