Landscape Material Guide & Quick Reference
Choosing the right material is the key to building driveways, yards, and outdoor spaces that last. This overview is designed to help homeowners and contractors across North Alabama, Southern Tennessee, and Northwest Georgia quickly match common projects with the best gravel, rock, dirt, sand, and soil products Bama Dirt supplies.Driveways
Choosing the right driveway material is essential for building a stable, long-lasting surface. Our driveway aggregates are selected to improve strength, support heavy loads, and reduce maintenance over time.
- Crush & Run – ideal base layer for new or rebuilt driveways.
- #57 Limestone – the most common topping stone for driveways.
- #4 Limestone – helps stabilize soft or muddy areas.
Drainage
Proper drainage materials prevent water buildup and protect your property from erosion or washouts. These aggregates help move water efficiently and support long-term performance around pipes and utilities.
- #57 Limestone – commonly used in French drains and around pipe.
- 89s / Pea Gravel – smaller clean stone that packs well around utilities.
- Rip Rap – heavy rock for ditches, culverts, drainage swales, and high-flow areas.
Landscaping
Landscaping materials enhance curb appeal while supporting healthy lawns, garden beds, and outdoor living areas. These products provide structure, drainage, and finishing detail for beautiful, low-maintenance spaces.
- Topsoil – for lawn prep, garden beds, and final grading.
- Mason Sand – under pavers, patios, and playgrounds.
- Pea Gravel – decorative paths and low-maintenance areas.
- River Rock – accent borders, beds, and high-drainage areas.
- Mulch – moisture control and weed suppression.
Erosion Control
Erosion control materials protect slopes, ditches, and high-flow areas from soil loss and surface damage. These heavier aggregates stabilize the ground and create durable barriers against water movement.
- Rip Rap – primary choice for slopes, ditches, and shoreline protection.
- #4 Limestone – larger stone for high-washout zones.
- Granite / Larger Rock – decorative but effective options for erosion management.
Stabilization & Yard Leveling
Stabilization materials create firm, compactable bases for construction, landscaping, and backfill needs. These products are ideal for leveling uneven areas and preparing reliable foundations for future work.
- Fill Dirt – economical material for raising low areas and backfilling.
- Chert – firm, compactable material ideal for building pads.
- Topsoil – final layer before seeding or laying sod.
- Sand – leveling under pads, pavers, and some concrete work.
Not Sure Where to Start? Follow This Simple Guide.
Every property is different, but most projects fall into a few common situations. Use this quick guide to get pointed in the right direction, then visit each material page for photos, full descriptions, and availability.If you are building or resurfacing a driveway… Start with Crush & Run for the base, then top with #57 Limestone. Use #4 Limestone in soft spots or areas that stay muddy.
If you need to move water away from a house or building… Use #57 Limestone or Pea Gravel in French drains and around pipe. Choose Rip Rap where water flows fast or drops in elevation.
If your yard has low spots or needs build-up before sod… Fill low areas with Fill Dirt or Chert, then finish with a layer of Topsoil before seeding or laying sod.
If you want low-maintenance landscape beds… Use River Rock or Pea Gravel in high-traffic or zero-maintenance areas. Choose Mulch around shrubs and plants for moisture control.
If you are fighting erosion on a slope or ditch bank… Install a compacted base and cover with Rip Rap or larger stone such as #4 Limestone to slow the water down.
If you are preparing a building pad or shop site… Use Chert or compactable fill for the pad, then add the recommended gravel base for your driveway and parking areas.
Still unsure which material is best? Our team is happy to talk through your project and recommend the most cost-effective option.
Not Sure How Much Material You Need?
Use our Material Calculator to estimate how many tons or cubic yards your project will require. Enter your measurements once and quickly compare different material options.Try Our Material Calculator
Overview of Bama Dirt’s Core Material Categories
Bama Dirt supplies a full range of rock, gravel, dirt, sand, mulch, and sod products to homeowners, builders, and commercial customers. Here is a quick look at how each category is typically used.Rock & Gravel Materials
Crushed stone and gravel products are commonly used for driveways, parking areas, shop pads, drainage systems, and erosion control. They provide strength, stability, and long-lasting performance when installed over a properly prepared base.Dirt, Chert & Soil Materials
Fill dirt and chert are used to build up low areas and create a stable foundation. Topsoil is used as the finishing layer for lawns, gardens, and landscape beds where healthy plant growth is important.Sand & Mulch
Mason sand is often placed under pavers, patios, and concrete work, and used for play areas or leveling. Mulch is a great finishing product for landscape beds, helping retain moisture, suppress weeds, and improve curb appeal.Sod Grass & Lawn Preparation
Sod and grass seed perform best when installed over properly graded fill and quality topsoil. Bama Dirt can deliver the materials you need to prepare your yard, then work with your landscaper or sod installer to complete the project.Compare Popular Materials by Project Type
Use this comparison chart as a quick reference, then visit the individual material pages for more detail on installation tips, availability, and spreading services.| Project Type | Recommended Materials | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New or Rebuilt Driveway | Crush & Run base, topped with #57 Limestone | Use #4 Limestone in soft or consistently wet areas for added stability. |
| Driveway Refresh / Topping | #57 Limestone or 89s (where smaller stone is desired) | Spread evenly and compact to refresh ruts and low spots. |
| French Drains & Around Pipe | #57 Limestone, 89s / Pea Gravel | Choose stone size based on pipe diameter and design requirements. |
| Yard Leveling & Building Up Low Areas | Fill Dirt, Chert | Finish with topsoil before seeding or installing sod. |
| Landscape Beds & Paths | Topsoil, Pea Gravel, River Rock, Mulch | Use rock for low-maintenance areas; mulch around living plants. |
| Erosion Control on Slopes & Ditches | Rip Rap, #4 Limestone | Often installed over a compacted base or underlayment fabric. |
For help choosing the best material for your specific property, contact Bama Dirt today. Our team works with homeowners, contractors, and property managers across North Alabama, Southern Tennessee, and Northwest Georgia.
