Construction Gravel vs Fill Dirt

Construction Gravel

Construction gravel is a broad category of mixed-size stone used for general building and site work. It typically includes a combination of crushed stone sizes suitable for base preparation and structural fill.

Fill Dirt

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.

Construction Gravel

• ✓ Construction sites
• ✓ Base layers
• ✓ Backfill
• ✓ Temporary roads

Fill Dirt

• ✓ Grading
• ✓ Filling depressions
• ✓ Raising elevation
• ✓ Backfill
• ✓ Construction site prep
• ✓ Under slabs

Construction Gravel

• + Versatile material
• + Readily available
• + Cost-effective
• + Suitable for many applications

• − Inconsistent sizing
• − Not decorative
• − Varies by supplier

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

Construction Gravel

Mixed crushed stone sizes ranging from fines to 1" or larger. Color varies by quarry source.

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.