Pond & Canal Liners
Create natural, waterproof seals for decorative ponds or drainage canals to prevent water seepage.
Clay Dirt delivery in New Orleans
Clay Dirt
Need material that stops water in its tracks? Clay dirt's high density creates impermeable barriers for ponds, levees, and containment projects. We supply this specialized fill for applications requiring maximum compaction and water resistance across Orleans Parish.
- Compacts to 95%+ maximum density for superior structural stability
- Creates impermeable water barriers for ponds, lagoons, and containment applications
- Excellent load-bearing capacity for heavy equipment and structural foundations
- Dense, stable material that resists erosion on slopes when properly vegetated
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Applications
Common uses for Clay Dirt
Clay dirt serves specialized purposes where standard fill dirt's performance isn't sufficient. From creating water-tight pond liners to providing maximum compaction under heavy loads, clay dirt is the material of choice when impermeability and density matter most.
Material applications
Building Pad Foundation
High-density base layer for heavy outbuildings, sheds, and equipment pads to prevent sinking.
Levee & Berm Construction
Build water-resistant mounds and berms that hold their shape against erosion and heavy rainfall.
Foundation Stabilization
Repair washout areas around raised foundations by packing clay into voids for permanent plugs.
Retention Basin Walls
Line banks of water runoff areas to ensure structural integrity and prevent slope collapse.
Driveway Sub-Base
Provide a sticky binding layer under limestone or gravel to prevent aggregate from sinking.
Local performance
Why Clay Dirt works here
Local conditions.
Clay dirt's impermeability is both blessing and curse in New Orleans. For pond liners and water retention, it's perfect. For general landscaping or areas requiring drainage, it's a disaster. Many New Orleans property owners unknowingly receive high-clay fill dirt for yard projects, then wonder why grass dies and water stands indefinitely. If your project involves any vegetation or drainage requirements, clay dirt is the wrong choice,specify sand-soil mix or standard fill dirt with proper topsoil cap instead.
- Drainage-sensitive areas (holds water indefinitely)
- Planting beds (poor drainage kills roots)
- Under foundations without proper drainage systems
- General landscaping or yard filling
- Any application requiring vegetation or drainage
Built for New Orleans
Clay dirt excels in two distinct application categories: projects requiring water impermeability (ponds, liners, barriers) and projects requiring maximum compaction density (heavy structural fill, load-bearing pads). For pond liner applications, the goal is creating an impermeable barrier. Excavate to desired pond depth plus 12-18 inches for clay liner. Install clay dirt in 4-6 inch lifts, ensuring each lift is at optimal moisture. Compact each lift with vibratory plate compactor or sheepsfoot roller, overlapping passes to eliminate voids.
- Pond liner and levee construction
- Water barrier creation
- Structural fill needing maximum compaction
- Flood protection berms
- Areas requiring water impermeability
- Heavy equipment pads and foundations
Material calculator
Know the amount.
This calculator provides an estimate. Share the result when you request a quote.
Estimate your clay dirt order.
Enter your project measurements to see an estimated quantity.
This is an estimate only. Share your dimensions when you request pricing so the order can be discussed.
How to order
Three steps. Clear plan.
Tell us what you need
Share the material, approximate amount, and delivery address.
Discuss the site
We discuss truck access, placement, and delivery details.
Choose a delivery date
We discuss available delivery options for your order.
Before you order
Check the site access.
Not every property can accommodate a standard dump truck. Here is what you should check before scheduling delivery.
Street width
Standard trucks need roughly 10 to 12 feet of clear access.
Overhead clearance
Power lines and branches must clear the raised dump bed.
Ground stability
The truck needs firm ground for entry, placement, and exit.
Dump location
Have the exact placement area ready before the truck arrives.
Material delivery notes
Plan for heavy equipment to spread and compact clay
Verify site access can handle heavy loads
Clay is difficult to work when wet,plan for 2-3 days dry weather
Calculate volume carefully,clay is expensive to move twice
Have water source ready for optimal compaction moisture
Plan drainage systems around clay installations
Delivery and placement
Details before the truck arrives.
Load sizes
Most bulk materials are available in loads from 4 to 20+ cubic yards. Most residential jobs need 2-10 yards.
Truck types
We use standard dump trucks for open sites. Small-access trucks available for tight driveways and narrow streets.
Placement options
Driveway or direct to work area with equipment access.
Access verification
Clay is heavy when wet. Confirm site access during delivery window and schedule for dry weather periods.
Quick facts
Material specifications
SpecificationProject note
Clay Content & Composition
40-60%+ Clay Particles
Higher clay concentration provides superior compaction (95%+ density) and near-complete impermeability when properly installed. Material ranges from dark gray-brown to tan depending on source location.
Compaction Performance
95%+ Maximum Density Achievable
Achieves concrete-like hardness when properly installed at optimal moisture. Requires vibratory plate compactor or sheepsfoot roller,hand tamping is completely inadequate for this material.
Impermeability & Water Retention
Near-Complete Water Barrier
When properly compacted, water penetrates less than 1 inch in 24 hours. This is what makes clay ideal for pond liners but problematic for any drainage application.
Moisture Sensitivity
Critical 15-20% Moisture Range
Clay has extremely narrow workability window. Too wet becomes sticky and unworkable; too dry becomes hard and won't compact. Weather timing is critical for successful installation.
Related materials
More dirt. Same delivery team.
Related option
Fill Dirt
General-purpose fill with moderate clay content for most elevation projects.
View materialRelated option
Sand-Soil Mix
Pre-blended mixture for improved drainage in clay-heavy environments.
View materialRelated option
Topsoil
Quality topsoil for final cap layer over clay dirt applications.
View materialService area
Orleans Parish delivery.
Questions About Clay Dirt
Questions about Clay Dirt.
Clay dirt typically ranges from $20-35 per cubic yard in the New Orleans metro, moderately more expensive than standard fill dirt due to specialized sourcing and higher clay content. Delivery is charged separately at $75-200+ per load. Budget total project cost including materials, delivery, equipment rental, and labor or professional installation.
Pond liners require 12-18 inches of compacted clay dirt thickness. Calculate using pond surface area: (Length × Width × 1.25 feet depth) ÷ 27 = cubic yards needed for 15-inch liner. Add 15-20% for compaction loss and waste. Thinner liners risk seepage and failure.
Clay dirt contains 40-60%+ clay particles versus standard fill dirt's 20-40% clay content. This higher clay concentration provides superior compaction (95%+ density versus 90-92%) and near-complete impermeability when properly installed. Use clay dirt only for applications specifically requiring impermeability or maximum compaction.
Clay particles absorb water and swell dramatically,up to 3× their dry volume. This swelling creates sticky, adhesive consistency that adheres to everything and cannot be compacted properly. Wait 2-4 days after heavy rain for clay to dry to workable moisture before attempting installation.
Small projects under 5 yards with non-critical applications can be DIY if you have proper compaction equipment and understand moisture management. However, pond liners, structural applications, or projects over 10-15 yards strongly benefit from professional installation. Clay dirt's performance depends entirely on precise moisture control and proper compaction technique.
Never use clay dirt for general landscaping, yard filling, or any application requiring drainage or vegetation. Clay dirt's impermeability makes it terrible for these purposes,water stands indefinitely and plants cannot grow. For standard elevation raising, choose regular fill dirt or sand-soil mix instead.
Clay Dirt delivery in New Orleans