When planning a substantial landscaping or gardening project, soil is a primary bulk purchase, and it is almost universally measured and sold in large quantities by the cubic yard. Understanding this measurement is the first step in accurately budgeting for the material itself and the associated delivery and labor expenses. This standardized unit of volume allows both suppliers and buyers to precisely calculate the necessary amount for any project, ensuring efficiency and minimizing waste.
Visualizing a Cubic Yard
A cubic yard is a volumetric measurement equivalent to a cube that is three feet wide, three feet long, and three feet high. This volume is equal to 27 cubic feet, which can be challenging to visualize without a tangible comparison point. To put this into a more relatable perspective, one cubic yard is roughly the size of a standard washing machine or a large kitchen stove. One cubic yard of material generally translates to about 9 to 14 standard wheelbarrow loads of soil. This visualization helps in determining the scale of a project and the effort required to move the material once it is delivered.
Factors Determining the Overall Cost
The base price for a cubic yard of soil typically falls within a broad range, generally between $10 and $55 per cubic yard, but the final delivered cost can be between $30 and $70 or more. This wide variation is largely driven by three primary factors: the type of soil, the logistical costs of delivery, and the total quantity ordered.
Soil Type and Quality
The quality and composition of the material is the first variable in the base price. Fill dirt, which is used for basic grading and contains minimal organic matter, is the least expensive option, often priced between $5 and $25 per cubic yard. General topsoil, the upper layer of earth containing concentrated organic matter, tends to be more expensive, ranging from $10 to $55 per cubic yard. Specialized blends, such as screened topsoil, garden mixes, or compost-heavy soil, command the highest prices due to the added processing and nutrient content. These premium products offer better drainage and fertility for gardening and planting projects.
Delivery fees often outweigh the material cost, especially for smaller orders. Delivery charges are typically structured as a flat rate, which can range from $50 to $200, and are often based on the distance from the supplier’s yard and the minimum yardage required. Suppliers frequently offer bulk discounts, meaning the price per cubic yard decreases significantly when ordering a large volume, often 10 cubic yards or more.
Calculating Your Soil Needs
Determining the precise amount of soil needed requires a simple mathematical calculation to convert your project’s dimensions into cubic yards. Begin by measuring the length and width of the area you intend to cover in feet. The depth must also be measured and converted into feet by dividing the number of inches by 12 (e.g., 3 inches becomes 0.25 feet). Multiply the length, width, and depth to determine the total volume in cubic feet. To convert this result into cubic yards, simply divide the total cubic feet by 27.