Fill Dirt vs Marble Chips
Side-by-side comparison of Fill Dirt and Marble Chips 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.
Marble chips are decorative, angular stones made from crushed marble. Their bright white color reflects heat and adds contrast in landscape designs.
Common Uses
Fill Dirt
- ✓ Grading
- ✓ Filling depressions
- ✓ Raising elevation
- ✓ Backfill
- ✓ Construction site prep
- ✓ Under slabs
Marble Chips
- ✓ Landscaping beds
- ✓ Garden borders
- ✓ Decorative ground cover
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
Marble Chips
- + Bright appearance
- + Reflects sunlight
- + Long-lasting
- − Can discolor over time
- − Poor compaction
- − Glare in full sun
Cost Comparison
| Measure | Fill Dirt | Marble Chips |
|---|---|---|
| Per ton | $5 – $15 | $60 – $120 |
| Per cubic yard | $8 – $25 | $75 – $150 |
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.
Marble Chips
Commonly available in 1/2"–1" sizes. Bright white to off-white.
Published February 11, 2026
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