Screened topsoil is refined soil material that has been mechanically processed, or sifted, through a mesh screen to remove large debris like rocks, roots, and clumps. This results in a fine, uniform product that is easier to spread and ideal for planting, seeding, or leveling a lawn. The cost of this processed soil is not fixed and varies considerably based on quality and geographic location. Understanding how topsoil is measured and the factors that drive its price is the first step toward budgeting for a successful landscaping or gardening project.
Understanding Topsoil Measurement Units
Topsoil is primarily sold using two different units of measure: volume and weight. Large-scale purchases from landscape suppliers are almost always priced by the cubic yard. A cubic yard is a volumetric measure, representing an amount of material that would fill a space three feet long, three feet wide, and three feet high, equaling 27 cubic feet. Retailers selling smaller amounts typically offer topsoil in bags, which are priced individually and contain volumes ranging from 0.75 to 2 cubic feet. Some suppliers may price by the ton, a measure of weight, because the weight of soil is affected by its moisture content. One cubic yard of topsoil generally weighs between 1.3 and 1.5 tons.
Current Average Cost Ranges
The cost for bulk screened topsoil, purchased by the cubic yard, shows a broad national range depending on its quality and composition. Basic, general-purpose screened topsoil typically costs $10 to $20 per cubic yard. The average price for a reliable, screened loam, which contains a balance of sand, silt, and clay, often falls between $25 and $40 per cubic yard.
Premium screened blends, often mixed with higher concentrations of compost or organic matter for specialized uses, typically cost between $40 and $55 per cubic yard. These higher-grade soils promote better aeration and water retention. When purchasing in bulk, a standard truckload holds about 10 to 15 cubic yards and can cost between $150 and $750, not including delivery fees.
For smaller projects, bagged topsoil is available at garden centers and home improvement stores, usually costing between $2 and $6 each. Buying topsoil in bags dramatically increases the unit cost; the equivalent price for one cubic yard can be upwards of $68 to $170. This expense makes bags an option only for very small applications, such as filling a few planters.
Key Factors Influencing the Final Price
The final cost of topsoil is often determined by factors beyond the base price of the material. Delivery fees are a significant addition, calculated based on the distance from the supplier and the quantity ordered. Some local suppliers may include delivery within a small radius or require a minimum purchase. If you live far from the supplier, the transportation cost per cubic yard will increase substantially.
The quality and grade of the screening process also directly impact the price. Standard screened topsoil is sifted once to remove stones and large debris. Higher-quality products may be double or triple-screened through a finer mesh, sometimes as small as 5 millimeters. This results in a smoother, more consistent texture. This intensive processing requires more time and equipment, translating to a higher price.
Purchasing volume plays a large role in determining the final unit price due to economies of scale. Suppliers offer quantity discounts when ordering a truckload of 10 or more cubic yards. If your project requires a large amount of material, buying in bulk provides a much lower cost per cubic yard than purchasing several smaller deliveries or using bagged soil.
Determining Your Project Quantity Needs
Accurately calculating the volume of topsoil needed is necessary to avoid over-ordering or running short halfway through a project. First, measure the length and width of your area in feet, then decide on the desired depth of the topsoil layer in inches. A new lawn typically requires 4 to 6 inches, while a raised garden bed may need 8 to 12 inches. To calculate the volume, multiply the length by the width to get the square footage. Convert the desired depth from inches to feet by dividing the depth by 12. Multiplying the length (ft) by the width (ft) by the depth (ft) provides the total volume in cubic feet. Convert this volume into cubic yards by dividing the result by 27. For example, a 10-foot by 10-foot garden bed requiring 4 inches of topsoil needs approximately 1.24 cubic yards. It is always advisable to add a buffer of 5 to 10 percent to the final total to account for settling and compaction.