Fill Dirt vs Washed Gravel

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.

Washed Gravel

Washed gravel consists of crushed or rounded stone that has been mechanically washed to remove all fines and dust. Without fines, the stones do not compact, allowing water to flow freely between them. Washed gravel is commonly used where drainage is the primary concern.

Fill Dirt

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

Washed Gravel

• ✓ Drainage systems
• ✓ French drains
• ✓ Foundation backfill
• ✓ Septic systems
• ✓ Pipe bedding

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

Washed Gravel

• + Excellent drainage
• + No dust or mud
• + Does not retain water
• + Clean, uniform appearance

• − Does not compact
• − Can shift under load
• − Requires edging or containment

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.

Washed Gravel

Typically available in 3/4" (#57), 1"–2", or mixed clean stone sizes. Color varies by source material but is usually gray, tan, or off-white.