Fill Dirt in Hillsboro, OR

Prices in the Portland-Vancouver metro vary by supplier, haul distance, and material quality, but expect delivered fill-dirt to run roughly $12 to $35 per cubic yard and about $8 to $25 per ton as a ballpark. Hello Gravel requires a 3-ton minimum and regional sourcing affects price, so get a zip-code quote for an exact rate.

For raising grade or filling low spots, use clean, low-organic fill-dirt or engineered/structural fill that compacts well and does not contain large debris or roots. For driveways, place a proper road base or crushed rock layer on top of compacted fill-dirt to provide drainage and a stable driving surface.

Use this method: multiply the area in square feet by the desired depth in inches, divide by 12 to get cubic feet, then divide by 27 to get cubic yards; multiply cubic yards by an average density (about 1.3 to 1.5 tons per cubic yard) to estimate tons. Example: 1,000 sq ft raised 3 inches is 1,000*3/12 = 250 cubic feet = 9.26 cubic yards, roughly 12 to 14 tons using a 1.4 ton/yd3 factor.

Hillsboro’s wet winters make drainage and compaction especially important: poorly drained or organic-rich fill can settle and stay soggy. Proper layering, compaction, and surface drainage or gravel topping reduce settling and frost-related movement, but some settlement is normal in the first year as material consolidates.

Hello Gravel connects you with trusted local suppliers and haul fleets across the Portland-Vancouver metro that deliver to Hillsboro; availability depends on your zip code. For contractor services like grading and compaction, local landscapers and excavation contractors commonly coordinate deliveries and can be booked through Hello Gravel or found via local listings.

Besides the per-ton or per-yard material price, you may see charges for long-haul delivery, small-lot or tight-access fees, tailgate spreading, mechanical spreading, and compaction. Typical extras can range from about $50 to $250 for spreading and $150 to $600 for on-site compaction depending on job size and equipment needs, and sales tax applies.

Use fill-dirt to raise grade where structure is not exposed and minimal organic content is acceptable, but do not use it as the final surface for planting. For patios and driveways, a well-draining road base or crushed rock is recommended under the slab or pavers, while topsoil is the right choice only for planting beds and lawns.

Expect the most settlement in the first 6 to 12 months; small low spots often need spot-topping after that initial consolidation. For driveways with a proper base, you may need periodic topping or regrading every few years depending on use and drainage, while landscaped areas may require less frequent touch-ups.

Significant grading, changes to drainage patterns, or large fill volumes may require permits or review by Hillsboro Development Services, and erosion or stormwater controls could be required. Check with the City of Hillsboro planning and building departments before large grading work, and consider hiring a contractor who knows local permit requirements.

Yes, most excavation and landscaping contractors in the Hillsboro area offer compaction; they use plate compactors, vibratory rollers, or sheepsfoot rollers depending on layer thickness and job size. For structural fills or driveways, contractors commonly aim for industry-standard compaction targets (for example, around 90% relative compaction) and will specify lift thickness and testing if needed.