Fill Dirt in Navassa, NC

Cost depends on how deep you want to fill. For a 1/2-acre (21,780 sq ft), each inch of depth is about 27 cubic yards, so raising that area 3 inches is roughly 81 cubic yards and 120-130 tons; raising it 6 inches is about 162 cubic yards and roughly 240-260 tons. Delivered fill dirt in the Navassa/Wilmington area commonly runs in a wide range (historic delivered prices often fall between roughly $15 and $35 per ton depending on supplier, truck size, and accessibility), so a ballpark for larger fills could range from a few thousand to several thousand dollars. For an exact price, tell us the depth you need and your zip code so we can provide a specific quote.

Hello Gravel connects you with local Brunswick County and Wilmington-area suppliers that deliver to Navassa. Typical minimums we see are 3 tons for small loads, while many suppliers and haulers prefer full-truck orders (often 10-18 tons for a tri-axle). If you need more than a pickup load, get a quote through our site and we will show suppliers and minimums for your zip code.

Generally no — plain fill dirt is not the best final base for a driveway because it often contains fines and organics that retain water and settle. In Navassa’s coastal environment you want a well-graded, compacted base with good drainage, such as crushed stone or recycled concrete, topped with the wearing surface (gravel, asphalt, pavers). Fill dirt can be used to raise grades or fill low spots if it is clean, free of organics, properly compacted, and approved by your builder or engineer.

To raise 1,000 sq ft by 6 inches (0.5 ft) you need 500 cubic feet, which is about 18.5 cubic yards. Fill dirt typically weighs about 1.2 to 1.5 tons per cubic yard, so plan on roughly 22 to 28 tons. Order a small buffer for settlement and compaction; our calculator can give an exact recommendation for your project.

Most contractors recommend engineered structural fill and a compacted stone base under a garage slab rather than relying on raw fill dirt alone. Fill dirt can contain organics or variable moisture that lead to settlement; soils in the Navassa area may have high water tables and clay pockets that make compaction less reliable. For a durable slab, use properly graded, compacted stone base and follow geotechnical or structural recommendations for compaction testing and thickness.

Navassa sees frequent heavy rains and has a relatively high water table in parts of Brunswick County, so poor drainage can cause fill to wash out, settle, or stay saturated. Proper grading, surface and subsurface drainage (swales, pipes), compaction, and erosion control are essential to keep fill dirt stable. When planning fills near low spots or wet areas, consider engineered solutions or better-draining base materials to avoid recurring problems.

Crushed stone is generally better for driveways because it provides strength, drainage, and compaction under traffic; fill dirt is cheaper per ton but is best for raising grades or non-load-bearing zones. Delivered crushed stone typically costs more than plain fill dirt due to processing and material quality, but the extra cost is usually justified for driveways to prevent rutting and settling. A common approach is to use fill dirt only to establish grade, then a compacted stone base for the driveway surface.

Possibly. Check with the Town of Navassa and Brunswick County planning or permitting offices before large fills — rules can cover erosion and sediment controls, floodplain impacts, wetlands, and stormwater management. Large or graded fills near wetlands or in FEMA flood zones often trigger additional permits or engineered plans, so contact local authorities or your contractor before delivery. Hello Gravel can help by sizing your order, but permit compliance is the customer’s responsibility.

Longevity varies widely with compaction, drainage, traffic, and material quality. A well-compacted and drained fill used only to raise grade can last many years, but fill used as a driveway surface or under constant vehicle traffic may settle or break down within 1 to 5 years and require topping or replacement. For long-term performance under traffic, use a structural base like compacted crushed stone rather than relying on fill dirt alone.

Many suppliers offer screened fill dirt for an extra fee; washed fill dirt is less common because washing is typically used for topsoil or aggregates, not bulk fill. Screened fill dirt is worth it for landscaping, lawn areas, and planting beds because it has fewer rocks and debris and creates a smoother, more plant-friendly finish. For large utility fills or structural grade work, unscreened fill is often acceptable and less expensive.