Fill Dirt vs Topsoil
Side-by-side comparison of Fill Dirt and Topsoil to help you choose the right gravel for your project.
Overview
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.
Nutrient-rich upper layer of soil, ideal for establishing lawns, gardens, and planting beds. Quality topsoil is dark, crumbly, and full of organic matter that supports plant growth. Screened topsoil has been filtered to remove rocks, roots, and debris.
Common Uses
Fill Dirt
- ✓ Grading
- ✓ Filling depressions
- ✓ Raising elevation
- ✓ Backfill
- ✓ Construction site prep
- ✓ Under slabs
Topsoil
- ✓ Lawn seeding
- ✓ Garden beds
- ✓ Raised bed fill
- ✓ Landscape grading
- ✓ Sod installation
- ✓ Tree and shrub planting
Pros & Cons
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
Topsoil
- + Rich in nutrients for plant growth
- + Creates ideal growing medium
- + Dark color absorbs warmth for earlier spring planting
- + Screened options are ready to use
- + Essential for any planting project
- − Settles significantly after delivery
- − Quality varies greatly between suppliers
- − Can contain weed seeds
- − Heavy when wet
- − Should never be used as structural fill
Cost Comparison
| Measure | Fill Dirt | Topsoil |
|---|---|---|
| Per ton | $5 – $15 | $12 – $30 |
| Per cubic yard | $8 – $25 | $15 – $40 |
Sizes & Colors
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.
Topsoil
Fine, crumbly soil texture when screened. Dark brown to black color indicates high organic content. "Screened" topsoil has been run through a 3/8" or 1/2" screen to remove debris. Blended topsoil may include compost for extra nutrients.
Published February 11, 2026
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