Fill dirt is for filling low spots and building up an area. Chert is for driveways, pads and base material. Topsoil is for grass, landscaping and finishing. Sand is for leveling, bedding and drainage-related work. Using the wrong one makes a project harder than it needs to be.
Not all dirt is the same
Using the wrong material can make a project harder and cost more. Here's the quick version.
Fill dirt
Fills low spots and builds up an area. It's what goes in first when the ground needs to come up.
Chert
A solid choice for driveways, pads and base material. It packs down hard, which is why it's the go-to under drives and building pads in the Shoals.
Topsoil
What you want on top for grass, landscaping and finishing touches. It grows things. It isn't a base.
Sand
Helpful for leveling, bedding pavers and pipe, and drainage work.
Not sure?
Tell us what the job is and we'll help you pick before you spend money on the wrong material.
Quick questions
What should I use to build up a low area for grass?
Usually fill dirt to bring it up, with topsoil on top for the grass.
What goes under a building pad?
Compacted fill and chert, depending on the pad.
From Streamline Construction Services, a family-owned excavation and dirt work company in Tuscumbia, Alabama. Updated October 2026.