Fill Dirt in Kenner, LA

Fill dirt is usually cheaper than gravel in Kenner because it is common, fine-grained soil used mainly to raise grade rather than for drainage or finish surfaces. Prices vary by supplier and moisture content, but expect fill dirt to cost noticeably less per cubic yard than clean, washed gravel. Local availability and truck delivery fees affect the final price.

Delivered fill dirt in the Kenner area typically ranges from about $10 to $25 per cubic yard, depending on source, moisture, and compaction. A common tri-axle truck holds roughly 10 to 12 cubic yards, so a single truckload often runs in the low hundreds of dollars, though contractor bulk pricing can be lower. Exact quotes are best obtained through Hello Gravel for your zip code and delivery location.

Fill dirt is mostly fine soil (sand, silt, clay) used to raise or level ground and provide a working subgrade, while gravel is composed of larger, angular rock used for drainage, driveways, and finished surfaces. Fill dirt compacts well but does not drain like gravel, so it is not a substitute where water moves through the material is needed. Choose fill dirt when you need volume to add elevation; choose gravel when you need a stable, draining surface.

The most cost-effective approach is to order local fill dirt in bulk and schedule standard delivery rather than rush or next-day service. Using Hello Gravel’s marketplace helps find nearby suppliers to lower haul distances and delivery fees, and ordering by the cubic yard or full truckload reduces per-unit cost. Also check for material that is locally available after construction projects to avoid special sourcing fees.

One cubic yard is 27 cubic feet and will cover about 324 square feet at 1 inch depth, 162 square feet at 2 inches, 81 square feet at 4 inches, and 54 square feet at 6 inches. For typical yard leveling jobs you will usually measure required depth in inches and use the 27-cubic-foot rule to calculate how many yards you need. If you prefer, Hello Gravel’s material calculator can help convert your dimensions into yards.

You can put gravel over compacted fill dirt, but preparation is important to avoid settling or pooling in Kenner’s wet climate. Compact the fill dirt, address drainage, and consider a geotextile fabric or a compacted base layer before placing finish gravel. If drainage is a concern near your property or flood-prone areas, consult local code and consider a more permeable base.

A standard full-size pickup bed will typically hold about 1 cubic yard of fill dirt when heaped, though weight limits on your truck can be an issue. Because fill dirt can be heavy—especially when wet—check your truck’s payload rating before hauling to avoid overloading. For deliveries, Hello Gravel works with dump trucks that carry larger loads safely.

One cubic yard of fill dirt is a 3 ft by 3 ft by 3 ft cube (27 cubic feet) and visually looks like a modest pile that can cover about 81 square feet at 4 inches deep. In Kenner, the fill dirt you receive may include clay or silt and will vary in color and texture due to local geology. Photos online are a guide, but expect natural variation and confirm any color notes in your order notes.

Per-truck prices depend on truck size and material rate; tri-axle dump trucks in the Kenner area commonly carry about 10 to 12 cubic yards. Using a per-yard range of roughly $10 to $25, a truckload can typically cost from around $100 to $300 before any special fees. For an exact price, request a quote through Hello Gravel with your delivery address and desired material.

Yes, fill dirt is commonly used to level backyards in Kenner, but you should place it in thin lifts and compact each layer to reduce future settling. Because Kenner is low-lying and can have a high water table, consider drainage and avoid raising yard grades in ways that direct water toward your neighbor’s property. If you plan to raise elevation significantly, check local building and drainage regulations first.

If you have fill dirt as your subgrade, compact it well, correct any soft spots, and consider installing a layer of geotextile fabric to separate soil and gravel and improve stability. For driveways or paths, add a compacted base course of crushed stone before the finished gravel to improve load-bearing and drainage. Proper prep is especially important in Kenner’s wet climate to prevent rutting and washouts.

Kenner’s coastal plain soils and frequent rain can make fill dirt heavier and more prone to settling and poor drainage, especially if the material contains clay. Expect to compact in lifts, consider sandier fill if drainage is required, and plan for erosion control during heavy storms or hurricanes. Always factor in seasonal rain when scheduling deliveries and installation to avoid muddy conditions.