Fill Dirt in Foley, AL

Yes, basic fill dirt is generally cheaper per ton and per cubic yard than crushed gravel because it is typically made from native soils without stone. However, fill dirt is usually used to raise grade or build pads rather than as a finished surface for driveways; using fill dirt where a stable driving surface is required will usually add the cost of later replacing it with gravel or crushed stone.

Fill dirt is soil used to raise or level ground and usually contains fines and clay; gravel is crushed rock or stone used for drainage and stable surfaces. For driveways in Foley’s coastal, sandy environment, gravel or crushed stone is the right choice for the finished driving surface, while fill dirt is appropriate beneath the gravel to build up low spots or create proper slopes.

To cover 1,000 sq ft you need about 6.2 cu yd (2 in), 8.3 cu yd (3 in) or 11.1 cu yd (4 in), roughly 8.0, 10.8 and 14.4 tons using a typical conversion of 1.3 tons per cubic yard. Delivered fill-dirt prices in Foley commonly range roughly $12–$30 per ton (or about $15–$40 per cubic yard), so total delivered cost for 1,000 sq ft would be approximately $100–$430 depending on depth and exact pricing from suppliers.

Use this quick guide: 2 inches = 6.17 cubic yards (≈ 8.0 tons); 3 inches = 8.33 cubic yards (≈ 10.8 tons); 4 inches = 11.11 cubic yards (≈ 14.4 tons). These figures use a conversion of about 1.3 tons per cubic yard; actual weight varies with moisture and compaction.

Assuming a 20-foot long driveway with a 10-foot width (200 sq ft), raising it 4 inches requires about 2.22 cubic yards (≈ 2.9 tons). At typical delivered fill-dirt rates of $12–$30 per ton the material and delivery would likely run about $35–$90, not including any spreading, compaction or additional surface material (gravel) which you will usually need for a driveway finish.

You can place fill dirt over existing ground, but proper prep matters in Foley’s coastal-influenced soils: remove organic topsoil, place fill in 6–8 inch lifts and compact each lift to reduce settling, and slope for drainage away from structures. In areas with very poor soils, high water table or soft spots, a geotextile, compacted granular base, or engineered fill may be recommended — consult our team or a local contractor for site-specific guidance.

A typical tri-axle dump truck can carry roughly 10–16 cubic yards of loose fill depending on material weight; for fill dirt that often equals about 13–21 tons per load. Delivered single-truck loads in the Foley area commonly range from about $250 to $800, depending on truck size, distance, material type and supplier; contact Hello Gravel with your zip code for an exact delivered price and availability.

Local prices for basic fill dirt in Foley commonly fall in the ballpark of $12–$30 per ton or about $15–$40 per cubic yard delivered, depending on source, moisture content and hauling distance. Hello Gravel provides specific quotes for your address and we recommend checking your zip code for the most accurate delivered price.

Most local suppliers deliver fill dirt to Foley residential addresses; Hello Gravel requires a minimum order of 3 tons and coordinates delivery with contracted haulers. Drivers may be able to tailgate-spread at their discretion if requested at checkout, but spreading is not guaranteed and some suppliers or contractors charge an extra fee for spreading and leveling — contact our team to request spreading and to learn about any local service fees.

For drainage-sensitive areas in Foley, choose clean, well-draining fill such as sandy fill or a screened granular fill rather than high-clay fill dirt, which can hold water and impede drainage. If you are building near the coast or in low spots, consider engineered fill or a layered approach (clean granular base with compacted structural fill) and confirm compaction requirements to avoid future settling or drainage problems.