Get Fill Dirt Prices: How Much Is Fill Dirt Per Yard?

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Get Fill Dirt Prices: How Much Is Fill Dirt Per Yard?

How much is fill dirt per yard? The average fill dirt price can range from about $10 to $50 per cubic yard. This is just for the dirt itself. The price of fill dirt delivered will be higher. Delivery costs change based on distance. Fill dirt cost per ton is another way people measure it. It can be around $15 to $25 per ton, but dirt weight changes. The bulk fill dirt price per yard often goes down when you buy a lot, like a full cost of fill dirt truckload.

Interpreting Fill Dirt

Let’s talk about fill dirt. What is it? Fill dirt is a simple kind of soil. It’s mostly made of soil, sand, or clay. It does not have much organic stuff in it. Things like roots, grass, or plants are not in clean fill dirt. This is important. Organic matter breaks down. When it breaks down, the dirt settles. This can cause problems if you are filling a hole or leveling ground for building.

Fill dirt is used for many things.
* Filling low spots in your yard.
* Making the ground level for patios or sheds.
* Building up land for construction projects.
* Creating mounds or changing the shape of the land.

It is different from topsoil. Topsoil is rich in nutrients. It is good for growing plants. Fill dirt is not. Its main job is to fill space and provide a stable base.

Factors Affecting Fill Dirt Prices

Many things make the cost of fill dirt go up or down. Knowing these helps you find the best deal.

The Type and Quality of Dirt

Not all fill dirt is the same.
* General Fill Dirt: This might have some small rocks or clay mixed in. It’s okay for many jobs. It is usually less expensive.
* Clean Fill Dirt: This is the best kind. It has no trash, concrete pieces, roots, or other waste. It is pure dirt or soil mix. The cost of clean fill dirt is higher. This is because it must be clean and tested sometimes. If you need dirt for a project where settling is bad, like under a foundation, you need clean fill dirt.

The cleaner the dirt, the more it costs per cubic yard.

How Much Dirt You Need

Buying more dirt usually means a lower price per unit.
* Small Amounts: If you need just a few yards, you might pay a higher cost per cubic yard.
* Bulk Amounts: If you need many cubic yards, the bulk fill dirt price is lower. Suppliers like to sell in large loads. This is why the cost of fill dirt truckload is often cheaper per yard than buying a few scoops. They save time and trips.

Where You Get the Dirt

The source matters.
* Landscape Supply Yards: These are easy to find. They usually have good quality dirt. The landscape supply fill dirt cost here might be a bit higher than other sources. But it’s convenient.
* Construction Sites: Sometimes, construction sites are digging. They need to get rid of dirt. You might get cheap fill dirt price here. Sometimes it’s even free. But you might have to haul it yourself. And the quality is not always guaranteed to be clean.
* Quarries or Pits: These places dig dirt out of the ground. They sell it in bulk. The price at the source might be low. But you will always need delivery, which adds cost.
* Local Ads/Online: People sometimes have dirt they need to get rid of. You might find a cheap fill dirt price. Again, check the quality carefully.

The Distance for Delivery

Delivery adds a lot to the cost. The cost to deliver fill dirt depends mainly on:
* Distance: How far is your location from the dirt source? The farther away, the more it costs. Fuel and driver time add up.
* Truck Size: Bigger trucks can carry more dirt. The cost per truckload is higher, but the cost per yard might be lower if you need a lot. A small truck (like a pickup) can hold 1-2 yards. A large dump truck can hold 10-20 yards or more.
* Access: Can the truck easily get to where you want the dirt dumped? If it’s hard to reach, delivery might cost more. Or they might not deliver at all.

The price of fill dirt delivered is almost always higher than just the material cost. Always ask for a delivered price when getting quotes.

The Time of Year

Prices can change with the seasons. In busy building times, demand for dirt goes up. This can make the cost per cubic yard higher. In slower times, you might find a lower price.

