Fill Dirt in Hays County, TX

Expect a wide range because local sourcing, moisture, and screening all affect price. Ballpark for Hays County is about $10 to $30 per ton, which converts roughly to $13 to $40 per cubic yard depending on soil density and moisture. Check your zip code on Hello Gravel for exact, up-to-date pricing and any delivery incentives.

Hello Gravel’s minimum order is 3 tons, and standard delivery is scheduled 2+ business days after order with next-day available for orders placed before noon CST for an extra fee. Delivery fees vary by supplier and distance; many Hays County deliveries are free or low-cost for typical yard projects, but confirm the final delivery charge at checkout for your zip code.

To raise 1,000 sq ft by 6 inches you need about 18.5 cubic yards (1,000 ft2 x 0.5 ft = 500 cu ft; 500/27 = 18.52 cu yd). That is roughly 22 to 30 tons of loose fill-dirt depending on moisture and density (a good working estimate is about 24-25 tons). Order an extra 10-20% to allow for compaction and settling.

Fill-dirt alone is generally not the best final wearing surface for driveways in Hays County because local clays can hold moisture and rut under traffic. Fill-dirt can be used as subgrade material if it is free of organics, properly compacted, and combined with a 4-6 inch compacted layer of crushed stone or crushed limestone for the driving surface. Good drainage and grading are essential in Central Texas to avoid washouts and frost/heat-related movement.

You can use fill-dirt for grading and non-structural fills, but structural uses under slabs usually require engineered fill with specific compaction testing. Many local building departments and engineers expect compaction to meet a percent of the Standard Proctor (commonly 90-95% for structural fills), but exact requirements vary by project and municipality. Before placing large fills beneath foundations, check Hays County or your city building department and consider a geotechnical engineer.

In Central Texas expect some settling after placement, especially if the material was loose or contained soft pockets. With proper placement in thin lifts and compaction, long-term settlement is minimized, but you should plan for minor regrading or topping in the first year. To reduce erosion, provide proper slope, install drainage swales, and use vegetation or rock armoring on exposed areas.

If you need a durable, low-maintenance driveway in Hays County’s clay soils, crushed limestone or crushed stone is usually the better choice for the roadbed and wearing surface because it drains and locks together under traffic. Fill-dirt is cheaper but compresses and holds water, leading to rutting and drainage problems if used alone. A common approach is compacted fill-dirt for grading plus a compacted crushed-stone base and top layer for the driveway surface.

Hello Gravel connects you with trusted local suppliers and haulers serving Hays County (San Marcos, Kyle, Buda) and will show available fill-dirt options and delivery pricing for your zip code. Many local landscaping and site-prep contractors offer compaction, grading, and testing services, but Hello Gravel’s deliveries are coordinated with independent truck fleets; compaction is usually a separate contractor service. Contact our sales team or add notes at checkout if you need recommendations for local compaction contractors.

For non-structural grading, place fill in 4-6 inch lifts and compact each lift with a plate compactor or roller until the specified density is reached. For structural fills (near foundations, under slabs, or load-bearing areas) follow engineered specs—common targets are 90-95% Standard Proctor—confirmed by field testing. Also provide positive drainage away from buildings and finish with a stable surface (rock, pavers, or vegetation) to limit erosion.

Yes. Large fills can trigger county or city grading, drainage, or floodplain permits in Hays County and in cities like San Marcos, Kyle, and Buda. Fill placed in regulated floodplain areas or near creeks may be restricted and could require engineered plans and permits. Always contact Hays County Development Services or your city planning/building department before importing large volumes and consult local regulations on drainage, septic setbacks, and erosion control.