Fill Dirt in Surry County, NC

Prices for delivered fill-dirt in Surry County usually depend on supplier, distance, and site access; expect a rough range of about $12 to $45 per ton delivered, with many projects falling in the $18 to $30 per ton range. Hello Gravel has a 3-ton minimum and may charge extra for next-day delivery, difficult access, or additional hauling distance, so check your zip code and request a quote for an accurate price.

1,000 square feet raised 6 inches equals about 500 cubic feet, which is roughly 18.5 cubic yards. Fill-dirt weight varies by moisture and compaction, so that volume is about 22 to 30 tons; we recommend ordering an extra 10% to allow for compaction and waste, so plan on roughly 24 to 33 tons.

Fill-dirt can be used to build up subgrade but is not a good finished surface for driveways or rural roads, especially in Surry County where clay soils and occasional heavy rain can hold moisture and weaken top layers. For driveways, use well-graded, compacted subgrade and finish with a free-draining base like crusher run or #57 stone; add proper drainage and compaction to reduce rutting and settlement.

For retaining walls, avoid organic topsoil and use clean, free-draining material immediately behind the wall such as coarse sand or crushed stone for drainage, with compactable fill-dirt or structural fill used further back. Make sure to provide drainage (perforated pipe and gravel) and compact in lifts; for walls over a few feet high, follow an engineer's recommendations or local building code.

Small residential landscaping projects usually do not require a permit, but larger grading, filling that affects stormwater, changes to drainage, work in flood-prone areas, or driveways connecting to public roads may require permits from Surry County or NCDOT. Contact Surry County Planning and Zoning and NCDOT before large deliveries or any work that alters drainage to confirm local rules and avoid fines.

Clear the drop area of brush and debris, mark the preferred dump location for the driver, and make sure trucks can access and turn around safely; call 811 for utility locates if you will be placing material near buried lines. If you want spreading, request tailgate spreading at checkout but note drivers perform it at their discretion and safety conditions; otherwise plan for a separate spreader or contractor.

Surry County's clay-rich soils and humid climate can slow drainage and increase settling, so compact fill in thin lifts (4 to 8 inches) and consider using free-draining layers where water control is important. Expect regional color and texture variations in locally sourced fill-dirt, and plan for drainage, compaction, and possible additional material to counter seasonal settling.