Topsoil, the nutrient-rich surface layer of soil, is the foundation for almost all successful landscaping and gardening projects. When undertaking a significant project like establishing a new lawn or filling large garden beds, purchasing this material in bulk is the most cost-effective approach. Bulk soil is measured by volume in cubic yards, and six cubic yards is a common quantity for a medium-to-large residential project. Understanding the true cost requires looking beyond the material price to the quality, and logistical fees involved.
Understanding the Volume of 6 Cubic Yards
A single cubic yard is a volume of material that fills a space measuring three feet by three feet by three feet, which is equivalent to 27 cubic feet. Translating this abstract volume into a practical coverage area helps a homeowner visualize the project scope. Six cubic yards of topsoil will cover approximately 600 square feet at a uniform depth of three inches, which is a common depth for topdressing a lawn. If the project requires a deeper application, such as preparing a new garden bed with a six-inch layer, the six yards will cover about 300 square feet.
The weight of this volume is an important factor for both delivery and handling, as it varies based on the soil’s moisture content. A cubic yard of dry, loose topsoil typically weighs around 2,000 pounds, or one US ton. When the soil is wet or compacted, this weight can increase to as much as 3,000 pounds per cubic yard. Therefore, six cubic yards of topsoil will weigh between 6 and 9 tons, requiring a heavy-duty dump truck for transport.
Material Cost Range for 6 Cubic Yards
The price for the topsoil material itself, excluding delivery fees, varies when purchased in bulk. For standard, screened topsoil, the most common variety for residential use, the typical cost per cubic yard ranges from $20 to $40. This means the material-only cost for six cubic yards of average quality, screened topsoil is between $120 and $240. Premium or amended blends are often priced higher, sometimes reaching $65 per cubic yard or more.
The lower end of the range, closer to $10 to $15 per yard, is usually reserved for basic fill dirt or unscreened topsoil that may contain large rocks, roots, and debris. Specialized mixes designed for specific planting needs, such as blends with high organic compost content for vegetable gardens, will sit at the upper end. For a common six-yard load of good quality, pulverized topsoil ready for spreading, a homeowner should budget for the material cost to be in the $200 to $400 range.
Variables That Affect the Final Price
Topsoil that has been mechanically “screened” to remove rocks and large organic materials is more costly because of the processing time required. This type of soil offers a uniform particle size that is better for establishing turf and improving drainage. Unscreened soil is less expensive but requires considerable labor from the homeowner to sift or break up clods before use.
The specific blend of the soil influences the price, as pure topsoil is often mixed with other amendments. For instance, soil blends with a high percentage of organic compost are priced higher due to the nutrient enrichment they provide. Regional availability is another factor; prices in dense urban centers are typically higher than in rural areas where material is more readily sourced. A loam mixture balanced with sand, silt, and clay commands a higher price than heavy clay or sandy soil because of its superior water retention and aeration properties.
Total Project Cost: Delivery and Surcharge Fees
The final project cost involves adding logistical expenses to the base material price. Delivery fees for bulk topsoil are almost always separate from the material cost and are generally calculated as a flat rate or a distance-based charge. A common delivery fee for a six-yard load can range from $50 to $150, though this can climb much higher depending on the supplier’s location and the travel distance to the site. Delivery can easily add 25% to 50% to the total material bill, especially if the site is far from the supplier.
Fuel surcharges are sometimes itemized separately, increasing the delivery expense. A six-yard load requires a standard dump truck, and poor accessibility at the delivery site, such as a narrow driveway or overhead obstacles, may result in additional fees or refusal to dump the material. Some suppliers also apply a non-delivery or delay fee, which can be $80 or more, if the driver is unable to dump the material quickly due to obstructions or if the contact person is unavailable upon arrival.