Cost by Material (Per Cubic Yard & Truckload)

| Material | Cost Per Cubic Yard | Cost Per Truckload | |-----------------------|-------------------------|-------------------------| | Topsoil | $12–$55 | $150–$600 | | Fill Dirt | $5–$30 | $150–$450 | | Sand | $15–$40 | $300–$700 | | Mulch | $50–$150 | $150–$550 | | Rocks/Gravel | $20–$120 | $450–$600 |

Regional Costs (Average Truckload)

• Austin, TX: $1,000
• Boston, MA: $750
• Chicago, IL: $550
• Denver, CO: $1,500
• Miami, FL: $650
• San Francisco, CA: $1,550
• Seattle, WA: $950

Types of Fill and Their Uses

• Topsoil
• Cost: $12–$55 per cubic yard.
• Ideal for gardens and landscaping.

• Screened topsoil (clean, filtered) is $20 per cubic yard.

• Fill Dirt

• Cost: $5–$30 per cubic yard.
• Used for leveling, construction, and backfilling.

• Clean fill dirt (filtered): $8–$15 per cubic yard.

• Sand

• Cost: $15–$40 per cubic yard.

• Best for damp areas like septic tanks or ponds.

• Mulch

• Cost: $50–$150 per cubic yard.

• Cypress and rubber mulch are more expensive; wood chips are cheaper.

• Rocks, Gravel, Riprap

• Cost: $20–$120 per cubic yard.
• Prices depend on quality (e.g., river rocks cost more).

Cost Breakdown

• Materials: $5–$150 per cubic yard.
• Labor: $65–$100/hour for hauling and spreading.
• Delivery: $7–$55 per cubic yard based on truck size and location.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

| Material | DIY Cost (Per Yard) | Pro Cost (Per Yard) | |-----------------------|-------------------------|-------------------------| | Topsoil | $12–$55 | $19–$55 | | Fill Dirt | $5–$30 | $12–$55 | | Sand | $15–$40 | $27–$55 | | Mulch | $50–$150 | $62–$150 | | Gravel | $20–$120 | $27–$120 |

Ways to Save Money

• Buy in Bulk

• Topsoil costs $20/yard in bulk but $100/yard when bagged.

• Choose Local Suppliers

• Reduce delivery fees by sourcing materials locally.

• DIY Hauling

• Rent a trailer ($25/half-day) or pickup truck ($45/half-day) instead of hiring.

• Work Off-Season

• Schedule deliveries when demand is low to get better rates.

This comprehensive breakdown helps you budget for your landscaping needs, whether you’re enriching a garden with topsoil or filling low areas with dirt.

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