Fill Dirt in Seattle, WA

Fill dirt is usually cheaper per cubic yard than gravel in the Seattle area because it is a basic soil product without stone sizing or decorative qualities. Gravel prices vary by type (pea gravel, crushed rock, base rock) and are typically higher than plain fill dirt. For grading or raising low spots, fill dirt is usually the more economical choice; for driveways or drainage you may still need gravel or crushed rock as a top layer.

Delivered fill dirt in Seattle commonly ranges from about $25 to $55 per cubic yard, depending on volume, site access, moisture content, and supplier availability. Heavy, wet, or contaminated soils cost more, and small or rush deliveries add fees. For an exact price, check your zip code on Hello Gravel or request a quote.

A 10-yard load of fill dirt in Seattle typically runs in the neighborhood of $250 to $550, based on the per-yard range and not including any access fees, permits, or spreading requests. Tight access, steep drives, or next-day delivery can increase the final price. Use Hello Gravel’s checkout to see available rates and delivery windows for your address.

For 1,000 sq ft: 2u0022 depth = 6.17 cubic yards, 3u0022 = 9.26 cubic yards, 4u0022 = 12.35 cubic yards. Using a local fill-dirt range of $25–$55/yd3, costs would roughly be: 2u0022 = $155–$340, 3u0022 = $230–$510, 4u0022 = $310–$680. Final price depends on local supplier rates, haul distance, and site access.

You can put gravel directly over existing soil if the grade is already correct and soil is well-drained and compacted, but in Seattle’s wetter climate you often need to add and compact fill dirt or a compactible base to prevent settling and poor drainage. For driveways or paths it’s best to install a compacted crushed-rock base before the top gravel for longevity and drainage. If you are covering soft spots or raising elevations, order fill dirt to build a stable subgrade first.

Local tri-axle dump trucks commonly used in Seattle carry about 10 to 12 cubic yards of loose material, though smaller trucks might carry 6 to 8 cubic yards. Order by the cubic yard for accuracy unless you specifically want a full truckload — ordering by yard accounts for the exact volume you need and helps avoid over- or under-ordering. For large jobs that match a full truck, asking for a full load can simplify placement logistics.

Most full-size pickup beds hold roughly 0.5 to 0.75 cubic yards of loose soil, so a single cubic yard will usually not fit safely or legally in a standard pickup. Also, heavy loads can exceed a pickup’s payload rating, especially with wet Seattle soils. For safety and convenience, arrange delivery for orders of a yard or more; Hello Gravel delivers by dump truck and handles placement.

Yes — bulk fill dirt delivered is almost always cheaper per cubic yard than buying the equivalent volume in retail bags. One cubic yard equals 27 three-cubic-foot bags, so even modest-per-bag prices add up quickly; bulk delivery removes the heavy manual handling and reduces per-unit cost. For projects needing multiple cubic yards, bulk delivery through Hello Gravel is usually the more cost-effective option.

One cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet; a typical wheelbarrow holds about 3 cubic feet, so plan roughly 8 to 10 wheelbarrow trips per cubic yard. Labor time varies with distance and slope, but a single person should allow about 1 to 2 hours per cubic yard for loading, moving, and spreading in typical yard conditions — expect more time if the ground is wet or hilly, as is common in Seattle. Hire labor or request tailgate spreading if you want to reduce DIY work, keeping in mind drivers perform spreading at their discretion.

A 20 ft x 40 ft driveway is 800 sq ft. To add a 4u0022 compacted fill layer you need about 9.9 cubic yards of fill dirt; a 2u0022 gravel top requires about 4.9 cubic yards. Using typical Seattle ranges ($25–$55/yd3 for fill dirt and roughly $40–$80/yd3 for gravel), material-only costs would be approximately $250–$550 for the fill and $200–$395 for the gravel, so expect roughly $450–$945 total in materials depending on product choices and local rates.

Small deliveries for yard grading usually do not need a permit, but significant grading or large fills (and work near steep slopes or protected trees) may trigger permitting and approval from the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI). Seattle streets can have tight access, parking restrictions, or requirements for street use permits for truck parking or offloads, so mention any access issues when you order and check with SDCI for large projects. Hello Gravel will coordinate local suppliers and can flag common access or permit concerns during quoting.