Fill dirt is an essential part of any commercial or residential project, especially ones that deal with removing a great deal of the soil already in the ground. If you are planning such a project for your yard, you may be wondering just how much it is going to cost you to order the fill dirt you need. You may also be wondering what type of fill dirt you may need and if clean fill dirt is really any better than the unscreened type.
In this article, we will give you a brief overview of what clean fill dirt is, how it is different from other types, and how much you can expect to pay for a truckload (or more) of clean fill dirt.
What Is Clean Fill Dirt?
Fill dirt is basically dirt that is used to fill in certain spaces in the ground. It can normally be found beneath the top layer of soil and carries no risk of settling or shifting as it does not decompose as topsoil does. When the topsoil shifts, it creates an uneven yard or foundation that is neither safe nor strong enough to hold any structures, like a shed or a gazebo.
Clean fill dirt is usually made from subsoil, but sand, gravel, and even clay can also be used to make fill dirt. It is essentially fill dirt that has been screened to remove large material. It is often used to fill in those uneven spots and depressions and create a more level ground. But in more extreme circumstances, a homeowner may have the original subsoil removed and new fill dirt filled in, compressed, and graded.
Commercial contractors and homeowners alike use fill dirt for various projects large or small. It is even used by highway maintenance workers to keep the sides of roads, especially brand new ones, from eroding from the weather. It also provides a safe place for drivers to pull over in emergencies or to rest.
What is it Used For?
The most common uses are either for landscaping purposes or building structures on the ground. The ground is simply not strong enough to hold certain structures or buildings, especially large office or store buildings.
Fill dirt contains absolutely not organic materials so is not biodegradable. When filled into the ground to replace the removed soil, and then packed down, it provides a firm and even base for any project (e.g. sheds, office buildings, gazebos, patios, or even pools). It can also be used to raise the level of the ground, providing height for commercial buildings.
How is Clean Fill Dirt Different from Unscreened?
If you are new to purchasing fill dirt, you may have previously thought that dirt was just dirt. But now the term “clean fill dirt” has come across your table and you are confused. Clean fill dirt simply means that it has been screened and cleared of any contaminants. It is sifted through large mesh sieves to remove large particles that are usually larger than about 3/4s of an inch. Such contaminants could be roots, rocks, pieces of concrete or bricks, gravel, or asphalt. Clean fill dirt is also not a fire hazard (great for those fire pits!).
Unscreened fill dirt is just fill dirt that has not been put through the screening process. Unscreened fill dirt can be used for some projects, like the foundation for a pool that may get filled with rocks and dirt at a later time anyway. But many other projects work better with clean fill dirt, as it provides a much smoother foundation without the risk of issues later down the line.
Benefits of Using Clean Fill Dirt:
- Less chance of poor drainage that causes settling and uneven foundations
- Creates a stronger foundation for large structures like a gazebo or a guest house
- Great for high precision projects, like grading the yard
- Perfect for creating slopes to guide water away from a building’s foundation, preventing erosion
- Better and safer for homes with pets and small children, since it has been removed of any chemicals or contaminants
- Sensitive environments (freshwater areas, endangered species, nature conservatories, etc.) benefit from clean fill dirt
Price of Clean Fill Dirt From Dirt Connections
When you order clean fill dirt from a dirt delivery contractor, you are not paying for the actual dirt. The dirt itself is free. What you are paying for is the truck that brings the dirt to your door. Even then, ordering clean fill dirt is not cheap, so you need to make sure you know exactly how much your project requires.
The price of the delivery can vary depending on location and delivery distance, among other factors, so it is in your best interest to call a few contractors for quotes before selecting one. The last thing you need to have to worry about is either not having enough (which means you have to spend more to order a whole new truckload, which could also add time to your project), or having too much leftover that you have no use for. Please visit the Dirt Connections Online Portal for fill dirt location pricing.
If you are not in range of Dirt Connections’ delivery services, make sure you tell your contractor specifically that you want clean fill dirt when you order. Otherwise, you might get the unscreened type, which may not be beneficial for the nature of your project. The contractor may even provide you with a certificate proving that the dirt has been thoroughly screened and that it does not contain any additives or foreign materials.
Order a VA or MD Fill Dirt Delivery Today
While unscreened dirt is normal to use, clean fill dirt is going to be the best option for your project. Especially if the project involves delicate precision, optimum stability, and safety for the environment.
When you are ready to order the fill dirt you need for your project, please call Dirt Connections for more information about pricing, ordering clean fill dirt, and how much you may need for your project.
