Topsoil is the uppermost layer of the earth, a mixture of minerals, organic matter, water, and air necessary for healthy plant life. This layer is where most root systems develop, meaning its quality directly influences the success of planting projects. When purchasing topsoil, the cost is rarely fixed due to variables like quality, location, and the unit of measurement used by suppliers. Topsoil is often sold by volume, such as the cubic yard, rather than by weight, like the ton.
The Price of a Ton of Topsoil
The cost of topsoil purchased in bulk generally ranges from $10 to $60 per ton, although suppliers typically quote by the cubic yard. This fluctuation depends on the quality of the soil and local market conditions. A basic, unscreened loam mix falls on the lower end, while a premium, compost-enriched blend is priced much higher.
For small projects, topsoil is sold in bags, usually 40-pound options. Bagged topsoil costs between $2 and $5 per bag, but this convenience results in a significantly higher unit price than bulk. Purchasing the equivalent of one cubic yard requires 18 to 20 bags and can cost between $50 and $100.
The difference in price between bulk and bagged soil is due to processing, packaging, and transportation costs. Bagged products include the expense of plastic packaging, marketing, and retail distribution. Bulk topsoil minimizes these intermediate steps, making it the more economical choice for projects requiring more than a few cubic yards.
Ton Versus Volume: Understanding Density
The confusion in determining the cost of a ton of topsoil stems from the difference between weight (ton) and volume (cubic yard). A cubic yard measures space (three feet cubed), while a ton measures weight (2,000 pounds). For dry, loose topsoil, one cubic yard weighs approximately 1,800 to 2,200 pounds, meaning it is often very close to one US ton.
Density links these two measurements and is highly sensitive to moisture content. A cubic yard of dry, loose topsoil may weigh around 0.9 to 1.1 tons, which is why it is used as a rough proxy for a ton. If the same volume of soil becomes saturated with water, however, the weight increases dramatically.
A cubic yard of wet or saturated topsoil can weigh between 2,700 and 3,400 pounds, representing a weight increase of up to 50 percent compared to its dry counterpart. This change means that a supplier selling by weight (ton) delivers significantly less volume of wet soil than dry soil for the same price. Conversely, a supplier selling by volume (cubic yard) may be charging the buyer for the weight of the water, which affects the total project cost.
Key Factors Influencing the Final Cost
Several factors contribute to the final price of topsoil beyond the weight-to-volume conversion. The primary factor is the degree of processing, categorized as unscreened or screened topsoil. Unscreened soil is raw material that may contain rocks, clay clumps, roots, and debris. It is the least expensive option but requires more labor to spread.
Screened topsoil has been run through a mesh screen (typically 1/2-inch or 3/4-inch) to remove larger contaminants. This results in a fine, uniform material that is easier to work with for planting. Specialty blends incorporate amendments like compost, sand, or peat moss to create specific textures, such as sandy loam for drainage. These blends carry a higher price tag due to the specific benefits they offer.
Delivery fees are another major variable, often adding a flat rate of $50 to $150 or more to the total cost. This fee depends on the distance from the supplier and the amount of material ordered. Many suppliers offer bulk discounts when a customer orders ten or more cubic yards. Buying in bulk lowers the price per unit and may qualify the buyer for reduced or free delivery.
Calculating Project Needs and Purchase Options
Accurately calculating the required volume is the first step in determining the total purchase cost. The standard calculation involves measuring the area in feet and the desired depth in inches, then converting the result into cubic yards. To determine the volume, multiply the length by the width of the area, then multiply that by the desired depth in feet. Finally, divide the result by 27, which is the number of cubic feet in one cubic yard.
For example, a 10-foot by 10-foot area requiring 4 inches of topsoil converts the depth to 0.33 feet (4 inches / 12 inches). Multiplying 10 x 10 x 0.33 yields 33 cubic feet, which equates to 1.22 cubic yards of soil when divided by 27. Once the required volume is known, buyers can purchase from local landscape suppliers, garden centers, or excavation companies.
It is advisable to contact multiple local suppliers and ask for their price per cubic yard, specifying the type of topsoil needed. When vetting suppliers, inquire about the source of the soil and request a sample to inspect the quality before committing to a large order. Comparing the quotes, including the delivery charge, ensures the most economical choice for the landscaping goal.