Fill Dirt Delivery and Sourcing FAQs

One cubic yard of fill dirt covers 324 square feet at 1 inch deep, because a cubic yard holds 27 cubic feet. That works out to 108 square feet at 3 inches, 81 at 4 inches and 54 at 6 inches. HomeGuide suggests ordering 5 to 10 percent extra for waste and spills.

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What is the cheapest way to buy dirt?

The cheapest way to buy dirt is in bulk by the truckload, not in bags. HomeGuide prices bulk topsoil at $10 to $50 per cubic yard versus $35 to $120 bagged. Excavation contractors often give excess fill away, and Soil Connect matches sites with extra dirt to sites that need it.

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Which is cheaper, topsoil or fill dirt?

Fill dirt is usually cheaper than topsoil. HomeGuide lists fill at $5 to $25 per cubic yard and topsoil at $10 to $50, and HomeAdvisor shows a similar gap at $5 to $30 versus $12 to $55. Prices vary by region, quality and delivery distance, and screened topsoil sits at the high end.

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How much does a load of fill dirt cost?

A dump truck load of fill dirt typically costs $150 to $400 delivered for 10 to 14 cubic yards, according to HomeGuide, with structural fill at the top of that range. Angi lists fill at $8 to $25 per cubic yard by type. Prices vary by region, haul distance and material.

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Can I get fill dirt for free?

Free fill dirt is often available from excavation contractors and builders with excess soil, since giving it away saves them disposal costs. New Jersey's DEP warns that free fill can carry contaminants or debris, so asking for the origin and test results is wise. Soil Connect's Dirt Pros check that matched dirt meets project specifications.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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