Fill Dirt in Mathis, TX

Delivered fill dirt prices in Mathis typically fall in a broad range because of supplier, distance, and moisture content. Expect roughly $10 to $30 per ton and about $12.50 to $37.50 per cubic yard (using a rule of thumb of 1.25 tons per cubic yard). Final price depends on haul distance, minimum order size, and whether spreading is requested, so get a local quote through Hello Gravel for an exact figure.

Hello Gravel connects you with local suppliers and haulers serving Mathis and surrounding West Texas areas; suppliers reflect regional geology so material can vary. Most truck deliveries require a 3-ton minimum (Hello Gravel minimum), while contractor or supplier minimums can be 3 to 5 tons; very small yard deliveries are uncommon and often more expensive per unit. Check availability and exact minimums by entering your zip code or contacting our sales team.

Use this simple formula: cubic yards = (area in square feet * depth in inches) / 324, because one cubic yard = 27 cubic feet. To convert to tons, multiply cubic yards by about 1.25 (typical density for fill dirt), so tons = cubic yards * 1.25. For example, raising 1,000 sq ft by 6 inches needs about 18.5 cubic yards or roughly 23 tons.

Fill dirt is useful for raising grades and filling low spots, but it is not a recommended wearing surface for driveways or pads. Mathis has clay-influenced soils and occasional intense storms, so you should build a compacted granular road base or crushed stone surface over fill dirt to get proper drainage and durability. Use fill dirt as a subgrade layer only and cap it with engineered base material for vehicular use.

Install fill dirt in uniform lifts (commonly 6 to 8 inches loose), moisten as needed, and compact each lift with plate compactors or rollers to reach a high relative compaction (typically 90% to 95%, depending on local specs). Ensure proper drainage, edge restraints, and a firm engineered base layer above the compacted fill before paving or stone surfacing. For county road access or permitted work, follow San Patricio County or TxDOT guidance and consider compaction testing for acceptance.

If fill dirt is used as the finished surface, expect routine maintenance and periodic regrading after heavy rains or seasonal washouts — commonly every 1 to 3 years depending on traffic and storm intensity. A properly built base with crushed stone or road base on top of compacted fill will significantly reduce maintenance frequency, often stretching major upkeep to many years. In West Texas, sudden downpours can produce the biggest service impacts, so proper drainage design helps minimize rework.

Fill dirt is usually the least expensive per cubic yard and good for bulk grade fill, but it has poor drainage and low surface durability. Road base is engineered for compaction and provides a stronger, more stable base with moderate drainage properties at a moderate cost. Crushed stone or crushed rock is best for final driveway surfaces because it drains well and resists rutting, but it is the most expensive option per ton; for most Mathis projects, a compacted fill subgrade plus road base or crushed stone surface is the balanced approach.

City and county rules vary, so check with the City of Mathis and San Patricio County before major grading or importing large volumes; small deliveries for routine landscaping often do not require permits. Homeowners in subdivisions should also review HOA covenants for rules about changing yard grade, driveway materials, or drainage patterns. When in doubt, contact local authorities or Hello Gravel customer service for guidance before scheduling delivery.

Yes, geotextile fabric is often recommended when placing fill dirt over soft or sandy soils to separate materials and reduce mixing, especially where vehicle traffic or repeated moisture cycles occur. Include drainage measures such as swales, French drains, and proper slope away from structures because Mathis can experience intense rain events despite the semi-arid climate. Work with your contractor to size pipe, rock filters, and fabric to match local soil conditions and anticipated runoff.

Rates vary by job size, equipment required, and distance; small jobs often carry a higher per-unit cost. Expect local contractors to charge either an hourly equipment rate (commonly $75 to $150 per hour for a skid steer or loader) plus trucking, or a combined hauled-and-spread price that can range roughly $10 to $40 per cubic yard for larger jobs. For an accurate yard-by-yard price, get a written estimate from a local hauler or request a quote through Hello Gravel.