Author: Libby Hanson

Key Components of a GraniteCrete Installation: Compaction

Posted on by Libby Hanson

This month marks the second installment in a three-part series highlighting key components of a GraniteCrete installation. This month, we highlight proper compaction during the installation process. Proper compaction is critical to creating a lasting, strong installation; without it, GraniteCrete will not reach its full strength, and the surface will degrade before its time.

How to Properly Compact GraniteCrete

Before compaction begins, it’s important to set-up a good screeding process to ensure the material is level.  Keep in mind that GraniteCrete compacts approximately 25%, so your screeding process should account for that.  The finished grade should meet specifications, as additional GraniteCrete cannot be added on top of a compacted lift.  

GraniteCrete should not be allowed to dry prior to compaction.  Compaction should be completed using wooden or steel floats, hand tamps, and a 36” walk-behind or riding drum roller in static mode.

Once screeding is completed, start compacting the edges, corners, and any areas that the drum roller cannot reach, paying particular attention to grading while compacting.  Hand tamping should be done around benches, sign posts, corners, boulders, and other obstacles using a 10” hand tamp.

Particular attention should be given to corners and edges to ensure tight compaction.  A 6” wooden masonry float can be used in narrow spaces; it can also be used in a slapping/pounding motion to eliminate ridges, maintain consistent grading, and finish.

For larger areas, several passes can be made using a 36” walk-behind or drum roller in a static position. Installers should wear flat-soled work boots when using a roller to avoid marking the final finish. 

If divots occur in the surface during compaction, they can be filled with fresh, loose material (with larger stones removed) and compacted using a wooden float to match the surrounding surface.

All tools — including hand tamps, floats, and rollers — should be kept clean throughout the process.

Once compaction is complete, it’s important to repair grading issues immediately, as the product will harden within minutes once it’s compacted.


Assessing Compaction

A consistent compaction rate of 88%–92% is required for all applications.  A properly compacted surface will be firm, smooth, and free of loose or pebbled material. Non-compacted — or poorly compacted — GraniteCrete will result in a loose top layer and can compromise the overall quality of the installation.  An easy way to see if proper compaction has been achieved is to press your thumb on the material; it should feel solid to the touch, with no movement.  If there is any movement, continue compacting the material.

Proper compaction is the second critical step in any GraniteCrete installation. Next time, we’ll build on this foundation as we turn our focus to the next essential element: Curing.

Key Components of a GraniteCrete Installation: Moisture Content

Posted on by Libby Hanson

This month marks the first installment in a three-part series highlighting the key components of a GraniteCrete installation. This month we will be looking at proper moisture content during the mixing and installation process.

Adding Water to the Dry Decomposed Granite & GraniteCrete Admixture

For installations up to 3,000 square feet, the water can be added and mixed into the decomposed granite and GraniteCrete admixture manually.  We recommend using a hose with a shower head/spray attachment, and a rake to thoroughly mix it into the dry material.

A consistent moisture level can be accomplished more efficiently by using a volumetric truck.  With separate areas/hoppers for decomposed granite, GraniteCrete admixture, and water, these trucks are able to mix the materials together at the job site — saving valuable time, and improving consistency.  For installations over 3,000 square feet, the use of a volumetric truck is required.

Assessing Optimum Moisture Content

A simple field test makes it easy to determine whether the optimum moisture content has been achieved:

Squeeze a handful of GraniteCrete firmly in your fist, then open your hand. When the color has just started to transfer onto your hand and the mixture just begins to hold together in a clump, it’s ready for installation.

If water oozes out when squeezed, the mixture is too damp — this can result in “sticky” materials, and complicate proper compaction or the quality of the finished surface.  If the material is too damp, it may be placed on the bottom of the installation, with material that has the proper moisture content on top.

Proper moisture content is the first critical step in any installation of GraniteCrete. Next month, we’ll build on that foundation as we turn our focus to the next essential element: Compaction.

Happy Holidays from GraniteCrete!

Posted on by Libby Hanson
As this year winds down and we turn our sights toward the next, we are grateful to everyone who chose to include us in their projects this past year. We appreciate your support, and look forward to continuing to work with you in the future.  Before we gear up for the new year, we’d like to take a moment to share a few highlights from 2025:
GraniteCrete at GCSAA Conference in February (left) and at the ASLA annual Conference in October (right).
We attended several trade shows this year, including GCSAA conference, NorCal Landscape & Nursery Show, ASLA annual conference, and The Landscape Expo.  We had a great time meeting everyone who stopped by our booth to learn more about GraniteCrete.

We produced our first “super sacks” at our manufacturing facility in southern California.  These “super sacks” hold 2,000 pounds of material versus our standard 85 pound bag.  If desiring these larger sacks for a project, reach out to us for pricing and further information!

We supported one of our retail partners, Southwest Boulder & Stone, as a new location was opened in southern California this past fall.

We began working with the Los Angeles Unified School District to bring GraniteCrete installations to several campuses across the district as part of a green initiative.
We look forward to what 2026 has in store for GraniteCrete!
An installation at a LAUSD school.

