Fill Dirt in Orinda, CA

In Orinda, delivered fill dirt typically falls in the range of $40 to $80 per cubic yard, depending on whether it is screened/clean, the supplier, distance, and delivery options. Hello Gravel's minimum order is 3 tons (about 2.5 cubic yards), though some suppliers accept small loads by the yard; full-truck pricing applies if you order a truckload. For an exact delivered price, check your zip code in our checkout or contact our team.

A straightforward calculation gives about 6.2 cubic yards for 2 inches and 12.3 cubic yards for 4 inches. Allowing for compaction and some waste (roughly 10-20%) raises those totals to about 7 cubic yards for 2 inches and about 14 cubic yards for 4 inches in Orinda conditions. Always round up slightly and check the slope and soil conditions on your site before ordering.

A common tri-axle dump truck carries roughly 10 to 14 cubic yards of loose fill dirt, which converts to about 12 to 17 tons depending on material density. At delivered per-yard rates of $40 to $80, a single truckload typically ranges from about $400 to $1,120 before any special fees. Exact truck size, local supply, and whether you request screened material or spreading will affect the final price.

Fill dirt is fine for raising low spots and grading a yard, but it is not recommended as a final driveway base where drainage and load-bearing are important. Many suppliers on our platform can deliver and drivers may offer tailgate spreading at their discretion, but spreading and professional compaction are not guaranteed through delivery and usually require a contractor. If you need compaction or a driveway-ready base, ask our team to coordinate a local contractor or request spreading in the Order Notes and be prepared that driver approval on-site is required.

Assuming a 20-foot by 10-foot single-car driveway and a 4 to 6 inch base, you would need about 4 to 7 cubic yards of material after compaction. Material and delivery at $40 to $80 per cubic yard puts the dirt cost between roughly $160 and $560, and compacting labor or hiring a contractor typically adds $150 to $600 depending on equipment and access. Note that for driveway bases we generally recommend crushed rock instead of fill dirt for long-term drainage and load support; that will change material and compaction specs and costs.

For drainage and a durable driveway base, crushed gravel or crushed rock is the better choice because it sheds water and compacts to a stable, load-bearing surface. Fill dirt holds moisture and can settle and soften over time, which can lead to ruts and drainage problems on hilly Orinda lots. Cost-wise, clean crushed rock may be similar or slightly more per cubic yard than unmanaged fill dirt, but its long-term performance usually makes it the more cost-effective option for driveways.

Yes, many local suppliers offer screened or 'clean' fill dirt that has had topsoil and large organic debris removed; this reduces the risk of unwanted vegetation and pests. Expect a price premium generally in the range of about $5 to $25 per cubic yard depending on local supply and how thoroughly the material is processed. If you need screened material, note that on your order and/or contact our sales team to confirm availability for your Orinda delivery.

For grading and raising areas, fill dirt is appropriate, but for drainage features like French drains, dry wells, or areas where water must flow, use drain rock or crushed rock instead. Hello Gravel offers both fill dirt and drain rock products through our marketplace; installation services are not guaranteed with delivery, though drivers may offer limited tailgate spreading. We can help connect you with local installers if you need full excavation, rock placement, and compaction services.

A standard tri-axle dump truck used in our network typically delivers about 10 to 14 cubic yards of fill dirt. You can order smaller quantities down to our minimum (3 tons, roughly 2.5 cubic yards), so partial truckloads are available in many locations, but full-truck pricing and availability vary by supplier and route. If you need a full truck or a specific truck type, note that in your order or contact our team to confirm.

Using the earlier volume estimates (about 7 cubic yards for 2 inches and about 14 cubic yards for 4 inches after compaction/waste), material and delivery at $40 to $80 per yard would put the dirt cost roughly between $280 and $560 for 2 inches, and $560 to $1,120 for 4 inches. If you add optional spreading and basic compaction labor, budget an extra $150 to $600 depending on access and whether you hire a contractor. For better drainage or driveway areas, consider crushed rock instead, which will change quantities and cost.