Bluestone vs Fill Dirt
Side-by-side comparison of Bluestone and Fill Dirt to help you choose the right gravel for your project.
Overview
Bluestone is a dense, fine-grained natural stone commonly used in the northeastern United States. It is valued for its durability, rich blue-gray color, and clean, angular appearance.
Subsoil material free of organic matter, used for grading, filling, and raising elevation. Fill dirt is a lower-grade soil that lacks the nutrients of topsoil, making it ideal for structural and non-growing applications where settling must be minimized.
Common Uses
Bluestone
- ✓ Walkways
- ✓ Patios
- ✓ Landscaping
- ✓ Driveway borders
Fill Dirt
- ✓ Grading
- ✓ Filling depressions
- ✓ Raising elevation
- ✓ Backfill
- ✓ Construction site prep
- ✓ Under slabs
Pros & Cons
Bluestone
- + Highly durable
- + Attractive natural color
- + Resists weathering
- + Slip-resistant texture
- − Expensive
- − Heavy
- − Regional availability
Fill Dirt
- + Very affordable — often cheapest material available
- + Compacts firmly for structural support
- + Does not decompose or settle like organic soil
- + Widely available from construction sites
- + Ideal base under gravel or concrete
- − Not suitable for growing plants
- − Must be free of debris and contaminants
- − May contain clay that drains poorly
- − Needs compaction in layers for stability
- − Quality varies widely between sources
Cost Comparison
| Measure | Bluestone | Fill Dirt |
|---|---|---|
| Per ton | $80 – $150 | $5 – $15 |
| Per cubic yard | $100 – $180 | $8 – $25 |
Sizes & Colors
Bluestone
Available as gravel, chips, or slabs. Colors range from blue-gray to steel blue.
Fill Dirt
Fine to coarse soil particles, free of organic matter like roots, grass, or leaves. Color ranges from tan to reddish-brown depending on local geology. "Clean fill" means free of debris, rocks larger than 3", and contaminants.
Published February 11, 2026
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