Fill Dirt in Hyde County, NC

Fill-dirt is bulk soil used to raise grade, fill low spots, or build up pads; it typically has minimal organic material and may include sand, clay, and small gravel. In Hyde County, fill-dirt is commonly used to raise yards above marshy or flood-prone areas, build building pads, and regrade lots near tidal areas. It is not a substitute for engineered base material where structural drainage or heavy load-bearing is required.

Delivered price varies with source, screening, truck distance, and season; in Hyde County you can commonly expect a broad range due to rural hauling distances. A typical delivered range for basic fill-dirt is often between $15 and $45 per ton, but prices change with supplier, screening level, and distance from borrow pit. The best way to get an accurate price is to enter your zip code on Hello Gravel to see local bids and any delivery fees.

Availability varies by supplier and local geology; some suppliers nearby stock screened or blended fill-dirt while others supply raw borrow material only. Hello Gravel connects you with local suppliers and many accept our platform orders; minimum orders commonly start at our 3-ton minimum, though some providers or contractor-only suppliers prefer full truckloads (10 to 12 tons). If you need screened or low-organic fill, note that screened blends often carry a higher per-ton price and may have larger minimums—ask when you request a quote.

Fill-dirt deliveries are usually by dump truck (tri-axle is common) and trucking fees often depend on distance from the source, site access, and job complexity. Hello Gravel’s standard delivery window is 2+ business days, with next-day options for an added fee; some areas may include a delivery charge while others qualify for free delivery depending on negotiated supplier rates. Tailgate spreading may be requested at checkout but is done at the driver’s discretion and can add labor fees when available.

For structural areas choose low-organic, well-graded granular fill or engineered fill rather than loose topsoil; contractors commonly specify 3/4" minus or well-graded sand and gravel for base layers and screened fill for building pads. Aim for compaction targets in the 90% to 95% Standard/Modified Proctor range as recommended by your engineer or local code, and plan on compaction in lifts (6 to 12 inches) with testing for important structural work. Always confirm final specs with a licensed engineer or the local building department before installation.

High water tables, tidal influence, and compressible organic soils increase the risk of settlement and poor drainage when using ordinary fill-dirt. In areas with shallow groundwater you may need undercutting of organics, geotextile separation, clean granular fill, geogrid reinforcement, or drainage features to prevent long-term settlement and saturation. For sites near wetlands or tidal areas, consult an engineer and consider testing to determine proper mitigation and fill design.

You often need permits or approvals for significant grading or placing fill, especially in regulated wetlands, coastal zones, or floodplains. Hyde County and North Carolina coastal rules (including CAMA and possible Army Corps review for wetland impacts) can apply depending on the site, so check with the Hyde County Planning and Inspections office before importing large volumes. For small yard projects you may not need formal permitting, but it is safest to confirm with the county to avoid fines or required removal.

Yes—Hyde County’s coastal climate means heavy rain, tidal flooding, and hurricane season (June through November) can delay deliveries and make compaction difficult. Schedule major earthwork for drier periods when possible, avoid working on saturated ground, and allow for extra lead time during peak storm seasons. Also plan compaction when soils are not frozen or overly wet to achieve target densities.

To raise 1,000 sq ft by 6 inches you need 500 cubic feet, which is about 18.5 cubic yards. Using a common bulk weight of roughly 1.2 tons per cubic yard for fill-dirt, expect about 22 tons, and plan on ordering 5% to 15% extra to account for compaction and settlement—so roughly 23 to 26 tons. Use the formula: (Area in sq ft x Depth in ft) / 27 = cubic yards, then multiply by your supplier's tons-per-cubic-yard factor.

Fill-dirt is cost-effective for raising grade and leveling yards but tends to retain water and is less stable for load-bearing surfaces. Crushed stone or engineered fill is usually better for driveways, access roads, and septic drain fields because it drains, compacts uniformly, and provides a stable base. For many coastal projects you might use fill-dirt to build grade, then top with a designed gravel base or engineered fill where structural support and drainage are required.

Start by contacting the Hyde County Building/Planning office for a list of permitted local contractors, or ask Hello Gravel to give supplier referrals in your zip code. Look for contractors who can provide compaction equipment and proof of in-field density testing (proctor and nuclear-density tests) and ask for references on similar coastal projects. When hiring, request a written scope that includes lift thickness, target compaction percentages, and testing frequency.