Red Hills Path Fines are a naturally colored, fine-textured crushed basalt type material with a warm reddish-brown hue reminiscent of California’s Red Hills terrain. This ¼″ minus crushed aggregate compacts to form a smooth surface—ideal for creating low traffic, natural-looking walkways, patios, and garden paths. Its fine granules and earthy tone blend seamlessly with surrounding landscapes, providing both beauty and functionality. When compacted and lightly moistened, it offers good stability and a clean finish suitable for pedestrian areas, bocce courts, and light-traffic pathways.
 
Common Uses & Applications
Garden & Landscape Pathways – Creates smooth, compact, and natural-looking trails that blend beautifully with surrounding plants.
Residential Walkways & Patios – Ideal for dry-set or compacted surfaces that require a clean, cohesive appearance without pavers.
Bocce Courts & Play Areas – Provides excellent compaction and drainage, forming a firm yet forgiving surface.
Driveway Edges & Decorative Borders – Enhances curb appeal while helping to control erosion and prevent weed growth.
Erosion Control & Slopes – Stabilizes surfaces on mild slopes and assists in water infiltration.
Zen Gardens & Drought-Tolerant Landscapes – Complements Mediterranean and desert-style gardens with its warm, natural tone.
 
Material Specs & Technical Notes
Material Type: Basalt/Lava Fines (Volcanic Type)
Size Range: ¼″ minus (screened fines with dust content)
Color Tone: Deep red to brick-red with natural variation
Texture: Fine, porous, mediumweight, and easy to compact
Weight per Cubic Yard: ≈ 1.10 – 1.25 tons (lighter than decomposed granite due to volcanic origin)
Moisture Content: Varies by quarry (typically 2–5%)
Compaction: Medium — forms a stable, walkable surface when moistened and compacted in thin lifts
Drainage: High permeability due to porous volcanic structure
Coverage Chart
Depth
Approx. Coverage per Cubic Yard
1″
~300 sq ft
2″
~150 sq ft
3″
~100 sq ft
4″
~75 sq ft
Installation Tip:
For best results, install in 2″–3″ compacted layers over a firm subgrade. Lightly moisten before compacting with a hand tamper or plate compactor.
 
Delivery Information
At North Bay Materials, we deliver Red Hills Path Fines directly to your project site using  dump trucks—perfect for residential driveways and job sites with limited access.
Delivery Type: Bulk (loose) — dumped on driveway or designated flat safe area
Minimum Order: 1 cubic yard
Load Capacity: varies by truck type and delivery address
Service Area: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Sonoma, Napa, and Solano counties
Delivery Rate: Starting at $95/hour, round-trip (distance and time-based)
Scheduling: Deliveries available Monday–Saturday, 6:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Discounts: Volume and trade discounts available using quote request form
⚠️ Note: One bulk material type per truckload. Delivery charges vary by distance, access conditions, and load size. Prices are subject to change due to fuel and trucking costs.
 
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - Red Hills Path Fines
Q: What are Red Hills Path Fines made of?
A: Red Hills Path Fines are a basalt/volcanic-based red lava fines material derived from crushed cinder rock. The particles are lightweight, porous, and naturally reddish-brown, offering both excellent drainage and a striking decorative finish.
 
Q: How do Red Hills Path Fines compare to decomposed granite (DG)?
A: While both materials create compact, stable surfaces, Red Hills Path Fines are lighter and more porous. They drain better, resist erosion, and maintain color longer—ideal for decorative or eco-friendly pathways.
 
Q: Do I need to add a stabilizer to this material?
A: Typically, no. Red Hills Path Fines compact well on their own. However, for high-traffic areas or sloped paths, a stabilizer can be added to improve cohesion and minimize dust.
 
Q: How deep should I install Red Hills Path Fines?
A: A 2–3″ compacted depth is generally recommended for walkways. For light-use patios or bocce courts, you may increase to 3–4″ for added firmness and durability.
 
Q: Will the color fade over time?
A: The deep red color is naturally baked into the volcanic rock and is UV-resistant. Over time, surface dust or organic buildup may slightly dull the color, but rinsing or light raking can restore its appearance.
 
Q: Is this material safe for pets and gardens?
A: Yes — it’s 100% natural, non-toxic, and safe for garden beds, pathways, and pet areas.