Your Price Guide: How Much Is A Yard Of Loam Costs

How much is a yard of loam? A cubic yard of loam often costs somewhere between $30 and $75 for just the material, before delivery fees. This cubic yard loam cost can change a lot based on where you live, how good the soil is, and how much you buy. This guide will help you figure out the price per yard topsoil, look at bulk loam prices, factor in loam delivery cost, and understand other costs like landscaping soil cost or garden soil price. We’ll also touch on the cost of a ton of loam and fill dirt price per yard to give you a full picture. Knowing these numbers helps you plan your projects better.

How Much Is A Yard Of Loam
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What Loam Soil Is and Why It’s Good

Loam soil is special. It is a mix of sand, silt, and clay. It also has organic matter, which is decayed plants and other things. This mix is just right for most plants.

Good Drainage: Water goes through it well. Roots do not sit in water and rot.
Holds Water: It holds enough water so plants do not dry out too fast.
Good Air Flow: Air gets to the roots easily.
Nutrients: It often has lots of food for plants.
Easy to Work: It is not too hard or too sticky. You can plant in it easily.

Because of these good points, loam is great for gardens, lawns, and fixing poor soil. People use it for flower beds, vegetable gardens, and new grass. This makes it a popular landscaping soil cost item.

Factors That Change the Cost of Loam

Many things make the cubic yard loam cost go up or down. Think about these points when you are planning your budget.

The Quality of the Loam

Not all loam is the same. Better quality loam costs more. What makes loam high quality?

Screened Loam: This means the soil has been put through a screen. This takes out rocks, roots, and trash. Screened loam is smoother and easier to work with. It costs more than unscreened soil.
Added Nutrients: Some loam mixes have compost or other things added. This makes the soil richer and better for plants. This costs extra.
Source of the Soil: Where the soil comes from matters. Local yards might have different types of soil. Soil dug up from building sites might be cheaper, but it might not be as good or might have problems.
Certifications: Some suppliers test their soil. They might say it is organic or meets certain standards. This higher standard usually comes with a higher price per yard topsoil.

When you look at garden soil price, know that higher quality soil usually gives better results. But it will cost more upfront.

How Much Loam You Buy

Buying more loam at once usually makes the price per yard topsoil cheaper. This is called buying in bulk.

Bulk Loam: If you need a lot, say 5 yards or more, buying in bulk from a landscape supply yard is smart. The bulk loam prices per yard are lower than buying many small bags. A truck brings it and dumps it in one spot.
Small Bags: If you only need a little for a small garden bed or a few pots, bags from a garden store are easy. But if you add up the cost of many bags, it is much more expensive per cubic yard than buying in bulk. The garden soil price in bags is the highest per volume.

Most big projects need bulk delivery. Small projects might use bags. The cost difference for the same amount of soil can be huge.

Where You Are Located

The cost of loam changes a lot depending on your area.

Local Supply: If there are many places near you that sell soil, the prices might be lower because they compete with each other. If soil is hard to find in your area, it will cost more.
Distance from Source: Soil is heavy. Moving it costs money. If the soil yard is far from you, the loam delivery cost will be higher.

Prices are often higher in big cities or places where dirt is not easy to dig up. Prices might be lower in rural areas with many soil yards.

The Seller You Choose

Different places sell loam. Their prices can vary.

Landscape Supply Yards: These places sell large amounts of soil, mulch, and stone. They usually have the best bulk loam prices. They are set up for delivery by the cubic yard or ton.
Garden Centers: These stores sell bags of soil and smaller amounts. Their garden soil price per volume is higher than bulk yards. They are good for small jobs.
Big Box Stores: Places like Home Depot or Lowe’s sell bagged soil. Like garden centers, they are good for small needs but cost more per cubic yard.
Excavation Companies: Sometimes companies digging for construction sell soil. This might be cheaper, but the quality can be mixed. It might be more like fill dirt price per yard than good loam.

Getting quotes from a few different types of sellers can help you find the best price for your needs.

Delivery Fees

Getting the loam to your house is a big part of the total cubic yard loam cost. Loam delivery cost is added to the price of the soil itself.

Distance: The farther the truck has to drive, the more delivery costs.
Amount: Some places have a minimum delivery fee. It might cost the same to deliver 3 yards as it does 5 yards. This is why bulk loam prices become cheaper per yard when you buy more.
Access: If your driveway is hard to reach, narrow, or has obstacles, delivery might be harder and could cost more or might not be possible.
Truck Size: Bigger trucks can carry more, but they need more space to dump.