Other Possible Costs

Sometimes there are extra fees.
* Fuel Surcharges: If gas prices are high, suppliers might add a fuel fee to delivery.
* Dump Fees: If the supplier got the dirt from a place that charges them to take it (less common for fill dirt going to you, but possible), they might pass this on.
* Minimum Orders: Some suppliers have a minimum number of yards or truckloads you must buy.

All these things work together. They set the final price you pay for fill dirt.

Gauging Fill Dirt Measurement

Fill dirt is sold in different ways. You need to know which one is being used.

Cubic Yard (cu yd or YD³)

This is the most common way fill dirt is measured. A cubic yard is like a box that is 3 feet long, 3 feet wide, and 3 feet high. It’s a volume measure.
* One cubic yard covers 81 square feet if spread 4 inches thick.
* The cost per cubic yard is what most suppliers will tell you first.
* This is often the standard unit when talking about average fill dirt price or bulk fill dirt price.

Ton (T)

Sometimes, dirt is sold by weight. This is measured in tons. A ton is 2000 pounds.
* The fill dirt cost per ton can seem lower than the cost per cubic yard.
* But dirt weight changes. Wet dirt weighs a lot more than dry dirt. The same volume of dirt can weigh differently based on moisture.
* This can make comparing prices tricky. Is the quote for dry dirt or wet dirt? Always ask.

Truckload

Suppliers often price based on how much a truck can hold.
* The cost of fill dirt truckload varies greatly. It depends on the truck’s size.
* A small single-axle dump truck might carry 5-8 cubic yards.
* A larger tandem-axle dump truck might carry 10-15 cubic yards.
* The biggest trucks might carry 20 cubic yards or more.
* When you get a quote for a truckload, always ask how many cubic yards are in that truckload. This helps you figure out the cost per cubic yard.

It’s best to think in cubic yards. This is a standard volume unit that doesn’t change with moisture. You measure your hole or area in cubic feet, then convert to cubic yards.

Typical Fill Dirt Price Ranges

Let’s look at some example price ranges. Remember, these are just averages. Your local prices might be different.

Material Cost Only (No Delivery)

This is the price if you pick up the dirt yourself.
* Per Cubic Yard: $10 – $30
* Cheap fill dirt price: Maybe $10-$15 per yard if you find a good local source or construction site getting rid of it.
* Average: $15 – $25 per yard.
* Cost of clean fill dirt: $20 – $30+ per yard.
* Per Ton: $15 – $25
* This is rough because weight changes.
* Per Truckload: This varies hugely by truck size.
* Small truck (5-8 yards): $50 – $240
* Medium truck (10-15 yards): $100 – $450
* Large truck (15-20+ yards): $150 – $600+

Price of Fill Dirt Delivered

This includes the material and the delivery fee. Delivery can double or triple the material cost, especially for small amounts or long distances.

Let’s estimate delivery costs.
* Local Delivery (5-10 miles): $50 – $150 per truckload
* Medium Delivery (10-20 miles): $100 – $250 per truckload
* Long Delivery (20+ miles): $150 – $400+ per truckload

Now, let’s combine material and delivery for a few examples.

Example 1: Small Project
* Need: 5 cubic yards (fits in a small truckload)
* Material Cost (average $20/yard): $100
* Local Delivery (5-10 miles): $100
* Total Cost: $200. This is $40 per cubic yard delivered.

Example 2: Medium Project
* Need: 15 cubic yards (fits in a medium truckload)
* Material Cost (average $20/yard): $300
* Medium Delivery (10-20 miles): $200
* Total Cost: $500. This is about $33 per cubic yard delivered. The cost per yard goes down when you buy in bulk. This shows the bulk fill dirt price is better per unit.

Example 3: Large Project
* Need: 40 cubic yards (might need 2 large truckloads)
* Material Cost (average $18/yard for bulk): $720
* Delivery (say 2 large trucks, medium distance, $200 per truck): $400
* Total Cost: $1120. This is about $28 per cubic yard delivered.

These examples show how delivery distance and the amount you buy greatly change the final cost per cubic yard delivered.

Finding Fill Dirt Suppliers

Where can you get fill dirt? You have several options.

