Fill dirt comes in handy when there is construction or a need to fill in holes and cavities in a particular area, especially when there is a danger of flooding. Although the fill dirt itself is quite affordable, the accompanying labor during hauling and transport are some of the factors that make it seem more expensive than it really is. So, exactly how much does fill dirt cost?
Average Cost of Filling Dirt
The average cost of fill dirt is around $8 to $20 per cubic yard. Legitimate construction supply providers would charge higher for good quality dirt or soil.
Also, the prices will depend on the size of the construction area and the location where they will be needed, among other things.
You should also take into consideration that the minimum quantity required per delivery is between 10 and 20 cubic yards. One truckload can typically contain between 10 and 14 cubic yards of fill dirt. Hence, expect each delivery to cost around $80 to $280, excluding the hauling fee.
What’s Included?
Beside the filling materials, the fill dirt for sale will typically include free delivery within 10 miles. This depends on the supplier, as not all may offer this.
Also, each delivery will only include a single dump, so if you ever need to scatter the fill dirt into different spots, you will need to do it on your own or ask the supplier for an additional charge.
Additional Costs
You should also be aware that purchasing fill dirt may be accompanied by a few additional expenses. These include the following:
- Delivery Charge
The delivery fees range from $50 to $150 per trip on average. At Portland Sand & Gravel Co., the delivery charge per load starts at $65 and may cost more depending on the location of the project site.
- Sales Tax
You also need to take into consideration sales tax, which varies per state but typically ranges from 2.9% to 7.25%. Some states do not levy sales tax at all, but it can be as high as 9.55%, like the one being imposed in Tennessee.
Factors Affecting Cost of Fill Dirt
- Quality of Materials
Fill dirt prices vary according to the types of materials contained in them; thus, the quality determines the difference in pricing. Fill dirt ranges from the common type, those that contain sand or gravel, or the ones with specialized crushed rocks.
The structure where the fill will be used will also have different prices. These include the following:
- Cobbles type – $15 to $40 per ton
- Quarry spalls – $15 to $40 per ton
- Small riprap type to $35 – $100 per ton
- Large riprap – $50 to $250 per ton
2. Size of the Project
Understandably, the bigger your project is, the more you are going to spend on your fill dirt requirements. To give you an idea, a cubic yard of fill dirt can cover 100 sq. ft. of space at a depth of 3 inches.
Nevertheless, there is sometimes an advantage to this, as there are suppliers who give volume discounts. This effectively reduces the price per cubic meter of the materials.
3. Location
Let’s face it: fill dirt may be generally cheap. As mentioned, you could even get them for free in some cases. The only problem you may encounter is with the quality.
However, when you live in a state where everything is expensive, expect the cost of hauling fill dirt to be relatively pricey due to the high cost of living and the cost of doing business that affect the labor and logistics involved.
4. Source or Supplier
When searching for “fill dirt near me”, whether on the internet or on the road, you have to seek those who manufacture their own products. The cost varies in different parts of the country, mostly due to the labor, trucking, and delivery fees involved from the main source of the materials.
This is particularly true in the case of resellers who may add a huge markup to the fill dirt cost they have sourced from a main supplier. For all you know, that supplier might also be accessible to you if you searched harder.
5. Availability
Remember that there may be plenty of others that may need fill dirt in the area and that supply may not be enough for all the demands. This may be a bit of a problem as you may have to compete with the orders, which can have a huge effect on the pricing.
Where to Purchase
You can go to a lot of brick and mortar hardware and construction supplies all over the country. For those who want convenience, most of the transactions can be done online.
Fortunately, for avid landscapers and construction clients, there are a number of websites that sell fill dirt. The system is similar to that of other online shopping stores.
All you need is to sign up for your own account, click on your order, specify your other special requests, and make arrangements for the payment and shipping.
There are also websites that offer a cubic yard calculator that automatically computes the specific volume of fill dirt you will need for your construction. When you enter the volume of dirt you need (in the form of shapes like cubes, cones, or cylinders) and the dimensions of the space, the amount will automatically be calculated. You can also convert it to another unit of measurement that is more convenient for you.
By using this feature, you will be able to get an exact amount, helping you avoid buying either too few or too many.
Also, once you check out, the total cost is computed for your reference. Again, you have to be sure to check for hidden charges so as to avoid running short on the day of the delivery.
There is also a unit converter in case you need one. This feature makes the transaction even faster and more convenient.