Understanding how much does topsoil delivery cost is key to knowing your final price. We will look at this more closely later.

How Much Does a Yard of Loam Cost? (Material Only)

Let’s break down the likely costs just for the soil itself, before delivery. Remember, a yard is a cubic yard. It is a cube that is 3 feet wide, 3 feet long, and 3 feet high. This is about the size of a small washing machine or a standard refrigerator.

The cubic yard loam cost varies quite a bit.

Basic Screened Loam: This is soil with rocks and roots screened out. It is good for general use, like leveling a yard or under sod. Price range is typically $30 to $50 per cubic yard.
Premium Loam or Garden Mix: This soil often has compost or other good things mixed in. It is best for planting beds, vegetables, or improving poor soil structure. It is higher quality price per yard topsoil. Price range is usually $45 to $75 per cubic yard, or even more for very special mixes.

These are just ranges. In some high-cost areas, prices could be $80 or $90 per yard for premium soil. In areas with lots of soil available, prices might be slightly lower, maybe starting around $25-$30 for basic soil.

Here is a simple table showing typical costs for the loam material itself:

Table: Estimated Loam Material Costs Per Cubic Yard

Type of Loam	Description	Typical Price Range Per Yard (Material Only)
Basic Screened Loam	Screened, no major additives	$30 – $50
Standard Loam Mix	Screened, some basic organic matter added	$40 – $65
Premium Garden Loam	Screened, rich in compost/organic matter	$55 – $75+

These prices are for bulk amounts purchased from a landscape supply yard. Buying in small bags will be much, much more expensive per cubic yard. For example, a 1 cubic foot bag (which is 1/27th of a cubic yard) might cost $5-$10. To get a full cubic yard from bags, you would need 27 bags. At $7 per bag, that is $189 for a cubic yard! This shows why bulk loam prices are so much better for larger needs.

Breaking Down Loam Delivery Costs

Getting the soil to your project site is a separate cost. This loam delivery cost can sometimes be as much as or more than the soil itself, especially for smaller orders or long distances.

How much does topsoil delivery cost depends on several things:

Minimum Delivery Fee: Most companies have a base fee just to send a truck to your location. This fee often covers a certain distance, like the first 5-10 miles. This minimum fee could be anywhere from $40 to $100 or more.
Distance Charge: If you live farther away, they add a charge per mile beyond the included distance. This might be $3 to $10 per mile.
Amount Delivered: Sometimes the delivery fee is tied to the amount. There might be a minimum order size (e.g., 3-5 yards) for delivery. Delivering a very large amount (like a full dump truck load of 10-15 yards) might have a different price structure than delivering a smaller load.

Table: Estimated Loam Delivery Costs

Factor	Typical Cost/Charge	Notes
Minimum Delivery Fee	$40 – $100+	Often includes first 5-10 miles.
Extra Distance Charge	$3 – $10+ per mile	For miles beyond the minimum distance.
Very Large Orders	May have a different rate structure	Delivering 10-15+ yards at once might change the per-mile cost.
Difficult Access Fee	Possible extra charge or refusal	Narrow driveways, steep hills, obstacles.

Let’s look at a couple of examples to see how loam delivery cost adds up:

Example 1: Close Delivery, Small Order
- You need 5 yards of loam.
- Supplier is 7 miles away.
- Supplier has a $60 minimum delivery fee that includes 10 miles.
- Total Delivery Cost: $60.
Example 2: Far Delivery, Medium Order
- You need 8 yards of loam.
- Supplier is 20 miles away.
- Supplier has a $70 minimum delivery fee that includes 10 miles.
- Extra distance: 20 miles – 10 miles = 10 miles.
- Distance charge: 10 miles * $5/mile = $50.
- Total Delivery Cost: $70 (minimum) + $50 (distance) = $120.

As you can see, the delivery cost can add a lot to the cubic yard loam cost. When comparing prices from different suppliers, always get the full delivered price.

Total Estimated Cost: Loam + Delivery

To get your total cost, you add the cost of the soil and the delivery fee.

Total Cost = (Price Per Yard * Number of Yards) + Delivery Fee

Let’s use the examples from before and add a loam price:

Example 1 (Close, Small Order):
- Need 5 yards of basic screened loam @ $40/yard. Material cost: 5 * $40 = $200.
- Delivery cost: $60.
- Total Estimated Cost: $200 + $60 = $260.
- Average cost per delivered yard: $260 / 5 yards = $52 per yard.
Example 2 (Far, Medium Order):
- Need 8 yards of standard loam mix @ $50/yard. Material cost: 8 * $50 = $400.
- Delivery cost: $120.
- Total Estimated Cost: $400 + $120 = $520.
- Average cost per delivered yard: $520 / 8 yards = $65 per yard.