Landscape Supply Yards

These are good places to start.
* Pros: They usually have good quality control. They often sell other materials you might need (mulch, gravel, topsoil). They are set up for delivery. The landscape supply fill dirt cost is easy to find out.
* Cons: Prices might be higher than direct sources.

Construction Sites

Sites where they are digging basements, pools, or leveling land might have extra dirt.
* Pros: Can be very cheap fill dirt price, or even free. Helps them avoid paying to dump the dirt.
* Cons: Quality is not guaranteed. It might have rocks, roots, or clay. You often need to arrange pickup yourself. Timing is key – you need the dirt when they are digging.

Quarries or Gravel Pits

These places dig materials from the ground.
* Pros: Good source for large amounts (bulk fill dirt price). Prices at the source can be low.
* Cons: Located outside of town. You will always need delivery, which adds cost. Might have more rock or clay than you want.

Excavation Companies

Companies that dig for a living often have dirt they need to get rid of.
* Pros: Can be a source for free or cheap dirt. They might even deliver for a fee.
* Cons: Quality varies. Availability depends on their current jobs.

Online Marketplaces and Local Ads

Websites like Craigslist or local Facebook groups sometimes have listings for free or cheap fill dirt.
* Pros: Potential for very cheap fill dirt price or free dirt.
* Cons: Quality is unknown. You have to arrange everything (pickup, testing quality). Can be risky.

No matter where you look, always ask questions about the dirt’s quality and composition. Especially if you need clean fill dirt.

Getting a Quote for Fill Dirt

Don’t just take the first price you hear. It’s smart to call a few places. When you call, have this info ready:
1. How much dirt do you need? (In cubic yards. Estimate this by measuring your area.)
2. What type of dirt? (General fill, clean fill dirt?)
3. Where do you need it delivered? (Give your address or a clear location.)
4. When do you need it?

Ask them these questions:
* What is your cost per cubic yard for the dirt type I need?
* Do you sell by the ton? If so, what is the fill dirt cost per ton? How much does a yard typically weigh? (This helps compare.)
* What is the cost to deliver fill dirt to my location? Is that a flat fee or per mile?
* What is the total price of fill dirt delivered for the amount I need? (This gives you the full picture.)
* How many cubic yards are in your truckload? What is the cost of fill dirt truckload?
* Is there a minimum order size?
* What payment methods do you accept?
* When can you deliver?

Getting quotes from 2-3 different suppliers helps you compare and find a fair average fill dirt price for your area and needs.

Figuring Out How Much Dirt You Need

Before you call for quotes, you need to estimate the volume of dirt. You need to know how many cubic yards to ask for.

Here’s how to do it:

For a Rectangular Hole or Area

1. Measure the Length: Measure the length of the area in feet.
2. Measure the Width: Measure the width of the area in feet.
3. Measure the Depth: Measure how deep you need the dirt in feet. If you are filling a hole, measure the depth of the hole. If you are raising the ground, measure how high you want it raised.
4. Calculate Cubic Feet: Multiply Length × Width × Depth. This gives you the volume in cubic feet.
   • Example: A hole is 10 feet long, 5 feet wide, and 2 feet deep. Cubic feet = 10 * 5 * 2 = 100 cubic feet.
5. Convert to Cubic Yards: There are 27 cubic feet in 1 cubic yard (3ft x 3ft x 3ft = 27 cu ft). Divide your cubic feet by 27.
   • Example: 100 cubic feet / 27 = about 3.7 cubic yards.

So, for that hole, you would need about 3.7 cubic yards of fill dirt. You would likely round up to 4 cubic yards when ordering.

For Irregular Shapes

If your area is not a perfect rectangle, try to break it into smaller rectangles. Or estimate the average length, width, and depth. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but a good estimate saves you from ordering too much or too little.

