Fill-dirt in Denver, CO

Prices vary by supplier, delivery distance, and season, but expect roughly $20 to $50 per cubic yard delivered in the Denver area. A typical tri-axle dump truck carries about 10-14 cubic yards of loose fill dirt; Hello Gravel has a 3-ton minimum and partners with local haulers for scheduled delivery (standard 2+ business days, next-day available for orders placed before noon CST with an extra fee). Contact our team or check your zip code for a firm quote and delivery availability.

Fill dirt is usually the less expensive material for simply raising grade because the material itself is cheaper and you need fewer compaction layers. Gravel or crushed rock costs more but is a better choice where drainage or structural support is needed (driveways, heavy foot traffic). Consider intended use and site drainage when choosing between them.

Hello Gravel can deliver fill dirt and drivers may offer limited tailgate spreading at their discretion, but spreading, grading, and compaction are not guaranteed services. For consistent compaction and precise grading you should hire a local contractor or equipment rental (plate compactor, skid steer) after delivery. Request tailgate spreading at checkout and let the driver assess safety and access on arrival.

Use this quick formula: (area in square feet x depth in inches) / 324 = cubic yards. For example, raising a 50 ft by 30 ft area by 2 inches needs about 9.3 cubic yards; order 10-20% extra to allow for compaction and uneven coverage. Hello Gravel does not typically perform on-site takeoffs, but we can review photos or measurements you provide and recommend contacting a local contractor for a site visit estimate if the project is complex.

Permits may be required for significant grading, land disturbance, or work that affects stormwater and public right-of-way; small yard fills often do not need permits but rules vary by scope and neighborhood. We recommend checking the City and County of Denver Planning and Development or your local municipal office for specific permit rules. Hello Gravel can provide delivery receipts, load tickets, and supplier information to help with permit applications, but we do not secure permits on your behalf.

For small, light-duty lawn leveling jobs you can place a few inches of fill dirt over topsoil, then seed and irrigate; however organic topsoil should be removed for structural work. If you are building a driveway, foundation, or retaining wall, remove the organic topsoil and use compactable or structural fill below to reduce settlement. Local Denver soils can be clayey and prone to shrink-swell, so proper removal and compaction is important for long-term performance.

Suppliers in Denver commonly offer screened fill (finer, fewer rocks), compactable structural fill (for support), and clean fill (low organic content). For driveway bases, a compactable structural fill often topped with crusher-run or gravel is best; for general landscaping and raising grade, screened fill or clean fill works well and is easier to finish. Because Hello Gravel sources regionally, exact mixes vary by supplier — request 'structural' or 'clean' fill in Order Notes and contact our sales team for recommendations based on your project.

Standard delivery is typically scheduled 2+ business days after order placement; next-day delivery is available for orders placed before noon CST for an additional fee. Hello Gravel has a minimum order of 3 tons, with tri-axle dump trucks commonly used for larger loads. Delivery timing can be affected by supplier availability, local access, and seasonal conditions, so check your zip code for specific windows.

Some local suppliers in our Denver network offer clean or recycled fill and may provide documentation such as source descriptions or test results on request. Availability and certification vary by supplier and job; ask our sales team for material provenance and any available lab testing if your project requires verified clean fill. For regulated projects (commercial builds, schools, hospitals) you may need third-party testing or a site-specific report from the supplier.

Delivery fees depend on distance from the supplier, site access (narrow driveways, steep grades), and any required permits; weight limits on residential streets or HOA rules can require smaller trucks or off-loading methods that increase cost. Seasonal factors like winter freeze, spring thaw, or wet conditions can limit access or add fees for staging and extra labor. Provide detailed site photos and notes at checkout (driveway width, overhead wires, gate access) so we can match the right truck and give an accurate price.