Raising Property Elevation
Bring low-lying properties above flood levels for protection and insurance savings.
Fill Dirt delivery in New Orleans
Fill Dirt
Raise your property above flood level without breaking the bank. Fill dirt is your most cost effective solution for elevation projects, foundation backfill, and large volume filling in New Orleans. We supply the bulk material that makes major grading projects financially feasible across Orleans Parish.
- Compacts to stable, load-bearing density for long-term elevation raising
- Most economical material for large-volume fill projects (2-3x cheaper than topsoil)
- Free from organic matter that decomposes and causes excessive settling
- Sourced locally from New Orleans area excavations for reliable supply
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Planning
Material
Options
Delivery
Options
Order
Planning
Material
Options
Applications
Common uses for Fill Dirt
Fill dirt is the workhorse material for nearly every elevation and grading project in the New Orleans metro. Whether you're raising your entire property above flood levels, filling the massive hole left by an old pool, or creating proper slope for drainage, fill dirt provides the stable, economical bulk material that makes large projects financially feasible.
Material applications
Filling Sunken Areas
Repair subsidence damage and fill depressions caused by settling.
Drainage Grade Creation
Establish proper slope to direct water away from structures.
Foundation Backfill
Fill around foundations and retaining walls with stable material.
Pool & Pond Filling
Fill old pools, ponds, and underground structures safely.
Building Pads
Create level pads for sheds, garages, and outbuildings.
Local performance
Why Fill Dirt works here
Local conditions.
New Orleans sits on Mississippi River delta sediments that compact and subside continuously. Properties lose 1-3 inches of elevation per decade in many areas, and construction disturbs soil that then settles for years. This makes fill dirt one of the most critical materials for maintaining property elevation and preventing the drainage disasters that plague low-lying areas. We recommend compacting fill in 6-8 inch lifts rather than all at once.
- Planting or lawn installation (cap with 4-6" topsoil)
- Final surface layer (not decorative)
- Areas requiring immediate drainage
- Garden beds (lacks nutrients for plants)
Built for New Orleans
Fill dirt excels in any New Orleans project where you need to raise elevation, fill volume, or create stable ground, but not where you're planting grass, gardens, or landscaping. The key to successful fill dirt projects is understanding that fill dirt provides structure and bulk volume, while topsoil provides the planting layer on top. For elevation raising projects, install fill dirt in 6-8 inch lifts, compacting each layer with a plate compactor or jumping jack. This layered approach prevents the massive settling that occurs when contractors dump 18-24 inches all at once.
- Raising property elevation above flood level
- Foundation backfill around structures
- Construction site grading and prep
- Filling large voids and depressions
- Base preparation for structures
- Levee and berm construction
Material calculator
Know the amount.
This calculator provides an estimate. Share the result when you request a quote.
Estimate your fill 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
Calculate volume needed plus 15-20% for compaction and settling
Check for utility lines before any excavation
Plan drainage: where will water go after filling?
Verify truck access (10+ feet for standard trucks)
Have compaction equipment arranged
Check permit requirements for significant grade changes
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, street-side, or direct placement with proper access.
Access verification
Share photos of delivery location for accurate scheduling. Our trucks need 30+ feet of straight access, 10-12 feet width clearance, and 14-16 feet overhead clearance.
Quick facts
Material specifications
SpecificationProject note
Compaction Rating
90-92% Maximum Density
Compacts to stable, load-bearing density when installed in proper 6-8 inch lifts with mechanical compaction. Essential for long-term elevation stability in New Orleans' subsiding soils.
Composition & Organic Content
Clay/Soil Mix, <1% Organic
Low organic content prevents decomposition and excessive settling. Clay-heavy composition matches New Orleans' native soil and compacts predictably in our environment.
Moisture Content & Workability
Optimal at 15-20% Moisture
Best workability and compaction achieved when material forms a ball when squeezed but breaks with light pressure. Too wet becomes sticky; too dry won't compact properly.
Settlement Characteristics
5-10% Settling Expected
Even with excellent compaction, budget for 5-10% settling over first year. Install to 15-20% above target elevation to achieve desired final grade.
Related materials
More dirt. Same delivery team.
Related option
Clay Dirt
Dense material for water barriers, levees, and maximum compaction applications.
View materialRelated option
Topsoil
Nutrient-rich soil to cap fill dirt for planting lawns and gardens.
View materialRelated option
Fill Sand
Draining fill material for foundation backfill and drainage layers.
View materialService area
Orleans Parish delivery.
Questions About Fill Dirt
Questions about Fill Dirt.
Fill dirt typically ranges from $15-30 per cubic yard in the New Orleans metro area, making it the most economical bulk material available. Pricing varies based on source location, current availability, and clay content. Delivery is charged separately and typically runs $75-200+ per load depending on distance and quantity.
Calculate fill dirt needs using: (Length in feet × Width in feet × Depth in inches) ÷ 324 = cubic yards needed. Then add 15-20% for compaction and settling. For example, filling a 20×30 foot area to 12 inches depth: (20 × 30 × 12) ÷ 324 = 22.2 yards, plus 15% = 25.5 yards total.
Not directly. Fill dirt lacks nutrients for plant growth. Cap fill with 4-6 inches of quality topsoil before laying sod or seeding. The fill dirt raises elevation and provides stable ground, but the topsoil layer provides the growing medium plants need.
Fill dirt is subsoil (clay-heavy material from beneath the topsoil layer) used for raising elevation and creating stable ground. It contains minimal organic matter and costs $15-30/yard. Topsoil is the nutrient-rich surface layer that supports grass and plants, costs $30-50/yard, and should only be used in the top 4-6 inches where roots actually grow.
Properly compacted fill can support construction immediately. Without compaction, allow 6-12 months for natural settling, or compact in lifts for faster results. For critical applications, compaction testing may be required.
Compaction is absolutely required for fill dirt used in any structural application or where you need to minimize settling. Spread fill dirt in 6-8 inch layers (lifts) and compact each lift with a plate compactor before adding the next layer. Uncompacted fill dirt will settle 15-30% over the first year.
Fill Dirt delivery in New Orleans