When undertaking a landscaping project, buying soil in bulk is generally the most cost-effective approach for medium-to-large areas. Soil, mulch, and other loose materials are sold by volume, measured in a unit called the cubic yard. A quantity of 10 cubic yards represents a substantial order, often necessary for new lawn installations, significant grading, or creating multiple large garden beds. Estimating the final delivered cost for this volume requires understanding specific soil types and logistical fees.
Defining the Cubic Yard
The standard measure for bulk landscaping materials is the cubic yard, which defines a precise volume of space. Mathematically, a cubic yard is equivalent to a cube measuring three feet wide, three feet long, and three feet high. This volume is precisely 27 cubic feet, which is the foundational number used in all coverage calculations.
The industry uses this volume measurement because it is independent of the material’s weight, which fluctuates depending on moisture content. For example, a cubic yard of dry sand will weigh significantly less than a cubic yard of saturated clay, but the volume remains constant. To visualize this volume, one cubic yard is roughly the size of a standard washing machine or a large chest freezer.
Purchasing soil by the cubic yard allows for accurate planning and comparison across different suppliers. This standardized unit ensures that when you order 10 yards, you are receiving 270 cubic feet of material. This bulk approach is always more economical than buying the equivalent volume in small, pre-packaged bags from a retail store.
Calculating Coverage for 10 Yards
The practical application of 10 cubic yards depends entirely on the depth at which the material is spread across the project area. The desired depth determines the total square footage the 270 cubic feet of material will cover.
When spread to a thin depth of one inch, one cubic yard covers approximately 324 square feet. A bulk order of 10 cubic yards would therefore cover about 3,240 square feet at this minimal depth. This shallow application is typically used for top-dressing an existing lawn or lightly amending a garden area.
For new garden beds or grading projects, a depth of four inches is often recommended to support healthy root growth. At this depth, a single cubic yard covers about 81 square feet. Ten cubic yards will cover an area of roughly 810 square feet, which is equivalent to a large backyard or several substantial planting areas.
To manage the delivery logistics, 10 cubic yards of material is a significant quantity that usually requires a large dump truck. This volume is often the capacity of a single large truckload. For movement on site, one cubic yard is equivalent to about six to ten standard wheelbarrow loads.
Understanding Soil Types and Quality
The type of soil chosen significantly impacts both project performance and price. Soil is generally categorized into three distinct types based on composition and intended use for construction or horticulture.
Fill dirt is the least expensive option, consisting primarily of subsoil, rocks, sand, and clay, with little organic matter. Because it lacks organic material, fill dirt is highly stable and does not settle significantly over time. It is used exclusively for structural purposes, such as filling large holes, creating retaining wall bases, or changing the elevation of the landscape.
The next level of quality is topsoil, which is the uppermost layer of the earth, generally rich in organic matter, minerals, and nutrients. This composition makes it suitable for supporting plant life, including lawns, shrubs, and garden vegetables. Quality topsoil should be screened to remove large rocks and debris, ensuring a finer, more workable texture for planting.
The most expensive category includes specialty soil mixes, such as garden soil or compost-amended blends. These engineered products often combine screened topsoil with high concentrations of organic compost or peat moss. Specialty mixes are designed for specific high-performance applications, such as raised vegetable gardens, to improve drainage and nutrient retention.
Total Cost Factors
The final cost for 10 cubic yards of soil is a variable figure determined by the base price of the material and a range of logistical fees. The quality of the material is the primary driver of the base price.
Fill dirt typically costs $5 to $25 per cubic yard, meaning 10 yards of this structural material could cost between $50 and $250 before delivery. Standard bulk topsoil, due to its organic content and screening, costs between $10 and $50 per cubic yard. Consequently, 10 cubic yards of topsoil has a base material cost in the range of $100 to $500. Specialty blends or enriched garden mixes can push the per-yard price even higher.
Delivery fees are a mandatory addition when ordering bulk material, especially a large volume like 10 yards. Delivery is often factored into the total price for a full truckload, which commonly ranges from $150 to $600 for 10 to 15 yards delivered. The specific fee will depend on the distance from the supplier’s yard to the delivery site, with distance surcharges common.
Other financial considerations include local sales tax on the material and potential fuel surcharges. For a delivered 10-yard load of standard quality topsoil, a homeowner should budget for a total estimated cost in the range of $250 to $750. This price range ensures a realistic expectation for a medium-to-large bulk soil purchase.