Fill-dirt in Lakewood, CO

Typical delivered fill-dirt prices in the Denver-Aurora/Lakewood area vary by supplier, moisture content, and delivery distance. Expect roughly $18 to $40 per ton or about $25 to $55 per cubic yard as a ballpark range; exact pricing appears during checkout on Hello Gravel and may change with regional supply and demand.

Hello Gravel’s minimum order is 3 tons, and most deliveries in the area arrive by tri-axle dump trucks that carry roughly 10 to 16 cubic yards (capacity varies by truck). Many Lakewood deliveries qualify for free delivery depending on the supplier and order size; standard delivery is 2+ business days with a next-day option available for orders placed before noon CST for an additional fee.

Use the simple volume formula: 1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet, and 1 cu yd covers 324 square feet at 1 inch depth. That means 4 inches = about 81 sq ft per cubic yard, 6 inches = about 54 sq ft per cubic yard, and 8 inches = about 40.5 sq ft per cubic yard. For weight, fill-dirt in the Denver area typically ranges about 1.1 to 1.4 tons per cubic yard depending on moisture and compaction, so multiply cu yd by that range to estimate tons.

Lakewood’s freeze-thaw cycles can cause fine-grained fill-dirt to heave or settle if it holds water, so good drainage and proper compaction are essential. For driveways and slab subgrades, use granular, well-draining fill or a structural base layer below the fill-dirt to reduce frost action. Always slope grades to shed water away from structures and follow local stormwater rules.

Yes: structural work such as engineered fill under foundations, large grading projects, and retaining walls often involve permits and inspections by the City of Lakewood building or planning departments. Small landscaping fills may not require a permit, but thresholds vary; check with Lakewood Building Services and consult your engineer to confirm permit and compaction-report requirements before ordering.

For landscaping and raising grade, standard fill-dirt (clean subsoil) is appropriate. For driveway bases and areas that will carry traffic, use a granular base (crusher-run or road base) rather than plain fill-dirt. For utility trench backfill, use selected backfill or clean sand/gravel around pipes per local codes; use fill-dirt only where engineer-approved.

Fill-dirt is inexpensive and fine for bulk raising of grade, but it is not a structural base: it can retain moisture and settle over time. Crusher-run or road base provides a stable, well-draining underlying layer for driveways and slabs, and engineered fill meets compaction and gradation specs when a project requires certified performance. For any structural or load-bearing application in Lakewood, prefer road base or engineered fill per engineer recommendations.

Contractors usually compact fill-dirt in thin lifts (commonly 4 to 6 inches) using a vibratory plate compactor for small areas and a roller or sheepsfoot for larger fills. Structural fills often target about 90% to 95% of standard Proctor density; projects that support foundations or pavement typically require compaction tests and a signed report from a geotechnical engineer.

Yes, recycled or locally sourced fill materials are commonly available around Denver-Aurora and can be less expensive than virgin material. Recycled fill may save roughly 10% to 30% depending on material and processing, but you should confirm cleanliness and suitability for your project because recycled material can contain debris or non-conforming fines.

Common services include tailgate spreading (driver discretion—request at checkout), placement to a designated drop point, and coordination for safe delivery access. Contractors often bundle hauling with spreading, grading, and compaction using skid steers, small dozers, and compactors; you can request these services but verify availability and pricing with the supplier or contractor.

Check your property access, overhead clearances, and where the truck can safely dump before ordering; provide delivery notes and photos at checkout if space is tight. Add a drainage plan and compaction expectations to your order if you need specific performance, and contact Hello Gravel or your supplier as soon as possible to modify orders or request tailgate spreading; remember local materials vary, so expect color and texture differences.