If you plan on landscaping your yard or garden, you may need to purchase some dirt or topsoil to get started. But the question that arises is, "How much is a yard of dirt?" And what factors affect the cost?
Cost of Dirt - All You Need to Know
In this blog, we'll answer these questions to help you understand the cost and quantity of dirt you'll need for your project.
How Much Dirt Is Needed for a Lawn?
Determining how much dirt you'll need is an essential first step in any landscaping project. The amount of dirt you need will depend on things like the size of the area you want to cover, the depth of the soil you need, and the slope of the ground.
To calculate the amount of dirt you'll need, you can use this formula:
Volume of dirt needed = length x width x depth
Topsoil vs. Dirt: What's the Difference?
While topsoil and dirt are often used interchangeably, they are not the same thing. Topsoil is a product that has lots of organic matter and is teeming with nutrients. It typically contains a mixture of sand, silt, clay, and microorganisms. Topsoil is often used for gardening, landscaping, and lawn preparation.
On the other hand, dirt is a more general term for any soil type, including sand, silt, and clay. It isn’t guaranteed to have the same level of richness of matter and nutrients as topsoil, and so it is more used for filling in holes, grading landscapes, and other general landscaping purposes.
Of course, if you'd like to delve into a little more detail before investing in your lawn, read more about soil and related concepts.
How Much is a Yard of Dirt, Topsoil, or Sand?
When it comes to pricing, topsoil is generally more expensive than dirt or sand because of its higher nutrient content and organic matter. Here's a comparison chart of the average prices for filling a yard:
● Topsoil: $10-$55 per cubic yard
● Dirt: $5-$15 per cubic yard
● Sand: $15-40 per cubic yard
What Affects the Cost of Topsoil?
1. Delivery Cost of Dirt
The cost can change dependent on multiple factors, like the amount of soil you’re having delivered or the distance it is traveling to get to your lawn. Most suppliers charge per cubic yard of soil, and delivery fees can range from $50 to $150 or more.
2. Location
The cost of topsoil or dirt can also vary depending on your location. Urban suppliers charge higher, especially since more labor and rent is required to maintain the cost.
Tips for Saving Money
To save money when purchasing topsoil or dirt, consider buying in bulk. Many suppliers offer discounts for larger orders of bulk topsoil. You can also save money by picking up the soil yourself instead of paying for delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a cubic yard of dirt?
A cubic yard of dirt equals 3 x 3 x 3 feet, or, more easily explained, twenty-seven feet. The cost of a cubic yard of dirt can range from $30 to $60 on average.
How much does a yard of dirt cost?
A load of dirt cost can vary depending on the quantity of dirt needed and the supplier's pricing. On average, a load of dirt can cost anywhere from $150 to $700, depending on the supplier and the quantity of dirt needed.
Conclusion
Landscaping can be daunting, but understanding the cost and amount of dirt you'll need can help make it easier. By considering the factors that affect the cost of dirt or topsoil, you can make a more informed decision about your landscaping project.
We encourage you to do further research before making any purchases and to consider leaving a comment or sharing this blog to help others with their landscaping projects.