This shows how distance and the number of yards affect the final price per delivered yard. Buying more yards often makes the delivery cost less per yard. This makes the bulk loam prices even more appealing for large projects.

Different Ways to Buy Soil: Yard vs. Bag vs. Ton

Soil is sold in different ways. This affects the cost.

Buying by the Cubic Yard (Bulk)

This is the most common way to buy loam for larger projects.

Pros:
- Lowest price per yard topsoil for the material itself.
- Less waste (no bags to throw away).
- Delivered right to your driveway or yard.
Cons:
- Need space for the truck to dump.
- You have to move the soil yourself (wheelbarrow, shovel).
- Requires a minimum order size for delivery (often 3-5 yards).
- Delivery cost is added.

Bulk loam prices are best when you need multiple yards. It saves money compared to bags, even with the delivery fee.

Buying by the Bag

This is best for small jobs.

Pros:
- Easy to transport a few bags in your car.
- Good for very small areas or containers.
- No big pile of dirt to deal with.
- No delivery fee (if you pick up).
Cons:
- Very high garden soil price per cubic yard.
- Lots of plastic bags to dispose of.
- Need many bags for even a medium-sized project (27 bags per cubic yard).

If you just need to fill a few pots or top up a small bed, bags are fine. But for anything needing more than a few bags, bulk is much cheaper per volume.

Buying by the Ton

Soil is heavy. Its weight changes based on how wet it is. Dry soil weighs less than wet soil. This makes selling soil by weight tricky.

Most loam is sold by volume (cubic yard) rather than weight (ton). However, some materials like fill dirt price per yard or gravel are often sold by the ton. Sometimes, soil suppliers might price loam by the ton, especially if it’s very dense or wet.

A cubic yard of dry, screened topsoil or loam typically weighs around 2,000 to 2,400 pounds (1 to 1.2 tons).
A cubic yard of wet soil can weigh 2,500 to 3,000+ pounds (1.25 to 1.5+ tons).

So, the cost of a ton of loam is roughly the same as the cubic yard loam cost if the soil is dry (around 1 ton per yard). If the soil is wet, a ton would be less than a cubic yard.

If a supplier quotes you a cost of a ton of loam, make sure to ask how it relates to a cubic yard. Ask how they measure (by weight or volume) and how they handle moisture content. This is less common for good quality loam but might come up when discussing things like fill dirt price per yard. Fill dirt is often priced by the ton because its quality and moisture vary a lot.

Figuring Out How Much Loam You Need

Before you call for prices, you need to know how many cubic yards you need. This step is important to avoid buying too little or too much.

You will need to measure the area where you want to add the loam.

Measure the Area:
- For a square or rectangle: Measure the length and the width in feet.
- For an odd shape: Break it down into smaller squares or rectangles and measure each part.
Decide the Depth: How deep do you want the layer of loam to be? Measure this depth in inches. A common depth for new gardens is 4-6 inches. For leveling a lawn, it might be 1-2 inches.
Calculate Volume in Cubic Feet:
- Multiply Length (feet) * Width (feet) * Depth (feet).
- You measured depth in inches, so convert it to feet by dividing by 12. (Example: 4 inches / 12 = 0.33 feet)
- Example: A garden bed is 10 feet long and 5 feet wide. You want 6 inches of loam.
  - Depth in feet = 6 inches / 12 = 0.5 feet.
  - Volume in cubic feet = 10 feet * 5 feet * 0.5 feet = 25 cubic feet.
Convert Cubic Feet to Cubic Yards:
- There are 27 cubic feet in 1 cubic yard (3 ft * 3 ft * 3 ft = 27 cubic feet).
- Divide your total cubic feet by 27 to get cubic yards.
- Example: You need 25 cubic feet. Cubic yards = 25 / 27 = 0.93 cubic yards.

So, for that example garden bed, you would need about 1 cubic yard of loam.

Since you usually have to buy in whole yards (or minimum delivery amounts like 3 or 5 yards), always round up. If you need 0.93 yards, buy 1 yard (if they sell half yards or single yards) or factor it into your larger order.

Many suppliers and websites have a soil calculator cubic yards tool. You just put in the length, width, and depth (in feet or inches), and it tells you how many cubic yards you need. This is a helpful tool when planning.

Remember that soil settles. The depth you add will compact a little over time. You might want to add a little extra or plan to top it up later.

