Fill Dirt in Fishers, IN

Expect a range rather than a fixed price: fill-dirt deliveries in the Fishers/Indianapolis metro commonly run about $10 to $30 per cubic yard (roughly $14 to $42 per ton, depending on soil density). Final price depends on local supplier, distance, truck type, and moisture content. Use Hello Gravel checkout for an exact quote for your zip code and order size.

Local options include landscape supply yards, aggregate yards, and contractors serving the Indianapolis metro; specific suppliers vary by neighborhood due to regional sourcing. Hello Gravel's minimum order is 3 tons, and many local yards will deliver small loads, but common dump-truck deliveries start around 6 to 12 cubic yards for tri-axle trucks. If you need less, check for pickup-from-yard or split deliveries in the Hello Gravel checkout.

Estimates assume typical depths and average soil density (~1.2–1.6 tons per cubic yard). 1-car driveway (10' x 20') at 4u0022 depth: about 2.5 cubic yards (3.5 tons). 2-car driveway (20' x 20') at 4u0022 depth: about 5 cubic yards (7–8 tons). Leveling a medium backyard slope (30' x 30') raising 6u0022: about 16.7 cubic yards (20–27 tons). Foundation perimeter backfill (example: 20' x 40' slab, walls 3' high, 8u0022 thick): roughly 9 cubic yards (11–14 tons). Always measure your site and use the Hello Gravel calculator for a precise quote.

Small top-ups for landscaping usually do not require a permit, but larger grading, changes to drainage, or disturbance over a certain area can trigger Fishers or Hamilton County permitting and erosion-control rules. If you are changing stormwater flow, regrading a slope, or doing foundation backfill, contact Fishers Building and Engineering Departments to confirm local requirements. For structural fills, follow engineered compaction specs and any inspector direction.

Freeze-thaw cycles and heavy spring/fall rains in central Indiana can cause settling, frost heave, and erosion if fill-dirt is poorly compacted or contains a lot of fines. To reduce problems, keep fill well-drained, compact in lifts, avoid placing organic-rich soils, and delay final grading until after wet seasons when practical. For driveways or structural work, use a granular base and proper drainage above the fill layer.

For yard leveling and non-structural fill, a well-graded fill-dirt with low organic content works best; avoid topsoil or high-organic mixes for structural areas. For driveways, use fill-dirt only to build subgrade; the wearing surface should be 4–6u0022 of compacted crushed stone or aggregate (crushed limestone is common in the Indianapolis area). If you need both raising and driving surfaces, plan a compacted fill-dirt subgrade plus a crushed stone base for durability.

Place fill in lifts of 4u0022 to 8u0022 (loose depth) and compact each lift, aiming for 90% or higher of Standard Proctor for non-structural work and 95% or per-engineer specs for structural fills. Small jobs can be compacted with a plate compactor or walk-behind roller; larger areas typically require a rented vibratory roller or contractor with a tandem/vibratory roller. Always check local building or engineering requirements for foundation or retaining-wall backfill.

Geotextile fabric is commonly used to separate fill from soft subgrades and to stabilize soft spots, especially in the clay-rich areas around Indianapolis. Lime or cement stabilization may be recommended if the native or fill soil is high in clay and you need a load-bearing surface; this is typically an engineered solution. For dust control or minor stabilization on driveways, consider surface binders or a gravel wearing course rather than modifying bulk fill-dirt.

Fill-dirt is usually the least expensive and good for raising grade or backfill, but it compacts less consistently and holds moisture, so it is not ideal as a driveway surface. Crushed stone is more expensive but provides superior drainage, load-bearing capacity, and longevity for driveways. Reclaimed asphalt can be a cost-effective surface option but may rut or produce dust over time; clean fill (washed stone or sand) is best where drainage and compaction uniformity matter but costs more.

Rates vary with scope, equipment, and crew size; small hauling and spreading jobs often run $75 to $150 per hour for a laborer and machine, while full-day contractor rates for site grading can be $500 to $1,500 depending on complexity. Many haulers included in Hello Gravel deliveries can perform tailgate spreading at the driver's discretion, but dedicated spreading and compaction from a contractor will be an extra charge. Ask for itemized quotes that separate material, delivery, spreading, and compaction so you can compare bids accurately.