Creating Sustainable Schoolyards

Posted on by Libby Hanson
The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) is working toward creating vibrant, sustainable schoolyards, guided by the Green Schoolyards for All Plan.
GraniteCrete pathway installation day at Fishburn Elementary School.  GraniteCrete’s Carmel Coast color was used, nicely complementing the surrounding landscape.
This plan will see all campuses within LAUSD converting at least 30% of existing hard-surface schoolyard space into green space by 2035.  These green spaces will use “natural elements and sustainable design” to provide students with access to nature, shade, and cooler play areas.

Beyond aesthetic improvements, these green spaces are designed to support student well-being.  Research has shown that students with access to green spaces experience a range of benefits.  These benefits include higher attendance rates, improved academic performance, and better physical and mental health. 

Fishburn Elementary School is one of the first campuses to undergo this transformation. Plans for Fishburn called for the removal of existing asphalt,  adding turf, and planting shrubs and trees.  Plans also called for the addition of a permeable pathway, with GraniteCrete chosen to meet this requirement.Covering around 1,000 square feet, this installation marks the beginning of a promising partnership between GraniteCrete and LAUSD. GraniteCrete is proud to support this green initiative, and looks forward to contributing to future projects that enrich student experiences and advance sustainability across the District.

Paving the Way to Greener Schools

Posted on by Libby Hanson
GraniteCrete is increasingly being used across California to transform the outdoor spaces of school campuses.  GraniteCrete is an excellent choice for this, for five key reasons.
Clockwise from top-left: Santa Rosa Community College; Patterson High School; Markham Elementary School; Burlingame Intermediate School.
Accessibility
Since GraniteCrete meets ADA accessibility standards, paving with GraniteCrete helps ensure  that everyone can navigate school grounds safely and comfortably. It’s also incredibly durable — with the near-strength of concrete — and slip-resistant.

Reduced Temperatures
GraniteCrete helps reduce the urban heat island effect, keeping campus temperatures more comfortable during the school year. This is especially important in areas that experience elevated temperatures.

Permeability
As a permeable paving material, GraniteCrete allows rainwater to pass through its surface to the ground below.  This reduces stormwater runoff and promotes groundwater recharge — a major plus for schools looking to implement sustainable landscaping practices and reduce the need of additional landscaping elements, such as bioswales.

LEED Credits
The inclusion of GraniteCrete can contribute to earning points under certain LEED credits — aligning with many schools’ goals for greener, more sustainable operations.

Aesthetics
Its natural appearance blends beautifully with a variety of school landscapes, offering a functional yet aesthetic upgrade.
GraniteCrete paving on campuses across California signals a growing commitment to environmental stewardship, student safety, and strong school infrastructure. We are proud to be part of this progress.

Investing in Our Planet

Posted on by Libby Hanson
Each year on April 22, we celebrate Earth Day.  We have the opportunity to evaluate the impact our everyday choices have on the planet, and to look at where we can improve to better protect it for generations to follow.At GraniteCrete, we are proud to supply a product that benefits the environment in several ways.  However, our commitment to sustainability and environmentally-friendly choices doesn’t end there.
The entire GraniteCrete team participates in composting of all qualifying food waste, as well as recycling of all approved items.

Other steps some of our team members take involve:
Using all LED lightbulbs
Making an effort to not buy any single-use items
Purchasing as many items as possible in glass containers – which are then reused for pickling, food storage, et cetera – or, buying items in compostable packaging
Using plant-based cleaners and/or biodegradable soaps
Driving hybrid vehicles
Deriving 100% of their home’s electricity from roof solar panels
Opting to replace their lawn with native plants, permeable hardscape, and drip irrigation systems

Happy Holidays from GraniteCrete!

Posted on by Libby Hanson

As this year winds down and we turn our sights toward the next, we are grateful to everyone who chose to include us in their projects this past year. We appreciate your support, and look forward to continuing to work with you in the future.  Before we gear up for the new year, we’d like to take a moment to share a few highlights from 2024:

  • We hired a dedicated, on-site field consultant, Marco Aguilar-Martinez, for Northern California.  We are thrilled to have Marco on the GraniteCrete team!
  • We had several celebrity installations in the San Diego area, including Mount Helix, San Diego Safari Park, and Legoland!
  • We achieved record sales for the fifth year in a row, with particular expansion in Southern California!
  • We’ve been developing a new Authorized Installer program and are putting the finishing touches on it.  Look for the announcement early in 2025.

We look forward to what 2025 has in store for GraniteCrete!

GraniteCrete was given the opportunity to be part of two meaningful installations:

  • The Ohana Center for Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health‘s outdoor spaces (above, left) were designed by BFS Landscape Architects.  GraniteCrete pathways allow patients to connect with nature as they move throughout the campus to enjoy gardens, sunshine, and an amphitheater. Although only a small part of the campus, GraniteCrete is grateful and proud to support Ohana’s commitment to the mental well-being of Monterey County’s youth.
  • The restoration of an overlook adjacent to the Scenic Road Walkway (above, right).  Carmel Cares proposed the restoration, and the 2024 class of Leadership Carmel took up the initiative, spending months crafting a plan to transform the overlook into an “accessible and inviting viewing patio.”  GraniteCrete paving material was chosen to help provide a seamless transition from walkway to outlook, and to prevent the erosion issues that had previously plagued the outlook.  We are delighted to have been chosen for this important project.

