Fill Dirt in Selma, TX

In Selma, TX, fill dirt commonly ranges from about $8 to $25 per ton depending on screening, quality, and local supply. Hello Gravel lists pricing up front and many orders qualify for free delivery, but expect delivery fees or minimums for very small orders; next-day service or long hauls may add a fee. Always check your zip code and our checkout for the exact delivered price and the 3-ton minimum.

For raising yards and building non-wearing driveway bases in West Texas, choose screened, low-organic fill dirt (clean clay or subsoil) for better compaction and fewer settlement issues. For driveway bases, layer screened fill dirt for grade then finish with a structural base like crusher run or road base; fill dirt alone is not recommended as the final driving surface.

Fill dirt can be used for foundation backfill and landscaping if it is clean, free of organic matter, and compacted in lifts to the engineer's specifications. Do not use general fill dirt for septic drain fields; septic systems require specifically tested materials and permits. Always follow local building codes and consult your engineer for foundation or septic work in Selma.

A cubic yard of fill dirt typically weighs about 1.2 to 1.6 tons, depending on moisture and composition. For 500 sq ft at 6 inches (0.5 ft) you need about 9.3 cubic yards, which equals roughly 11 to 15 tons of fill dirt using that weight range. Order a bit extra (5-10%) to account for settlement and compaction.

In hot, dry West Texas, fill dirt compacts well when moisture is added during placement but dries and shrinks quickly, which can cause dust and minor settlement. Without a finished surface, bare fill dirt is prone to wind erosion and dust; cover it with rock, mulch, or a stabilized surface and compact in lifts to reduce problems. Consider adding a thin rock cap or using water-retaining measures during compaction to improve results.

Screened fill dirt has larger debris and clods removed and is better for compaction and finish grading, while unscreened fill dirt is cheaper but may include rocks and roots. Screened material often costs more and can have slightly longer lead times if a supplier needs to process it, but Hello Gravel typically shows availability and estimated delivery days at checkout for Selma. If you need screened material soon, request it at checkout and call our team to confirm lead time.

Possibly. Selma city rules, county codes, and HOA covenants can govern changes to front yards, driveway aprons, drainage, and curb cuts. Before adding significant fill or changing driveway profiles, check with Selma city planning or your HOA to avoid phone callbacks, fines, or required rework.

Typical equipment includes an excavator ($300 to $800 per day), a plate compactor or small vibratory roller ($75 to $600 per day), and sometimes a tandem roller for larger jobs ($400 to $1,200 per day). Labor and contractor rates in the region can range from $50 to $100+ per hour or a project quote of $800 to several thousand dollars depending on scope; get local written quotes that specify lift thickness and compaction requirements.

Fill dirt is the least expensive material for raising grade but does not provide a durable wearing surface or good drainage. Crusher run or road base compacts into a stable, load-bearing surface and is the preferred base for driveways; decomposed granite is more decorative but can be dusty and less durable under heavy traffic. For lasting driveways in Selma, use fill dirt only for grade, then a compacted crusher run or similar structural base as the top driving surface.

A bare fill dirt pad will require regular grading, watering to control dust, and periodic regrading after heavy rains; it will not last as a finished surface under traffic. If compacted properly and capped with rock or crusher run, the assembled surface can last many years with occasional top-ups and regrading. In West Texas, expect more maintenance for dust and erosion control during dry seasons, so sealing with rock or paving greatly reduces upkeep.