Prices for filling a space—whether a hole, void, or foundation gap—depend on material choice, volume, and labor. Typical ranges reflect material type, access, and local labor rates. The main cost drivers are material density, delivery, site prep, and any required permits or inspections.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fill Material (soil) | $0.50 | $0.90 | $1.40 | Per cubic foot; soil type affects price |
| Fill Material (gravel/aggregate) | $0.60 | $1.20 | $2.00 | Crushed or washed gravel varies |
| Delivery/Haulage | $50 | $150 | $400 | Distance and accessibility matter |
| Labor (hourly) | $25 | $50 | $85 | Inclusive of site prep |
| Equipment Use | $60 | $150 | $350 | Excavator, loader, compactor |
| Permits & Inspections | $0 | $75 | $500 | Local rules vary |
| Site Prep & Cleanup | $20 | $80 | $200 | Disposal or stabilization as needed |
| Waste Disposal | $25 | $60 | $180 | Depends on material and locality |
Assumptions: region, material choice, void size, and access influence the ranges. Totals shown here reflect typical residential projects in the United States.
Overview Of Costs
Estimated project ranges for filling a defined space usually span from a few hundred dollars for small, simple fills to several thousand dollars for larger or more complex voids. For context, a 3–6 cubic yard fill with basic soil and standard delivery often lands in the mid-range, while high-density fill or difficult access can push costs higher. The pricing below covers both total project ranges and per-unit pricing with brief assumptions.
Per-unit guidance commonly appears as dollars per cubic yard or per cubic foot for materials, plus separate labor and delivery components. When estimating, consider: surface preparation, compaction requirements, material type, delivery distance, and any required permits. A typical homeowner should budget a mid-range total of $1,000–$3,500 for moderate fills, with larger projects exceeding $5,000 in tougher conditions or poor access.
Cost Breakdown
| Category | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $0.50/ft³ | $0.90/ft³ | $2.20/ft³ | Soil, sand, or gravel; density matters |
| Labor | $25/hr | $50/hr | $85/hr | Crew size affects hours |
| Equipment | $60/hr | $150/hr | $350/hr | Loader, excavator, compactor |
| Delivery | $50 | $150 | $400 | Distance impacts cost |
| Permits | $0 | $75 | $500 | Local permit requirements |
| Disposal | $25 | $60 | $180 | Site and material dependent |
| Contingency | 5% | 10% | 20% | Unexpected site issues |
Assumptions: average project uses standard fill material, normal access, and typical compaction requirements. Labor hours are based on crew of two to three workers for midsize fills.
What Drives Price
Material type and density are primary cost levers. Soil vs. gravel or concrete fill changes per-unit pricing and disposal needs. Density affects transport, compaction, and ultimate stability. Volume is also critical; larger fills yield lower per-unit costs but higher total spend.
Access and site preparation influence equipment rental and labor. Narrow or distant job sites require more handling, smaller equipment, or additional labor to stage materials, increasing both time and cost. Poor drainage or rock barriers can boost prep and stabilization costs.
Delivery distance and fuel surcharges affect total. Long hauls raise delivery and equipment hours, often adding a fixed surcharge per mile or per load. Urban areas may face stricter rules and permit fees that add to the total.
Permits, inspections, and disposal rules vary by locality. Some jurisdictions require soil testing, compaction verification, or fill material certifications, which add both time and fees. Waste disposal charges depend on material type and local landfill or transfer station rates.
Regional Price Differences
Prices differ across regions due to material availability, labor markets, and shipping. In urban Northeast areas, expect higher labor rates and possible permit costs. In rural Midwest regions, delivery may be cheaper but access challenges can raise equipment time. The West Coast may show higher overall costs due to stricter disposal rules and higher material prices.
Regional snapshot ranges reflect typical residential fills: Northeast: $1,100–$4,200 total; Midwest: $900–$3,500; West: $1,200–$4,800. These ranges assume standard soil or gravel fills, 5–15 cubic yards, and typical access.
Labor, Hours & Rates
Labor hours for a midsize fill (5–15 cubic yards) often run 8–30 hours depending on access, compaction requirements, and site prep. Hourly rates commonly fall in the $40–$70 range, with skilled operators commanding higher day rates. A mini-formula helps rough estimates: data-formula=”labor_hours × hourly_rate”>.
For example, a 10 cubic yard fill with standard soil, two workers, and a compacting roller may require around 12–20 hours of labor plus machine time. At $50/hour labor and $150/hour equipment, the combined labor and equipment could range from $1,800 to $3,000 before materials and disposal.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Basicfill scenario: 6 cubic yards of standard topsoil, minimal prep, easy access; 6 workers-hours on-site, two loads delivered. Estimated total: $1,000–$1,600 with materials and delivery; per-cubic-yard cost roughly $150–$270.
Mid-Range scenario: 12 cubic yards of gravel mix, moderate prep, average access; 12–18 hours of labor plus two equipment days. Estimated total: $2,000–$3,400; per-yard cost $140–$260 for material plus $60–$150 per hour for equipment and labor.
Premium scenario: 20 cubic yards of dense fill with stabilization and drainage, limited access, special disposal requirements; extensive site work and permits. Estimated total: $4,500–$7,000; per-yard material $60–$120, but total may be driven by disposal and permits.
Assumptions: region, project size, access, and required stabilization vary; the examples illustrate common drivers and cost bands for residential fills.
Ways To Save
Bundle services combine delivery, compaction, and disposal in one contract to reduce overhead and transport charges.
Choose local, readily available materials to cut delivery costs; sourcing from nearby suppliers lowers long-haul charges and may reduce material price variance.
Optimize timing plan during off-peak seasons or when crews have lower demand; some regions offer seasonal discounts for bulk fills or large projects.
Limit scope or adjust specifications by using a lighter fill with stabilization only where necessary and eliminating unnecessary site work to reduce hours and equipment use.