Comparing Soil Suppliers and Getting Quotes

Once you know how much loam you need (in cubic yards), it is time to get prices. Do not just call one place. Call a few different types of suppliers:

A local landscape supply yard.
Maybe a large nursery or garden center that sells bulk soil.
If applicable, ask about fill dirt price per yard if you are doing a project where less-than-perfect soil is okay for the base.

When you call or visit, ask these questions:

“How much is your screened loam per cubic yard loam cost?”
“Do you have different types of loam? What is the price per yard topsoil for each?” (Ask about garden mix vs. basic soil).
“What is your minimum order size for delivery?”
“What is the loam delivery cost to my address?” (Give them your street address or zip code).
“How is the delivery fee calculated? Is there a minimum fee plus a per-mile charge?” This helps you understand how much does topsoil delivery cost.
“Can the truck get into my driveway? Is there space to dump X cubic yards?” Describe your driveway and the spot where you want the soil dumped. A standard dump truck needs about 10 feet of width and 20-25 feet of height clearance (no low wires or branches) and space to back up and lift its bed.
“Is the soil screened? What size screen?” (Finer screens mean fewer rocks).
“Does the soil have compost or other things added?”
“When can you deliver?”

Write down the prices from each place. Make sure you are comparing the total delivered cost for the amount you need.

Table: Sample Comparison Sheet

Supplier Name	Loam Type	Loam Cost/Yard (Material)	Number of Yards Needed	Total Material Cost	Delivery Fee	Total Delivered Cost	Notes (Quality, Delivery Time)
“Green Earth” Yard	Basic Screened	$40	8	$320	$80	$400	Delivery next day
“Grow Well” Supply	Premium Garden Mix	$60	8	$480	$100	$580	Higher quality soil, delivery 2 days out
“Dirt Cheap”	Unscreened/Fill Dirt	$20	8	$160	$70	$230	Likely unscreened, check quality; compare to `fill dirt price per yard`

This comparison helps you see the real difference in landscaping soil cost from different places. The cheapest option might not be the best if the soil quality is poor. The more expensive option might be worth it for a prime garden bed.

Ways to Save Money on Loam

Buying loam is an investment in your yard or garden. Here are some ways to potentially lower the cubic yard loam cost:

Buy in Bulk: As we have seen, bulk loam prices per yard are much lower than bagged soil. If you need more than a few wheelbarrow loads, bulk is the way to go.
Split an Order: Do your neighbors need soil, mulch, or gravel too? If you combine your order with a neighbor, you might reach a higher volume discount level or share the loam delivery cost, making how much does topsoil delivery cost less per person.
Pick Up If Possible: If you have a truck (and a way to load it safely!), picking up the soil yourself saves the loam delivery cost. However, most standard pickup trucks can only carry 1-1.5 cubic yards safely because soil is very heavy. Be sure your vehicle can handle the weight. 1 cubic yard weighs over 1 ton!
Shop Around: Get quotes from several suppliers for the total delivered price. Do not just compare the per-yard material cost.
Choose the Right Quality: Do you need premium garden mix for a veggie patch, or is basic screened loam okay for leveling a low spot in the lawn? Do not pay for quality you do not need. For a very large area just needing to be raised, fill dirt price per yard might be much lower and suitable.
Check for Sales: Sometimes, landscape supply yards have seasonal sales.

What About the Cost of a Ton of Loam?

As mentioned earlier, soil is usually sold by volume (yard) not weight (ton). However, you might see cost of a ton of loam listed sometimes, or other materials like gravel or fill dirt price per yard quoted by the ton.

Key Point: The weight of soil changes a lot with moisture. A ton of dry soil is a larger volume than a ton of wet soil.
Estimate: A cubic yard loam cost is roughly equal to the cost of a ton of loam if the soil is relatively dry (1 cubic yard ≈ 1 to 1.2 tons). If the soil is wet, a ton will be less than a cubic yard.
Why it matters: If a supplier sells by the ton, and it rains a lot the day before you order, you might get less volume for your money compared to buying by the cubic yard. Buying by the cubic yard is generally more consistent for soil.

Always clarify how a supplier measures and sells their product.