For Spreading Dirt

If you are spreading dirt over an area to make it level, decide how many inches thick you want the layer.
1. Measure Length and Width: Measure the area in feet.
2. Decide Depth: Say you want a 4-inch layer. Convert inches to feet: 4 inches / 12 inches/foot = 0.33 feet.
3. Calculate Cubic Feet: Multiply Length × Width × Depth (in feet).
* Example: An area is 20 feet by 30 feet. You want 4 inches (0.33 feet) of dirt. Cubic feet = 20 * 30 * 0.33 = 198 cubic feet.
4. Convert to Cubic Yards: 198 cubic feet / 27 = about 7.3 cubic yards.

Round up slightly when ordering. It’s better to have a little extra than not enough. Dirt settles a bit after it’s placed.

DIY vs. Hiring Help

You can get fill dirt yourself or pay someone to do the whole job.

Doing It Yourself

• Material Cost: You still pay the cost per cubic yard for the dirt. You might find a cheaper source if you can haul it yourself. This can mean a lower landscape supply fill dirt cost or finding a free source.
• Hauling Cost: If you don’t have a truck or trailer, you might need to rent one. This costs money. Gas adds cost.
• Labor: You do the work of moving and spreading the dirt. This takes time and energy. Moving several cubic yards of dirt is hard physical work.
• Equipment: You’ll need shovels, wheelbarrows, maybe a rake or level.
• Pros: Can be cheaper if you have the means to haul and do the work yourself. You control the timing. You might find a cheap fill dirt price this way.
• Cons: Hard work. Takes time. Equipment costs. May need multiple trips for larger amounts.

Hiring a Professional

• Material Cost: Included in their price. They usually get bulk rates (bulk fill dirt price) which might be better than yours.
• Labor: They do all the work – delivery, moving, spreading, leveling.
• Equipment: They have the right tools, maybe even machinery like a Bobcat, which makes the job much faster.
• Delivery: Included. They handle the cost to deliver fill dirt.
• Pros: Saves you time and hard work. Faster completion. Professional results (level, compacted correctly).
• Cons: Costs more overall than doing it yourself. The average fill dirt price when included in a service is higher per yard than just buying the dirt.

For small jobs (1-2 yards), DIY might make sense if you have a truck. For larger jobs (5+ yards), hiring help is often worth the extra price for the saved effort and faster finish.

Why Clean Fill Dirt Costs More

Let’s look closer at the cost of clean fill dirt.
* Screening: Clean fill dirt often goes through screens. These screens remove rocks, roots, and other unwanted things. This process takes time and costs money.
* Testing: Sometimes, especially for building projects, the dirt might need to be tested. This ensures it has the right soil type and composition. Testing costs money.
* Source: Clean fill often comes from specific, reliable sources. These sources charge more because their dirt is known to be good quality.
* Less Waste: Since it’s clean, there’s no waste you have to get rid of later.

If your project needs stable, non-settling ground, paying the higher cost of clean fill dirt is important. It prevents future problems like sinking patios or cracked foundations. For simple yard leveling where a little settling is okay, general fill dirt might be fine and save you money.

Saving Money on Fill Dirt

Want to find a cheap fill dirt price? Here are some tips:
* Buy in Bulk: If you need a lot, order enough for a full truckload or more. The bulk fill dirt price per yard is much lower than buying small amounts.
* Look for Free Sources: Check construction sites, excavation companies, or online ads. Be ready to haul it yourself. Check the quality carefully! Free dirt isn’t free if it’s full of trash you have to pay to remove.
* Get Multiple Quotes: Call at least 3 suppliers. Compare the total price of fill dirt delivered, not just the material cost. The cost to deliver fill dirt can vary a lot.
* Use Local Suppliers: The closer the supplier, the lower the delivery cost. Ask neighbors or local builders who they use.
* Be Flexible with Timing: If you can wait, you might get a better price during slower seasons.
* Consider Pickup: If you only need a small amount (1-2 yards) and have a truck or can borrow one, picking it up yourself avoids delivery fees. This makes the cost per cubic yard lower.
* Combine Orders: If friends or neighbors need dirt too, you might be able to combine orders to get a bulk discount or split delivery costs.

Finding the cheap fill dirt price takes some effort. But it can save you a good amount of money on your project.

