Yards of Dirt: Bulk Topsoil and Fill
Dirt by the yard comes from landscape suppliers and quarries. Order the right type.
Updated . Edited by: Ilyass Ben Hakim.
Where to buy
- Search AmazonLive search · amazon.com
- Search WalmartLive search · walmart.com
- Google ShoppingLive search · google.com
- Search Home DepotLive search · homedepot.com
Landscape yards, quarries and garden centers sell loose dirt by the yard. Many deliver by dump truck.
Small jobs can use bagged topsoil from hardware stores instead. Bags cost more per yard.
Professional insight
Landscapers name the job first. Fill dirt builds grade, while screened topsoil feeds lawns and beds.
- Ask if it is screened free of rocks and roots.
- Ask where the dirt came from, to avoid weed seeds.
- Check truck access and where it can dump.
- Order about 10 percent extra for settling.
Check the label
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Types
| Type | Use | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Fill dirt | Raise grade, fill holes | Poor for growing plants |
| Screened topsoil | Lawns, beds, top dressing | Can carry weed seeds |
| Garden or planting mix | Raised beds | Settles as compost breaks down |
| Clean fill | Under slabs and pavers | May contain rubble |
Sizing
Cubic yards needed
CalculatorEnter your area and depth to estimate yards.
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ft
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Cubic yards
One cubic yard is 27 cubic feet. Round up to the supplier's next half or full yard.
Before you buy
- Grade soil away from the house, about 2 percent over 10 feet.
- Pick a dump spot off soft lawns and septic lines.
- Have tarps ready if rain is forecast.
- Call 811 before digging deep in the US.
Common questions
- How much does a yard of dirt cover?
- About 81 square feet at 4 inches deep.
- Is fill dirt good for a garden?
- No. Use topsoil or a planting mix for plants.
- Can I pick it up in a pickup truck?
- Many yards load trucks. Check your payload limit, since wet soil is heavy.