Topsoil is the uppermost layer of the earth, a dynamic zone of mineral particles, organic matter, water, and air that supports plant life. It is where the majority of plant roots anchor and absorb nutrients. When undertaking a landscaping or gardening project, topsoil is typically purchased in bulk, measured by the cubic yard. A cubic yard is a standard unit of volume, totaling 27 cubic feet. Understanding the cost of two cubic yards requires evaluating the material quality, the logistical expenses of transport, and the specific needs of your project.
Calculating Coverage: What 2 Cubic Yards Can Do
Two cubic yards of topsoil represents a total volume of 54 cubic feet, which can cover a substantial area depending on the application depth. Project requirements vary significantly; a thin layer is needed for top-dressing a lawn, while a much deeper layer is required for a new vegetable garden.
If you need a depth of three inches for leveling a lawn or amending a garden bed, two cubic yards will cover approximately 216 square feet. If the project requires six inches of soil depth for adequate root development, the same volume will cover about 108 square feet.
Two cubic yards is a manageable quantity for many residential projects, such as building raised garden beds or correcting minor grading issues. The physical volume arrives in a single pile, equivalent to a slightly over-filled standard pickup truck bed.
Material Cost Variables: Quality and Sourcing
The base price for topsoil varies significantly based on its composition and processing. The most basic distinction is between unscreened and screened topsoil. Unscreened soil is taken directly from a source and may contain rocks, clay, roots, and other debris, making it the most affordable option, often costing between $10 and $28 per cubic yard.
Screened topsoil has been filtered through a mesh to remove large contaminants, resulting in a finer, more uniform texture that is easier to spread and better for root penetration. This additional processing increases the cost, with screened topsoil typically priced between $20 and $40 per cubic yard.
For specialized projects, the cost rises for nutrient-rich blends. Soils enriched with compost, often called planting mixes or “super loam,” are engineered to have an ideal balance of sand, silt, clay, and high organic content for superior water retention and fertility. These premium blends can cost between $30 and $50 per cubic yard and are ideal for vegetable gardens or high-value plantings.
Total Price Breakdown: Material, Delivery, and Fees
The total financial outlay for two cubic yards of topsoil includes the material cost, the delivery fee, and any applicable taxes or surcharges. The base material cost for two cubic yards of standard screened topsoil can range from approximately $40 to $80. Premium, enriched blends would push this material cost higher, potentially up to $100 or more for the two-yard quantity.
Delivery represents the most variable and sometimes the largest part of the total bill. Many suppliers charge a flat-rate delivery fee for local areas, which typically ranges from $50 to $150 per trip, regardless of the quantity ordered. Some companies use a mileage-based fee structure or an hourly rate for the truck and driver, which can be $65 to $100 per hour for longer distances.
A common total cost for two cubic yards of basic screened topsoil, including an average local delivery fee, often falls within a range of $120 to $230. This total can be higher if a premium organic mix is chosen or if the delivery location is remote. Suppliers often have a small quantity surcharge because the labor and fuel costs for delivering two yards are nearly identical to delivering a larger load.
Preparing for Delivery and Placement
Once the order is placed, coordinating the logistics of the drop-off is necessary to ensure a smooth process. The delivery truck requires adequate clearance, both in terms of width for the vehicle and overhead clearance for the bed to safely lift and dump the material. It is important to confirm with the supplier the dimensions of their dump truck and the necessary access space. Before the truck arrives, you should clearly mark the exact drop zone with a stake or a bright tarp.
This is the location where the driver will deposit the two-yard pile, which will be a substantial mound of material. Placing a tarp down first can simplify cleanup and prevent the soil from mixing with the underlying earth or gravel. It is important to remember that two cubic yards of topsoil is extremely heavy, with the weight easily exceeding 3,000 pounds when the soil is damp.
You will need a strong wheelbarrow and a flat-bladed shovel to move and spread the material across the yard. Having the necessary tools ready and the drop-off site prepared prevents delays and ensures the material is placed in the most convenient spot for spreading.