Fill Sand vs. Topsoil: What’s the Difference & Which Do You Need?

If you’re working on a yard project, building a new patio, or leveling out land, chances are you’ve heard the terms “fill sand” and “topsoil.” While they may look similar at first glance, they serve very different purposes.

At AggregateMarkets.com, we help homeowners, landscapers, and contractors get the right material, delivered fast. Here’s how to tell the difference between fill sand and topsoil — and which one you actually need.

What Is Fill Sand?

Fill sand is a coarse, grainy material — often made from crushed rock or naturally occurring sand deposits. It’s used mainly for compaction, leveling, and base layers.

✅ Best for:

• Filling in holes or low spots

• Raising ground elevation

• Under patios, concrete pads, or pavers

• Foundation work and trench backfill

✅ Pros:

• Excellent compaction: Doesn’t shift or settle much over time

• Affordable: One of the cheapest bulk materials per ton

• Drainage: Drains quickly — great for preventing water pooling

❌ Cons:

• Not plant-friendly: Doesn’t hold moisture or nutrients

• Rough texture: Not good for gardens or lawns
  
   

🌿 What Is Topsoil?

Topsoil is the nutrient-rich upper layer of earth, often blended with compost, sand, or silt. Screened topsoil is sifted to remove clumps, rocks, and debris — making it ideal for planting or turf.

✅ Best for:

• Lawns and sod

• Garden beds and planters

• Flower beds

• Leveling and prepping areas before seeding

✅ Pros:

• Rich in nutrients: Promotes plant growth

• Moisture retention: Holds water better than fill sand

• Great for new lawns: Provides a healthy base for root systems

❌ Cons:

• Less stable: Not good for compacting or supporting structures

• More expensive: Costs a bit more than sand
   

Quick Comparison

Ordering Fill Sand or Topsoil in Bulk

Whether you need fill sand in Indianapolis or screened topsoil for your garden in Tennessee, AggregateMarkets.com helps you get bulk materials delivered from local suppliers — fast.

✔️ Transparent pricing
✔️ No endless phone calls
✔️ Choose the material and we handle the trucking

Final Tip

If you’re planting or growing anything — go with topsoil or screened topsoil. If you’re building something or need to raise ground elevation — fill sand is the better (and cheaper) choice.

Need help figuring out how many tons or yards you need? Use our easy calculator when ordering.

👉 Order now at AggregateMarkets.com – Reliable. Local. Done right.