Reducing Global Temperatures Through Sustainability

Posted on by Libby Hanson

The importance of taking steps to reduce global temperatures is at the forefront of many people’s minds.  Sustainable building practices are one way the rise in global temperatures can be combated, and the risk of harmful man-made situations—such as urban heat islands—can be reduced.

Image courtesy of Green Ribbon.

What is an Urban Heat Island?

An urban heat island occurs in cities when the natural landscape is replaced by pavement, buildings, and other surfaces that absorb and retain heat.  As a result, the materials create a hotter environment than rural areas.  Temperatures can range from one to three degrees hotter during the day, and from three to seven degrees hotter at night!  This “heat island effect” leads to increased energy costs, air pollution levels, and heat-related illnesses.

These temperatures are influenced by the materials used, as each has an associated Solar Reflectance value.

What is a Solar Reflectance (SR) Value?

Also known as its albedo value, a material’s SR value is a way to measure its ability to stay cool by reflecting⁠—rather than absorbing—solar heat.  It’s measured on a scale from 0 to 1.  The higher a material’s SR, the lower its contribution to the heat island effect.

What Are Other Ways to Reduce the Urban Heat Island Effect?

The Environmental Protection Agency recommends a few strategies for reducing the urban heat island effect.  One strategy is using paving materials that tend to remain cooler than conventional pavements, such as permeable ones.  Permeable paving materials are generally lighter in color, are able to absorb and filter water, and have open pores—all features that contribute toward a cooler paving material. Permeable paving materials are also an excellent solution because they are not a one-trick pony.  They can also lower tire noise, provide better traction, and aid stormwater management.

There are a handful of permeable paving options available, including our personal favorite: GraniteCrete.  GraniteCrete has long been a champion for the environment, and we are proud to offer a product that puts it—and sustainability—first.

Carmel’s Scenic Walkway and Overlook

Posted on by Libby Hanson

Running alongside Carmel Beach, the Scenic Road Walkway attracts nearly thousands of visitors each year.  The three-mile path offers pedestrians a chance to bask in the crisp ocean breeze while soaking in breathtaking views of the coastline.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Carmel Scenic Outlook on June 4, 2024.

The Walkway’s History

Despite its timeless appeal, the walkway is a relatively recent addition to Carmel’s landscape. It was designed by Hall Landscape Design and installed in late 2005 by Graniterock’s construction division.

As a material that is both durable and aesthetically-pleasing, GraniteCrete was chosen to pave the walkway.  Nearly twenty years later, the walkway’s transitions are still stable, and the Natural Gold color of the GraniteCrete continues to enhance the area’s natural beauty.


An Overlooked Overlook

Recently, Carmel Cares proposed the restoration of an adjacent overlook not initially part of the original GraniteCrete installation. The 2024 class of Leadership Carmel took up the initiative, spending months crafting a plan to transform the overlook into an “accessible and inviting viewing patio.”  GraniteCrete paving material was chosen to help provide a seamless transition from walkway to outlook, and to prevent the erosion issues that had previously plagued the outlook.

The collaborative effort between Leadership Carmel, Carmel Cares, and the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea culminated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 4, 2024, marking the completion of the project. GraniteCrete’s leadership was honored to attend, celebrating their role in creating this serene outlook destined to bring joy to visitors for years to come.

Ohana: A Beacon of Hope and Healing

Posted on by Libby Hanson

Nestled in a picturesque landscape, the Ohana Center for Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health serves as a beacon of hope and healing.

Aerial photos of Ohana Center for Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health in Monterey, CA.  Photos provided by Montage Health.

Designed by the Seattle-based firm NBBJ, Ohana integrates nature into every aspect of its design.  The graceful curves of the building mimic the surrounding landscape of rolling hills, and the comforting embrace of a cocoon.  High ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows welcome natural light and offer breathtaking views. These intentional design choices create a serene environment.

The center’s treatment wing offers sixteen, dormitory-style rooms. Patients choose the art to decorate the walls of their room during their stay, have access to a kitchen stocked with snacks, and can watch movies in a circular living room.

The center provides a host of services.  Therapy rooms offer spaces for counseling and support. Quiet rooms provide space to reflect and relax.  Patients can take part in music and art classes, and engage in everything from basketball to yoga in the gym.

The beautiful outdoor areas at Ohana were designed by BFS Landscape Architects.

Ohana also features amenities that support the well-being of both patients and families. Community meeting spaces provide opportunities for education and connection. And, a family resource center offers guidance and support for loved ones.  

The outdoor spaces at Ohana were designed by BFS Landscape Architects, and are as essential to its healing environment as the indoor areas. Installed by JC Macias Inc, GraniteCrete pathways allow patients to connect with nature as they move throughout the campus to enjoy gardens, sunshine, and an amphitheater. Although only a small part of the campus, GraniteCrete is grateful and proud to support Ohana’s commitment to the mental well-being of Monterey County’s youth.