Fill Dirt vs Topsoil vs Gravel: Which Do You Need?
Complete side-by-side comparison to help you choose the right material
Quick Answer
Clean Fill = structural projects & grading (FREE - $15/yd³)
Topsoil = planting & lawns ($20-50/yd³)
Gravel = driveways & drainage ($15-75/ton)
Sand = leveling & bedding ($20-45/yd³)
Fill Material Comparison Chart
| Material | Price | Best For | Drainage | Compaction | Plant-Friendly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clean Fill | FREE - $15/yd³ | Structural fill, grading | Good | Excellent | ❌ No |
| Topsoil | $20 - $50/yd³ | Gardens, lawns | Moderate | Poor | ✅ Yes |
| Gravel | $15 - $75/ton | Driveways, drainage | Excellent | Good | ❌ No |
| Sand | $20 - $45/yd³ | Leveling, bedding | Excellent | Moderate | ❌ No |
| Clay | FREE - $10/yd³ | Ponds, barriers | Poor | Good (when dry) | ⚠️ Limited |
| Recycled Concrete | $10 - $25/ton | Base material | Good | Excellent | ❌ No |
Clean Fill vs Topsoil
Use clean fill for structural applications like foundations and grading. Use topsoil for any planting - lawns, gardens, flower beds. For landscaping projects, use clean fill as a base layer and topsoil as the top 4-6 inches.
Use clean Fill When:
- •Building foundations or retaining walls
- •Raising elevation or grading
- •Filling holes or depressions
- •Projects requiring compaction
- •Areas near water sources (environmental compliance)
Use topsoil When:
- •Planting grass or establishing lawns
- •Creating garden beds
- •Planting trees and shrubs
- •Improving existing soil quality
- •Any application involving plant growth
Gravel vs Fill Dirt
Gravel excels for driveways, drainage systems, and decorative landscaping. Fill dirt is better for raising elevation, backfilling, and grading. Gravel doesn't compact like fill dirt but provides superior drainage.
Use gravel When:
- •Building driveways or parking areas
- •Installing French drains
- •Creating decorative landscaping
- •Septic system drain fields
- •Areas requiring excellent drainage
Use fill Dirt When:
- •Raising property elevation
- •Backfilling around foundations
- •Site grading and leveling
- •Filling large holes or pools
- •Creating berms or mounds
Topsoil vs Garden Soil
Topsoil is natural earth ideal for large landscaping projects. Garden soil is topsoil with added amendments (compost, fertilizer) optimized for planting. Garden soil costs more but provides better immediate results for gardens.
Use topsoil When:
- •Large-scale landscaping projects
- •Establishing new lawns
- •Topdressing existing lawns
- •Budget-conscious garden beds
- •Mixing with existing soil
Use garden Soil When:
- •Raised bed gardening
- •Container planting
- •Vegetable gardens
- •Flower beds requiring rich soil
- •Small-scale planting projects
Which Fill Material Do You Need? (Decision Guide)
Are you planting anything?
YES → Use Topsoil
NO → Continue to #2
Do you need excellent drainage?
YES → Use Gravel
NO → Continue to #3
Is this for a driveway or walkway surface?
YES → Use Gravel (3/4" crushed stone)
NO → Continue to #4
Do you need to raise elevation or fill a hole?
YES → Use Clean Fill
NO → Continue to #5
Is this a leveling layer under pavers?
YES → Use Sand (mason or concrete sand)
NO → Use Clean Fill (most versatile)
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