Fill-dirt in Hendersonville, TN

Delivered fill dirt in Hendersonville typically ranges from about $12 to $28 per cubic yard for unscreened material and $25 to $45 per cubic yard for screened/clean fill. Prices depend on local supply, how far the truck must travel, and whether the material is screened. Hello Gravel requires a 3-ton minimum order and may offer free delivery in many areas, so final price can vary by zip code.

A standard tri-axle truckload usually holds roughly 10 to 14 cubic yards, so multiply the per-yard price by that volume to estimate a load cost (for example, a 10-yard load at $20/yd is about $200). Key factors that affect price include screening/cleanliness of the dirt, delivery distance and access, truck size, and same-day/next-day delivery requests. Additional services like spreading or trucking to a tight site can add fees.

Fill dirt is mostly subsoil used to raise grade and improve load-bearing capacity; it has few organic materials. Topsoil is rich in organic matter and is used for lawns and planting rather than structural fill. Gravel is angular or rounded rock used for drainage and driveable surfaces; for driveways you generally use crushed stone as a base rather than fill dirt alone.

You can put gravel over dirt only if the existing soil is compacted, stable, and free of excessive organic topsoil; usually you should remove topsoil, install a geotextile fabric if needed, add and compact a crushed stone base (4-6 inches), then add surface stone. Use the volume formula (sq ft x depth in inches / 324) to calculate cubic yards needed, and consider compaction to avoid sinking in Tennessee clay or wetter seasons. If the soil is soft or poorly drained, plan for more base material and compaction work.

Use this formula: cubic yards = (square feet x depth in inches) / 324. For example, to raise a 1,000 sq ft backyard: 3 inches needs about 9.26 cu yd, 6 inches needs about 18.52 cu yd, and 12 inches needs about 37.04 cu yd. Remember to order a little extra for compaction and tracking, and convert cubic yards to tons at roughly 1.2–1.5 tons per cubic yard if you need weight-based pricing.

Many local suppliers and Hello Gravel have a minimum order (Hello Gravel lists a 3-ton minimum), and delivery fees depend on distance, driveway access, and local supplier policies. Hello Gravel offers standard delivery in 2+ business days with next-day options for orders placed before noon CST, and free delivery is available in many service areas—check your zip code at checkout for exact fees. Tight access, long offload distances, or required permits can add extra charges.

Screened or clean fill dirt is available from many suppliers and is recommended when you need a smooth, rock-free finish near lawns, patios, or shallow planting beds. For driveways, screened fill is usually not the structural layer you want; instead use compacted crushed stone for the base and screened material only where finish grade and appearance matter. Ask for screened material at checkout if you have sensitive landscaping or thin cover over the fill.

Costs vary by size, prep, and materials; as an example, a 20 ft wide by 50 ft long driveway (1,000 sq ft) with a 4-inch compacted stone base will need about 12 to 13 cubic yards of material. Material plus delivery for base and surface stone might run roughly $300 to $1,000 depending on stone type and screening, while labor for excavation, grading, compaction, and spreading can add $700 to $3,000 depending on local contractor rates and site complexity. For an accurate estimate, get a local quote that includes site access, drainage needs, and any permit work.

Hello Gravel coordinates material delivery but spreading or mechanical compaction is performed at the driver’s discretion as tailgate spreading and is not guaranteed. For guaranteed spreading and compaction you will generally need a separate local contractor or equipment rental; small jobs often run a few hundred dollars while larger jobs requiring excavators or compactors and crews can cost $500 to several thousand dollars. Ask for spreading at checkout and discuss contractor options if you need guaranteed grading and compaction.

Permits may be required for significant grading, fill that affects stormwater or neighboring properties, or projects that change approved drainage; Hendersonville city and Sumner County rules apply depending on location. Homeowners should check local building department rules and any HOA covenants before ordering large quantities; suppliers typically do not obtain permits but can provide material specifications and delivery information to support permit applications. When in doubt, contact the Hendersonville planning or public works office or your HOA before scheduling a large delivery.