Fill Dirt in Gresham, OR

Generally yes: fill dirt is usually cheaper per cubic yard than gravel because it is lower-grade subsoil used for raising and leveling. Gravel has higher material and processing costs and provides drainage and structural support, so it is more expensive but often necessary for driveways or bases. For most yard-raising or backfill jobs in Gresham, fill dirt is the cost-effective choice if structural drainage is not required.

A delivered truckload of fill dirt in the Gresham/Portland area typically runs in a wide range because of truck size, material type, and haul distance. Expect roughly $200 to $700 for a tri-axle load (about 12-14 cubic yards) delivered, though screened or clean fill and long hauls push the price higher. Always get a local quote for the most accurate number.

Typical delivered prices for fill dirt in the Portland metro vary roughly from $12 to $35 per cubic yard depending on whether the dirt is screened/clean, the supplier, and delivery distance. Unscreeened or “fill” material at the low end and clean, tested subsoil at the high end are the usual differences. Use our quote tool or contact our team to see current local pricing for your zip code.

Fill dirt is subsoil with minimal organic material used for raising grade, backfilling foundations, and filling low spots; it is not intended as a finished surface. Order fill dirt when you need to add volume to the site, correct slopes, or build subgrade before installing a driveway or lawn. If you need a stable, draining surface (driveway, parking area), choose gravel or road base on top of compacted fill dirt rather than using fill dirt alone.

In Gresham's rainy climate you should not rely on bare fill dirt as a final base. Compact the fill, add a layer of road base or crushed rock, and consider geotextile fabric over soft soils to separate materials and improve drainage. Proper compaction and drainage reduce washouts and rutting in wet seasons.

A typical tri-axle dump truck carries about 12 to 14 cubic yards of loose material. 1,000 sq ft at 2 inches equals about 6.17 cubic yards, which is one truckload for most tri-axles. At 4 inches you need about 12.33 cubic yards, which is roughly one full tri-axle load but you should round up or expect a second small load depending on truck size and compaction.

Raising 1,000 sq ft by 6 inches requires 500 cubic feet, which equals about 18.5 cubic yards (round to 19 cu yd). At typical Portland-area rates of $12 to $35 per cubic yard delivered, expect a material cost in the neighborhood of $230 to $665, plus any delivery or hauling fees if not included. That quantity usually requires two tri-axle loads depending on truck size and supplier.

Yes—Hello Gravel’s supplier network covers Gresham and the surrounding Portland metro; many local vendors will deliver. Our platform has a minimum order of 3 tons (roughly 2-3 cubic yards depending on material), and many quotes include delivery; when a fee applies it typically ranges from a modest charge to around $50-$150 depending on distance and access. You can check availability and delivery price by entering your Gresham zip code or requesting a quote.

Clear vegetation, remove topsoil if you want only subsoil fill, mark property lines, and call 811 to locate utilities before any digging. Rough-grade the area if possible, provide a stable access point for dump trucks, and plan for compaction and drainage (slope away from buildings). For larger fills consider test compaction, erosion control measures, and a staging area to reduce landscaping damage.

Small, routine residential deliveries often do not require permits, but rules vary based on volume, changes to drainage, and proximity to waterways or setbacks. If you are changing site drainage, raising more than a few inches across a large area, or doing work near regulated riparian areas, you may need a permit from the City of Gresham or Multnomah County. Check with Gresham Planning and Development or the county before ordering to confirm local rules.

Order an extra 5% to 15% to account for compaction and settlement, with larger fills leaning toward the higher end of that range. Loose, uncompacted fill commonly settles more, so plan extra if you will compact the material in lifts or expect heavy settlement. If in doubt, ask us for help estimating based on your project depth and material type.