When to Use Sand vs. Soil vs. Gravel in Landscaping

Each material—sand, soil and gravel—has unique physical properties that make it suitable for different applications in landscaping. Understanding these differences helps in selecting the right material for the task.

Here’s how each material is typically defined:

• Sand is a loose, granular material made up of fine rock and mineral particles. It offers excellent drainage and compacts easily.
• Soil is a mixture of organic matter, minerals, moisture, and microorganisms. It supports plant growth and retains water and nutrients.
• Gravel consists of small rocks or pebbles and is often used to create stable, load-bearing surfaces.

Knowing how each behaves underfoot and with water helps prevent costly mistakes in garden or outdoor construction projects.

Sand is often the unsung hero in landscaping projects. While it’s not usually visible in the final product, it plays a vital structural role—especially under pavers or turf.

Sand is beneficial when:

• You’re preparing a level surface for laying pavers, bricks or artificial turf.
• Drainage is needed, such as around retaining walls or beneath concrete slabs.
• You want a soft landing surface in playgrounds or under stepping stones.

Sand compacts well without retaining water, making it ideal in areas where you need a stable base but don’t want moisture to accumulate.

Soil is the foundation of every successful planting project. Whether starting a vegetable patch or refreshing flower beds, good-quality soil provides the nutrients and structure plants need to grow.

Use soil in your landscaping project when:

• Building new garden beds, planter boxes or raised vegetable gardens.
• Top-dressing an existing lawn to improve root growth and water retention.
• Planting shrubs, trees or hedges that require nutrient-rich, well-draining ground.

Blended soils—often called garden mix or topsoil—are tailored to different plant types and should be chosen based on your gardening goals.

Gravel isn’t just for driveways. It’s a versatile, stylish and low-maintenance material that suits a range of functional and decorative roles in the landscape.

Consider using gravel when:

• Creating driveways, walkways, or patios that need to handle regular foot or vehicle traffic.
• Filling drainage trenches or French drains to move water away from structures.
• Decorating areas around garden beds, fire pits, or outdoor seating spaces.

Gravel also helps suppress weeds and offers excellent permeability, making it a favourite for sustainable garden designs.

Sand, soil, and gravel work best together in many landscaping projects. Their unique properties complement one another, providing both structure and function.

Some common material combinations include:

• Laying a gravel base under a layer of sand before installing pavers or bricks.
• Mixing composted soil with sand for better drainage in garden beds.
• Creating layered French drains with gravel at the base and soil above for garden moisture control.

Using the right combination can improve drainage, increase plant health and enhance the overall appearance of your outdoor space.

Choosing the right material also involves understanding its strengths and potential limitations. Here’s a quick breakdown to help weigh your options:

Sand:

• Pros: Excellent drainage, easy to level, compacts well.
• Cons: It doesn’t retain nutrients and is unsuitable for growing plants.

Soil:

• Pros: Nutrient-rich, supports plant life, retains water and organic matter.
• Cons: Can become compacted; poor drainage if not mixed correctly.

Gravel:

• Pros: Long-lasting, low maintenance, ideal for driveways and paths.
• Cons: Can migrate without proper edging; uncomfortable barefoot.



Selecting the right material means looking beyond initial appearance and focusing on long-term performance in your intended use.

Your landscape’s purpose and layout will influence which material is best. Consider how the space will be used—whether for planting, walking, or draining water—and choose accordingly.

Here’s how to match material to a project:



• For walkways and high-traffic zones, opt for gravel for stability and durability.
• For planting zones, stick with soil that’s been blended for nutrient content and drainage.
• For levelling areas beneath turf or artificial lawn, use sand as a compactable, even base.

Getting it right the first time saves you from having to redo the job due to poor performance.

Sourcing your materials from a trusted local supplier ensures you get the right grade and quantity for your project. Bulk suppliers can also offer advice based on local conditions, which is invaluable when working with variable Port Macquarie soils or weather patterns.

When choosing your supplier for landscape supplies near you, look for:

• Various material grades, including washed sand, crushed gravel, garden mix and topsoil.
• Clear advice on quantities based on your area measurements and project type.
• Delivery options to make large loads more manageable and cost-effective.

Working with local experts supports your community and gives you access to guidance tailored to your region.

At Ian Brown Sand Supplies and Tipper Hire, we proudly offer an extensive selection of landscape supplies in Port Macquarie to support a wide range of outdoor projects—whether you’re improving drainage, laying structural foundations, or creating a thriving garden space. With decades of local experience, we understand the unique challenges of landscaping in this region and can help you select the right materials to suit your needs.

Whether you’re a weekend gardener planning a simple refresh or a professional landscaper tackling a large-scale build, we provide the quality products and expert advice to ensure your project succeeds from the ground up. Contact us today to order premium sand, soil, or gravel, or speak with our team about the ideal material combination for your job.