Fill Dirt in Cleveland, TX

Delivered fill dirt in the Cleveland, TX area typically runs about $8 to $18 per ton, depending on moisture, screening, and distance from the pit. That converts roughly to $10 to $22 per cubic yard (using about 1.2 tons per cubic yard) for delivered loose material. Final price depends on supplier availability, local hauling distance, and any required screening or clean-fill certification.

Hello Gravel requires a minimum order of 3 tons for fill dirt, which is typical for local suppliers in the Cleveland area. Many orders qualify for free delivery if within a nearby supplier's zone, but delivery fees of $50 to $150 are common for longer hauls, small orders, restricted access sites, or expedited (next-day) service. Standard delivery lead time is 2+ business days, with next-day available for orders placed before noon CST for an extra fee.

For raising grade and general fill in Cleveland, ask for 'clean' fill dirt screened to remove large debris and roots, with most particles under 1 to 2 inches. For driveways and structural pads, plain fill dirt is not recommended as the top layer; use a compactable base (road base or Class II) over screened fill and specify 'no organics' to avoid future settling. If you need a material that drains, request a sandy fill or a mix with coarse sand and small gravel rather than pure clay-rich fill dirt.

To raise 1,000 sq ft by 6 inches (0.5 ft) you need about 18.5 cubic yards, which is roughly 22 to 23 tons of loose fill (using about 1.2 tons per cubic yard). For 3 inches use ~11.5 cu yd or ~14 tons; for 4 inches ~15.4 cu yd or ~18.5 tons; for 12 inches (1 ft) ~37 cu yd or ~44 to 45 tons. Always add 5-15% extra for compaction and grading losses and confirm with your supplier's assumed conversion factor.

Most residential and light commercial fills in the Cleveland area should be placed in lifts of 4 to 6 inches and compacted between lifts to reduce settlement. A target of roughly 90% to 95% of Standard Proctor density is common for structural fills; check plans or local building requirements for exact specs. Recommended equipment: plate or jumping jack compactors for small areas and trenches, and a vibratory roller or sheepsfoot roller for larger pads and lot fills; compacting when material is near-optimal moisture gives best results.

Pure fill dirt generally has poor drainage on the clay-heavy soils common around Cleveland and can hold water unless mixed with coarse material. For improved drainage, place a layer of free-draining material (3/4u0022 crushed stone, Class II base, or 1/2u0022 to 1u0022 crushed rock) beneath the surface or blend the fill with coarse sand and small gravel. Installing a geotextile, subdrain, or perimeter swales can also help manage surface and subsurface water on lots with heavy native clay.

Small residential fills and routine grading often do not require a permit, but larger projects, altering drainage, or filling in a regulated floodplain will typically need a permit and inspection from Cleveland or Liberty County officials. Requirements vary by scope and location, so check with the City of Cleveland Building Department or Liberty County permitting before placing large volumes of fill. If your project affects neighboring drainage, setbacks, or wetlands, plan on submitting grading plans and getting approval.

Contractor rates in the Cleveland/Central Texas area commonly fall in the range of $50 to $120 per hour for a machine and operator, or roughly $0.75 to $3.00 per cubic yard when billing by volume for spreading and compacting. Prices vary with site access, slope, complexity, and distance; tight yards or long handwork will be at the higher end. Always get an itemized quote that separates hauling, spreading, and compaction so you can compare with Hello Gravel delivered pricing.

Yes. The wet season or heavy rains can make sites muddy and limit truck access or compaction effectiveness, while hot, dry spells increase dust and can make very dry fill harder to compact without moisture control. In Cleveland, schedule deliveries during a forecast window of dry weather when possible, and avoid placing fill on saturated ground. If work occurs in wet seasons, expect delays, additional drying/compaction steps, or higher contractor costs.

Common alternatives include road base (Class II), crusher-run, and structural fill mixes. Road base and crusher-run cost more per ton than plain fill dirt but provide better compaction, drainage, and load-bearing capacity for driveways and pads—making them a better long-term value for vehicular surfaces. Use plain fill dirt primarily for raising grade and non-structural backfill; for driveways, parking pads, and foundations choose a compactable engineered base instead.

Order online by entering your zip code, selecting Fill Dirt, and choosing your delivery date—Hello Gravel requires a 3-ton minimum and typically offers standard delivery in 2+ business days. You can request tailgate spreading at checkout, but spreading is performed at the driver's discretion and is not guaranteed; specify access notes and any preferred drop location to help the driver. If you need a screened or certified clean fill, add that in Order Notes or contact our team (855-241-8884) for help before placing the order.