10 Cubic Yards of Dirt - Everything You Need to Know for Your Next Project

Whether you're a homeowner looking to improve your lawn or a contractor embarking on a large construction project, knowing how to work with 10 cubic yards of dirt is an essential skill. This volume represents a standard truckload amount that can be used to complete a wide variety of projects.

From calculating precisely how much you need to techniques for leveling and compacting, we'll explore this topic in detail so you can approach your next landscaping or construction job with confidence.

What is 10 Cubic Yards of Dirt?

When we talk about 10 cubic yards of dirt, we're referring to a volume measurement. Specifically, 1 cubic yard is equal to a 1-yard by 1-yard by 1-yard cube, or 27 cubic feet. Ten of these cubes stacked together would contain 10 cubic yards of material.

To visualize this amount, think about an area that measures roughly 10 feet by 10 feet, with dirt piled 1 foot high. That gives you an idea of the size of 10 cubic yards of dirt. In terms of weight, 10 cubic yards of dirt weighs between 1-2 tons or 2,000-4,000 pounds.

When Would I Need 10 Cubic Yards of Dirt?

There are many different situations where you would need to work with at least 10 cubic yards of dirt, including:

• Landscaping projects like filling raised garden beds, re-grading your yard, or backfilling a retaining wall
• Construction projects that involve hole filling, foundation backfilling, or site grading
• Increasing the elevation of part of your property to improve drainage
• Delivering dirt for a medium-sized urban garden buildout

The great thing about ordering dirt by the cubic yard is that you only get the precise amount you need for your project. With some basic measurements, you can calculate your dirt requirements and avoid buying excess material.

Differences Between Fill Dirt and Topsoil

When ordering dirt, it's important to understand the differences between fill dirt and topsoil. Fill dirt, sometimes called fill material, is soil that contains little to no organic matter. It's typically used for construction purposes like:

• Filling holes and depressions
• Grading and leveling land
• Backfilling foundations
• Constructing large earthworks and embankments

Fill dirt is also very compactable due to its inorganic composition. On the other hand, topsoil contains organic matter like decayed leaves, roots, and other living organisms. This makes it ideal for gardening and landscaping uses like:

• Providing nutrients for lawns and plants
• Creating fertile vegetable and flower beds
• Adding a soft, loamy layer for trees and shrubs
• Top dressing and leveling existing turf

Always choose the right dirt type for your particular needs. Using fill dirt in a garden can harm plants, while using nutrient-rich topsoil for construction fills can cause settling issues.

Ordering and Delivering 10 Cubic Yards of Dirt

Now that you know how much dirt makes up 10 cubic yards, how do you go about buying it and getting it delivered? Here are some options for purchasing and transporting enough dirt to fill a standard dump truck:

Delivery Options and Costs

In most cases, you'll want to arrange professional delivery of 10+ cubic yards of dirt. Dump trucks operated by landscaping companies and gravel/dirt suppliers can quickly and efficiently transport bulk materials. Expect to pay a delivery fee on top of the cost per yard of dirt. This is usually the most cost-effective method for large orders.

You may also be able to rent a dump truck and haul it yourself if you can safely operate it. But this will require a lot more time and effort on your part.

Ordering Dirt from Suppliers

Contact local quarries, nurseries, or bulk landscape materials companies to find available dirt options. Tell them your project needs andSpecs they can estimate the total yards required. Reputable suppliers should deliver on time and quickly unload the dirt wherever you need it on your property.

Arranging Dump Truck Delivery

If you don't want to order through a supplier, you may be able to hire a dump truck operator to deliver dirt. Look for contractors with trucking capabilities. Make sure to ask about minimum order sizes and delivery fees.

Allow 1-3 days for delivery once you finalize your order. Bad weather or equipment issues could cause delays, so factor this into your timeline.

Spreading and Distributing the Dirt

When 10 cubic yards of dirt gets dumped in a big pile, your work isn't done. You'll need to spread the material evenly across the target area. Here are some tips for moving and leveling all that dirt:

Tools for Spreading Dirt

A compact tractor with a front end loader is ideal for efficiently moving and spreading dirt. Skid steer loaders are also very useful. For smaller projects, consider using a shovel and wheelbarrow or hiring a bobcat operator to spread the pile.

Techniques for Even Distribution

Create layers by making passes across the area, spreading a few inches at a time. Go back and forth, releasing dirt from the bucket slowly. Avoid big, uneven piles. For hard-to-reach spots, use a rake or shovel to manually level the dirt.

Compacting Dirt Layers

Use a vibratory plate compactor or hand tamper to compact each layer before adding more. This prevents sinking or subsidence issues. Let the dirt settle for 1-2 days before compacting again or adding more layers.

Proper site prep and compaction will ensure your project stays stable and level over time. Don't skip this important step!

Costs of 10 Cubic Yards of Dirt

So what kind of budget should you plan for a truckload of dirt? Here are some typical price ranges:

Average Cost per Cubic Yard

Fill dirt generally costs between $5-15 per cubic yard on average. Topsoil usually ranges from $10-25 per cubic yard. Expect to pay towards the higher end for screened or enhanced soils.

Factors Affecting Cost

Location can impact per yard dirt costs. Projects requiring delivery to remote or difficult sites typically have much higher fees. Type of soil also plays a role, as rich organic topsoils cost more than inorganic fill dirt.

Estimating Total Project Costs

For a 10 cubic yard truckload of basic fill dirt at $10/yard plus a $50 delivery fee, you would be looking at approximately $150 total. Compare supplier rates and charges to find the best value.

Getting the Best Deal on Dirt

Buying in bulk almost always saves money, so don't order more than you need. Off-season delivery can offer major discounts. And always ask potential suppliers about any specials or savings opportunities!

Frequently Asked Questions

Let's review answers to some common questions about managing 10 cubic yards of delivered dirt:

How many wheelbarrows equal 10 cubic yards?

On average, 1 cubic yard fills 8-10 wheelbarrows. So for 10 cubic yards you would need 80-100 full wheelbarrow loads to move the dirt pile.

Can I transport 10 cubic yards in my pickup truck?

It would be extremely difficult to handle this volume in a standard consumer pickup. You need a heavy duty dump truck with a 10+ yard capacity.

How do I calculate if I need more/less than 10 cubic yards?

Measure your project's length, width, and depth in feet, then multiply together to get cubic feet. Divide by 27 to convert to cubic yards. Overestimate slightly to allow for settling and compaction.

What equipment is needed to spread 10 cubic yards of dirt?

A tractor loader is ideal, but a skid steer, bobcat, or shovel/wheelbarrow can also work. Don't attempt to spread this much dirt manually.

Should I have dirt delivered or pick it up myself?

Delivery is strongly recommended for 10+ cubic yards. Attempting to transport that volume yourself requires heavy equipment and is extremely labor intensive.

As we've covered, successfully executing a project with 10 cubic yards of dirt requires careful planning, prep work, and maneuvering. Here are some final tips to recap:

• Order early from a reputable supplier to ensure ideal dirt type and on-time delivery.
• Thoroughly prepare the site and have any equipment ready before the dirt is delivered.
• Start spreading and compacting immediately to make the process as efficient as possible.
• Measure carefully to get the exact amount you need - no more, no less.
• Follow compaction and grading best practices to achieve a stable, level finish.

We hope this guide has reduced the uncertainty around working with 10 cubic yards of dirt. Just remember to plan your project, get qualified help if needed, and follow the tips above. With the right information and preparation, you can take on all kinds of landscaping and construction challenges using this standard volume of high-quality fill dirt or topsoil.