Comparisons

Both are smooth, rounded stone — but river rock and pea gravel behave very differently underfoot and under budget. Here is how to pick between them by size, use, and how much migration you can tolerate.

Concrete sand is the spec for interlocking pavers. Stone dust is the traditional choice under flagstone. Using the wrong one is the single most common cause of sunken, wobbling patios.

Gravel costs a tenth of what pavers do and goes down in a weekend. Pavers hold furniture level, roll a wheelchair and add resale value. Here is the honest comparison on cost, comfort, upkeep and accessibility.

Fill dirt raises grade for a fraction of the price of topsoil — but only topsoil grows anything. Here is the layering order that gets both jobs right without overpaying.