Fill dirt is a fundamental material in construction and landscaping, used primarily for grading, leveling, and creating a stable base for various projects. It is essentially unprocessed, granular soil material that lacks the organic content of topsoil. This makes it ideal for non-structural filling and foundation work because it resists settling. Understanding the total cost requires looking beyond the raw material price to include quality, volume, and delivery logistics. This guide outlines the expenses associated with purchasing fill dirt.
Defining Fill Dirt and Standard Measurement
Fill dirt, often called subsoil, is the material found beneath the topsoil layer, typically composed of a mix of clay, sand, and rock fragments. Its primary function is to fill in depressions, raise the elevation of a site, or provide a compactible foundation. (40 words)
The standard unit of sale for bulk materials is the cubic yard (CY). One cubic yard is three feet wide, three feet deep, and three feet high, equating to 27 cubic feet. This measurement is crucial for accurate ordering, as suppliers base all pricing and delivery volumes on this unit. Basic fill dirt is distinct from “clean fill” or screened fill, which has been processed to remove larger debris like rocks and roots, a distinction that affects the final price. (80 words)
The Base Price of Fill Dirt Material
The cost of the material itself is the first component of the total price. For basic, unscreened fill dirt, the national average price is typically low, between $5 and $25 per cubic yard. This range represents the price paid directly to the supplier for the raw product, excluding transportation and labor costs. (48 words)
Geographic location heavily influences this base price. Costs are often lower in areas experiencing a construction boom where excess excavated dirt is readily available. The proximity of a local quarry or large-scale excavation site is a primary driver of cost. The cost can also vary based on the soil’s composition, such as higher clay or sand content, which may be desirable for specific compaction or drainage. (74 words)
Factors That Adjust the Material Price
The quality and grade of the fill dirt adjust the base material price. Unscreened fill dirt is the most economical option, containing natural debris like stones, clumps, and organic matter, and is best suited for deep foundational filling. Screened or clean fill dirt is passed through a mesh to remove these inconsistencies, resulting in a finer, more uniform material that costs more due to processing. (69 words)
Purchasing volume also adjusts the price per cubic yard. Most suppliers offer volume discounts, meaning the per-yard cost decreases when ordering bulk quantities compared to a small order. Local market conditions, including regional supply and demand, further affect pricing. For instance, a temporary surplus of dirt can drive prices down, while high demand in a developing area can push costs upward. (60 words)
Delivery Costs and Volume Calculation
The logistical costs of transporting the fill dirt often represent a substantial portion of the total expense. Delivery fees are typically structured as either a flat rate per truckload or a tiered fee based on the mileage from the supplier to the destination. The proximity of the project to the source is a major determinant of this cost, as longer distances increase fuel and labor expenses. (67 words)
A standard dump truck typically holds 10 to 15 cubic yards, and the delivery fee covers this volume. To accurately budget, determining the required volume is the necessary first step. This involves measuring the length, width, and desired depth of the area to be filled. To find the cubic yard requirement, multiply the length, width, and depth (in feet) to get the cubic feet, then divide that total by 27. (70 words)