Fill Dirt in South Chicago, IL

Yes. Fill dirt is typically less expensive than structural gravel because it is uncrushed soil used to raise grade and backfill, not as a finished driving surface. In the South Chicago area you can expect fill dirt to run roughly $12 to $28 per ton (or about $15 to $35 per cubic yard) while gravel commonly costs more; exact pricing depends on supplier, moisture, and haul distance.

Fill dirt is native or processed soil with low organic content used to raise grades, fill holes, and backfill foundations. In South Chicago you would order fill dirt for tasks like raising a yard to improve drainage, filling low spots before laying topsoil, or backfilling around new hardscape; it is not a finished surface for driveways or walkways.

Prices vary by supplier and exact product, but expect roughly $12 to $28 per ton and about $15 to $35 per cubic yard delivered in the Chicago-Naperville area. Final price depends on moisture content, compaction, truck type, and distance from local pits; use Hello Gravel to get a precise quote for your zip code.

A practical rule is that 1 cubic yard of loose fill dirt typically weighs about 1.2 to 1.5 tons, depending on moisture and compaction. To calculate volume, multiply area (sq ft) by depth (ft) to get cubic feet, divide by 27 for cubic yards, then multiply by 1.2–1.5 to estimate tons; always add about 10% for settlement and compaction.

At 3u0022 (0.25 ft) a 1,000 sq ft area needs about 9.3 cubic yards; at 4u0022 (0.333 ft) it needs about 12.3 cubic yards. Using local ranges, expect roughly 12 to 18 tons total and a material cost ballpark of $180 to $630 delivered, depending on supplier rates and whether you meet the minimum order.

A typical tri-axle dump truck in the area carries about 10 to 14 cubic yards of loose fill dirt, though exact capacity varies by truck. Delivered truckload prices commonly range from about $300 to $800 depending on material, distance, and local availability; Hello Gravel will show per-job pricing and minimums when you enter your address.

You should prepare the site first. South Chicago soils often include heavy, sticky clay that can hold water and settle differently than added fill, so remove organics, grade the existing surface, and compact in lifts to reduce future settling; for large fills or structural needs consider bringing in compacted structural fill or geotextile separation.

Yes, fill dirt almost always needs compaction to avoid future settlement, especially in Chicago's freeze-thaw and clay-prone soils. Small patches can be compacted with a hand tamper or rented plate compactor, but larger fills or grading jobs usually require a rented roller or a contractor with compaction equipment.

Assuming a 20 ft long by 10 ft wide driveway at a 4u0022 lift, you need about 2.5 to 3 cubic yards of fill dirt (roughly 3 to 4 tons), which may hit Hello Gravel's minimums. Expect material plus delivery to start around $100 to $300, and compaction equipment rental or contractor labor adding $100 to $350 depending on scope; prices vary by supplier and site conditions.

Small lawn repairs: 1 to 3 cubic yards. Garden beds or low spot fixing: 3 to 8 cubic yards. Yard regrades or driveway base prep: 10 to 20+ cubic yards. Order at least 10% extra for settlement, remember Hello Gravel's minimum order is 3 tons, and check zip code availability and delivery lead times before finalizing.

Hello Gravel schedules deliveries with local haulers and typically requires 2+ business days; next-day delivery may be available for orders placed before noon CST for an extra fee. Drivers may be willing to tailgate-spread at their discretion; request spreading in Order Notes but do not expect guaranteed spreading or compaction services.