Fill Dirt vs Jersey Shore Gravel: Size, Cost, and Which to Use

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.

Jersey Shore Gravel

Jersey Shore gravel is a naturally rounded, multicolored stone originating from river deposits in the northeastern United States. Its smooth texture and varied coloration make it a popular decorative gravel.

Fill Dirt

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

Jersey Shore Gravel

• ✓ Landscaping
• ✓ Garden beds
• ✓ Decorative ground cover
• ✓ Walkways

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

Jersey Shore Gravel

• + Attractive multicolor appearance
• + Smooth texture
• + Low maintenance

• − Does not compact
• − Can shift under foot traffic
• − Higher cost than standard gravel

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.

Jersey Shore Gravel

Typically available in 3/8" to 1.5" sizes. Colors include tan, brown, gray, and red tones.