Fill-dirt in Peoria, AZ

Fill dirt is usually cheaper per cubic yard than engineered gravel, but it serves a different purpose. For a driveway you still need a compacted fill-dirt subgrade and then a layer of gravel or road base on top; using only fill dirt will be cheaper initially but will not give the same drainage or long-term performance as a gravel base.

Fill dirt is mostly fine soil used to raise or level the ground and fill holes; it compacts well but does not provide drainage. Gravel is crushed stone used for drainage, driveways, and walkways. In Peoria's desert climate, use fill dirt to build/level and compact, then add gravel or road base where drainage and stability are needed.

Prices vary by supplier and season, but in the Phoenix-Mesa area typical delivered fill dirt ranges about $12 to $30 per cubic yard (roughly $9 to $23 per ton depending on compaction and material). Hello Gravel has a 3-ton minimum and delivery timing affects price; request a quote for an exact delivered rate to Peoria ZIP codes.

For 1,000 sq ft, one inch of material is about 3.1 cubic yards. That means: 4 inches = about 12.3 cubic yards (≈16 tons), 6 inches = about 18.5 cubic yards (≈24 tons). At $12–$30 per cubic yard delivered, expect roughly $150–$370 for 4 inches and $220–$555 for 6 inches, plus any delivery fees and compaction costs.

You can put gravel directly over well-compacted, stable soil, but if the existing dirt is uneven, loose, or has depressions you should add and compact fill dirt first. In Peoria's soils, preparing a compacted fill-dirt subgrade reduces future settling and helps your gravel stay even and drain properly.

Yes. Fill dirt should be placed in 4- to 6-inch lifts (layers) and compacted with a plate compactor or roller to reduce settling. Proper compaction is especially important in the Phoenix climate where seasonal rains and expansion can cause movement.

Assuming a 20 ft long by 10 ft wide driveway with a 4-inch compacted base, you need about 2.5 cubic yards (20 x 10 x 0.33 ft = 66.7 cu ft ≈ 2.5 cyd) — this seems small so verify dimensions; for a typical 20 ft by 10 ft by 6-inch base you would need about 5 cubic yards. At $12–$30 per cubic yard delivered, material cost for the fill-dirt base runs roughly $60–$150, plus gravel/topcoat, compaction, and any delivery fees or spreading charges.

Two inches of gravel is usually not enough for a driveway. In Phoenix you should have a compacted subgrade (fill dirt or road base) and then 4 to 6 inches of gravel or decomposed granite for durability. Thicker sections and proper compaction prevent ruts and reduce maintenance in desert conditions.

To lower costs, order close to the supplier’s normal load size (minimum 3 tons with Hello Gravel), schedule standard delivery (2+ business days), and accept a curbside drop rather than requesting spreading. Compare quotes from local suppliers through Hello Gravel, choose larger loads to reduce per-unit delivery, and add clear delivery notes to avoid extra site time.

A typical tri-axle dump truck carries about 12 to 16 cubic yards of loose fill dirt. That covers roughly 360 to 500 sq ft at 1 inch depth, or about 60 to 80 sq ft at 6 inches. Delivery costs to Peoria vary by supplier and order size; Hello Gravel lists standard 2+ business day delivery and many areas have free delivery included in the online quote, so get a local quote for exact truck and delivery pricing.