Other Landscaping Soil Costs

Loam is not the only soil material you might buy for landscaping. Other landscaping soil cost items include:

Topsoil: This term is often used instead of loam, or it might mean the upper layer of soil from a site, which could be loam, sandy, or clayey depending on the location. Price per yard topsoil generally falls into the same range as loam, from $20-$70 per yard, depending on screening and quality. Screened topsoil is similar to screened loam.
Compost: This is decayed organic matter. It is very rich and great for improving soil health, but it is usually mixed into existing soil or loam, not used as the main fill. Compost costs typically range from $20-$50 per cubic yard or more for special blends.
Garden Soil (Bagged): Sold in small bags. This often contains a mix of topsoil, compost, and sometimes fertilizer. As discussed, the garden soil price per cubic yard is very high compared to bulk.
Fill Dirt: This is soil used to fill in holes or build up land elevation. It is often unscreened and can contain rocks, clay, or sand. It is not good for planting directly. Fill dirt price per yard is much lower than loam, often $10-$30 per cubic yard, or sold by the ton for $5-$20 per ton. Fill dirt price per yard is lower because the quality is not important, only the volume.
Triple Mix: A common blend, often 1/3 topsoil (loam), 1/3 compost, and 1/3 sand or other amendment. This is a premium planting mix. It usually costs more than basic loam, perhaps $50-$80+ per cubic yard.

Know what you need the soil for. Buying expensive garden mix for a place where fill dirt price per yard would work is a waste of money.

Making Your Soil Last

Good loam is valuable. Once you have it, take care of it!

Add compost or other organic matter every year. This keeps the soil healthy and full of nutrients.
Avoid walking on garden beds. This compacts the soil and makes it hard for roots and water.
Mulch around plants. This helps hold water, keeps weeds down, and adds organic matter as it breaks down.
Test your soil every few years to see what nutrients it needs.

Taking care of your soil means you won’t need to buy new loam as often, saving you money in the long run on landscaping soil cost.

Frequently Asked Questions About Loam Costs

Is topsoil the same as loam?

Often, yes, in casual talk. But technically, topsoil is just the top layer of dirt, which can be different types. Loam is a specific mix of sand, silt, and clay that is ideal for plants. When buying, ask if their “topsoil” is screened and what its texture is like (does it crumble nicely?). The price per yard topsoil should reflect its quality.

How many cubic feet are in a yard of loam?

There are 27 cubic feet in one cubic yard. This is why you divide cubic feet by 27 when using a soil calculator cubic yards.

Can I pick up loam myself instead of getting delivery?

Yes, if the supplier allows it and you have a vehicle that can safely carry the weight. A standard pickup truck can usually carry 1 to 1.5 cubic yards of soil safely. Check your truck’s load limit. Picking up saves on the loam delivery cost.

What is the minimum amount of loam I can have delivered?

This varies by supplier. Many landscape supply yards have a minimum delivery amount, often 3 to 5 cubic yards. Delivering smaller amounts is not cost-effective for them because of the fixed costs of sending a truck.

Why is bagged soil so much more expensive per yard?

Bagged soil is convenient for small jobs. The extra cost covers the bagging, labeling, shipping to stores, and retail markup. Bulk loam prices avoid these extra steps.

How much does a cubic yard of loam weigh?

A cubic yard of dry loam weighs roughly 2,000 to 2,400 pounds (1 to 1.2 tons). Wet loam is heavier, potentially 2,500 to 3,000+ pounds. The cost of a ton of loam can vary based on moisture.

Is fill dirt cheaper than loam?

Yes, fill dirt price per yard is usually much cheaper than loam. This is because fill dirt is lower quality, often unscreened, and used for filling holes or building up land where planting quality does not matter. Loam is higher quality soil good for planting.

How can I estimate `how much does topsoil delivery cost` before calling?

Look up landscape supply yards near you. Check their website or call them. They usually have a base delivery fee for a certain distance, plus a charge per mile beyond that. Knowing your distance from the supplier helps you estimate.

What is the typical `landscaping soil cost` per cubic yard?

Basic price per yard topsoil or screened loam is often $30-$50. Better quality garden mix or premium loam can be $50-$75 or more. This is just for the material, not including delivery.

Finishing Up

Knowing the cubic yard loam cost is the first step in budgeting for your landscaping or gardening project. Remember that the total cost includes the price of the soil itself and the loam delivery cost.

Factors like the quality of the soil, the amount you buy (bulk loam prices are better), your location, and the supplier all play a role in the final price per yard topsoil.

Use a soil calculator cubic yards tool to figure out exactly how much you need. Get quotes from a few different places to compare landscaping soil cost and how much does topsoil delivery cost. Do not forget to consider the cost of a ton of loam if a supplier prices that way, and compare it to fill dirt price per yard if that is a suitable option for your project.

By doing your homework, you can get the right amount of the right kind of soil for a fair price, helping your plants and lawn grow strong.