Cost Breakdown Example Table

Here is a simple table showing typical ranges. Remember, prices change based on location, supplier, and time of year.

Item	Measurement	Typical Price Range	Notes
Fill Dirt (Material Only)	Cubic Yard	$10 – $30	Varies by quality (cleaner = more $)
Fill Dirt (Material Only)	Ton	$15 – $25	Weight changes with moisture
Fill Dirt (Material Only)	Small Truckload	$50 – $240	Holds approx. 5-8 cubic yards
Fill Dirt (Material Only)	Medium Truckload	$100 – $450	Holds approx. 10-15 cubic yards
Fill Dirt (Material Only)	Large Truckload	$150 – $600+	Holds approx. 15-20+ cubic yards
Delivery	Per Load/Trip	$50 – $400+	Based on distance & truck size (cost to deliver fill dirt)
Total Delivered	Per Cubic Yard	$20 – $50+	Average fill dirt price delivered
Total Delivered	Per Truckload	$100 – $1000+	Cost of fill dirt truckload (varies)
Clean Fill Dirt	Per Cubic Yard	$20 – $50+	Usually higher cost of clean fill dirt
Bulk Fill Dirt Price	Per Cubic Yard	Lower end of ranges above	Price goes down when buying large amounts

This table helps show the different ways prices are given. Always ask for the total price of fill dirt delivered to compare apples to apples.

Final Thoughts on Fill Dirt Costs

Getting fill dirt involves more than just the cost per cubic yard. You need to think about quality, how much you need, and especially delivery. The average fill dirt price of $10-$50 per cubic yard is just a starting point. The final price of fill dirt delivered will be different.

Figure out how many cubic yards you need first. Then, call suppliers for quotes. Ask for the total cost of fill dirt truckload delivered to your site. Compare the cost per cubic yard delivered from different places. Check for bulk fill dirt price discounts if you need a lot. If your project needs stable ground, pay extra for the cost of clean fill dirt.

By doing your homework and getting quotes, you can find a fair price for the fill dirt you need.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the difference between fill dirt and topsoil?

A: Fill dirt is used to fill holes and level ground. It has little to no organic material. Topsoil is the top layer of soil. It is rich in organic matter and nutrients. Topsoil is good for growing plants. Fill dirt is not.

Q: How much does a cubic yard of fill dirt weigh?

A: A cubic yard of fill dirt can weigh between 2,000 and 3,000 pounds (1 to 1.5 tons). The exact weight depends on how much moisture is in the dirt and its makeup (sand, clay, etc.). This is why the fill dirt cost per ton can be hard to compare to the cost per cubic yard.

Q: Can I get free fill dirt?

A: Yes, sometimes you can get free fill dirt. Construction sites or people doing digging projects might offer it. Check local online ads or call excavation companies. Be sure to check the quality of the dirt before you take it. It might have trash or roots you don’t want.

Q: How much does a truckload of fill dirt cost?

A: The cost of fill dirt truckload varies a lot. It depends on the size of the truck and how far it needs to drive. It can range from $100 for a small load picked up locally to over $1000 for a large load delivered a long distance. Always ask the supplier how many cubic yards are in their truckload and the total price delivered.

Q: Is the price of fill dirt delivered included in the cost per cubic yard?

A: Usually, no. The cost per cubic yard is often just the price of the material itself at the supplier’s yard. The price of fill dirt delivered adds the cost to deliver fill dirt on top of that material price. Always ask for a delivered price to know the full cost.

Q: Do I need clean fill dirt?

A: It depends on your project. If you are filling a hole for a garden or simple landscaping, general fill dirt might be okay. If you are filling a hole under a patio, foundation, or any structure where settling would cause problems, you should use clean fill dirt. The cost of clean fill dirt is higher but provides more stability.

Q: How much does delivery cost per mile?

A: Delivery costs vary. Some suppliers charge per mile, others have zone pricing or a flat fee up to a certain distance. A common range might be $3 to $10 per mile, plus a base fee. It’s best to just ask for the total cost to deliver fill dirt to your specific address for the amount you need.