Fill-dirt in Cedargrove, TN

Fill-dirt is a mixture of native soils, fines, and small rock used to raise grade, fill holes, and create building pads. In Cedargrove and West Tennessee it is commonly used to level backyards, raise low spots, and under foundations or slabs when compacted and tested. It is not typically a finished driving surface without a rock or gravel topping.

To raise 1,000 square feet by 6 inches you need about 18.5 cubic yards of material (1,000 ft2 x 0.5 ft = 500 cubic feet; 500/27 = 18.5 yd3). Allow for compaction and settlement by ordering about 15-30% more, so plan on roughly 22 to 24 cubic yards (around 20 to 30 tons depending on moisture and supplier).

Prices vary by supplier, haul distance, and seasonal availability, but fill-dirt in West Tennessee commonly falls in the low-cost range compared with rock—often around $10 to $30 per ton delivered. Final price depends on your exact zip code, minimum order size, accessibility of the drop location, and whether you need spreading or compaction services.

Hello Gravel will connect you with vetted local suppliers and haulers serving the Cedargrove area; exact suppliers vary by zip code and season. Most dump-truck deliveries use tri-axle trucks, with a practical minimum order of about 3 tons on our platform, while some suppliers or routes may have larger minimums (6 to 10 tons) depending on distance and truck scheduling.

Fill-dirt can be used as structural fill under building pads if placed in controlled lifts and properly compacted, but it is not a good finished driveway surface in Cedargrove’s clay-rich soils and humid climate. For driveways, use fill-dirt to raise or level the site, then install a compacted rock base (crusher run or bank run) and a wearing course designed for vehicle traffic.

Fill-dirt is generally cheaper per ton and good for raising grade, but it lacks the interlocking and drainage properties of crusher run or bank run. Crusher run and bank run are denser, drain better, and make durable driveway bases; they usually cost more per ton than fill-dirt but reduce long-term maintenance on drive surfaces in West Tennessee’s wet conditions.

Permitting rules vary by city and county; in Cedargrove you should check with city zoning or the county engineering office before importing large volumes or changing grades. Fill in regulated floodplains, wetlands, or near septic systems often triggers permits or restrictions under local or state rules, so confirm requirements before ordering.

Place fill-dirt in thin lifts (commonly 4 to 8 inches loose) and compact each lift to reach typical field compaction targets (often around 90% standard Proctor) per your engineer’s guidance. Use geotextile fabric where needed, install proper surface drainage, and add erosion controls like silt fencing, temporary mulch, or retaining walls on steeper slopes to prevent washouts during heavy Tennessee rains.

If left as the finished surface, fill-dirt will rut and settle quickly under vehicle traffic and usually requires topping with rock or frequent regrading. When used as subgrade and covered by a proper rock base, the assembly can last many years; inspect annually after wet seasons and plan to add or regrade material every 1 to 5 years depending on traffic, drainage, and weather.

Budget for delivery fees (though Hello Gravel offers free delivery in many areas), optional services like tailgate spreading and compaction, grading, geotextile or erosion-control materials, and possible permit fees. As a rule of thumb, plan for 10% to 30% extra on top of material cost to cover labor, equipment rental, and any drainage or site-prep work needed for a stable installation.