Fill-dirt in Hillsboro, TN

A 10-yard (approximate) load of basic fill dirt delivered to Hillsboro usually runs in the ballpark of $100 to $250, depending on distance from the supplier, whether the material is screened, and seasonal demand. Exact pricing varies by supplier and may include minimums, delivery fees, or extra charges for tight access; check your zip code and request a local quote for a firm price.

Use this quick method: cubic yards = (square feet x depth in inches) / 324. For a 20x20 area (400 sq ft) at 4 inches deep you need about 5 cubic yards (roughly 6–8 tons depending on moisture and compaction). For 1,000 sq ft at 4 inches deep you need about 12.3 cubic yards (roughly 15–19 tons).

Fill dirt is fine for raising low spots or building up grade but it does not make a durable driveway surface — in Hillsboro's clay soils it will retain moisture and rut. For a lasting driveway, use fill dirt only to establish grade, then cap with compactible base material such as crusher-run or recycled concrete and finish with a surface gravel. Expect to combine materials rather than rely on fill dirt alone for driveways.

Local clay soils in West Tennessee need controlled compaction to prevent future settling. Work in 4–6 inch lifts and compact each lift with a plate compactor or a small roller; a 2-pass compaction with a rented plate compactor is often enough for non-structural fills. Hello Gravel can arrange delivery of material, but compaction is usually a separate service—ask our team for local contractor referrals or to note installation requests when ordering.

Fill dirt can be used as general backfill, but material next to foundations and retaining walls should be clean, low-organic, and well-graded to avoid excessive settlement and drainage issues. For foundation backfill we recommend screened or engineered fill (low organics, minimal silt) and including a drainage layer or pipe if clay soils are present; consult your engineer for structural projects. If you plan to backfill close to a foundation, note the requirement in your order and ask suppliers about screened or structural fill options.

Ask for 'screened fill' or 'clean fill' with minimal organic matter and stones larger than about 1 to 2 inches removed; suppliers may describe this as 1-inch minus or screened to 3/4 inch. For engineered applications, specify that the material must meet your engineer's gradation and organic content limits. If you are unsure, save a note on your Hello Gravel order and we will connect you with suppliers who can confirm specs.

Fill dirt by itself will slow drainage on clay soils and can create perched water if placed without a drainage plan. For better performance add a 4–6 inch layer of coarse crushed stone under the surface, install swales to move water away, or include perforated drain pipe (French drain) where water collects. These add-ons significantly reduce saturation risk and are common upgrades in West Tennessee yards.

Pure delivery of fill dirt is usually the lower-cost option; installation (spreading, grading, and compaction) commonly adds 50% to 200% to the material-only cost depending on labor rates, site access, and complexity. Small jobs with difficult access or grading needs cost more per yard than larger, straightforward deliveries. For an accurate comparison, request both delivered-only and delivered+installed estimates from suppliers after describing your site and access conditions.

Because Hillsboro sits on West Tennessee clay and many local yards are small, note access constraints, wet-season timing, and desired material screening on your order. Choose a delivery date that avoids heavy rain when possible, request tailgate spreading at checkout if you want the driver to move material (driver discretion applies), and call our sales team if you need screened or structural fill for foundations so we can match you with the right local supplier.