Fill Dirt in Little Rock, AR

Typical delivered prices for fill-dirt in the Little Rock area vary by supplier, haul distance, and order size, but expect roughly $12 to $30 per ton delivered for residential orders. Hello Gravel shows exact pricing by zip code, with a minimum order of 3 tons; request a quote to see current local rates and any delivery or next-day fees.

To raise 2,000 sq ft by 3 inches you need about 18.5 cubic yards (2000 x 0.25 ft = 500 cu ft; 500 / 27 = 18.5 yd3). Fill-dirt typically weighs about 1.2 tons per cubic yard, so plan on roughly 22 to 23 tons and order 10-15% extra for compaction and settling, or about 25 to 26 tons total.

For driveways and structural pads in Little Rock, avoid loose organic topsoil and choose clean, low-organic, compactable fill. For driveway bases, well-graded granular fill or crusher-run (no more than 1 inch rock, well graded) performs much better than pure fine fill-dirt. For foundations or building pads, use engineered or structural fill that meets local compaction specs and has lab-verified gradation; consult your builder or local code for required specs.

Little Rock has clay-prone soils and wet periods, and fine, clay-rich fill-dirt can hold water, compact poorly, and experience shrink-swell issues. For positive drainage and stable grades, use a granular layer or drainage rock under critical areas, slope surfaces away from structures, and avoid using high-clay fill where stability is required. When in doubt, have a soil test or speak to a local supplier about using blended or engineered fill appropriate for Arkansas conditions.

Typical practice is to place fill in 4- to 6-inch loose lifts and compact each lift to the specified density; for non-structural landscaping, aim for roughly 85-90% of standard Proctor, while structural fills and pads often require 90-95% (follow engineer specs). Small yards can be compacted with a plate compactor or jumping jack, while larger areas need a vibratory roller; for foundation work, get a geotechnical recommendation and compaction testing.

Crushed stone or well-graded crusher-run is the better choice for driveway bases in Little Rock because it drains and locks together, resisting rutting in wet seasons and clay soils. Fill-dirt is cheaper upfront but tends to rut and retain moisture, leading to more maintenance. If budget is tight, use fill-dirt only as subgrade and finish with a crushed stone base for durability and drainage.

You may need permits or approvals for significant grading, land disturbance, or building pads in Little Rock, especially near streams, floodplains, or steep slopes. Check the City of Little Rock Building and Permits Division and Pulaski County regulations before large fills; erosion control, sediment permits, and stormwater rules can apply. Also review HOA rules if you are in a subdivision.

Order and place fill-dirt during drier months when possible—late spring through early fall tends to offer more workable conditions, while wet spring spells and heavy rains make compaction and grading harder. Little Rock winters are mild but can have freeze-thaw cycles that affect freshly placed fills, so avoid major grading before extended wet or freeze periods. Schedule delivery on a dry forecast and allow extra time during rainy seasons.

Delivery costs depend on distance from the supplier and the number of tons; many Hello Gravel listings include free delivery in parts of the Little Rock area, but charges or next-day fees may apply for longer hauls. Tailgate spreading is an optional service and is priced separately by the hauler; expect a wide range—commonly $50 to $200 for small residential jobs—so request a specific quote at checkout and note that drivers perform spreading at their discretion.

Fill-dirt is low in organic matter and not ideal as a planting medium on its own; you can blend it with topsoil or add compost, but root zones should have several inches of quality topsoil. For lawns, place 4 to 6 inches of amended topsoil over compacted fill to support grass and shrubs. If you plan large landscaping areas, ask a local supplier about topsoil or screened blends suitable for Little Rock's climate and clay soils.