How Much Does Topsoil Cost? Complete Pricing Guide for Gig Harbor & Kitsap County
Topsoil pricing isn't complicated — but it's also not as simple as a single price per yard. Quality, type, and delivery all affect cost. Here's a clear breakdown so you can budget your project accurately.
Topsoil Pricing: What Affects Cost
1. Type of Topsoil
- Fill dirt: Lowest cost. Unscreened, unimproved. Good for rough grading where plants won't grow.
- Screened topsoil: Mid-range. Processed to remove rocks and debris. The standard choice for lawns, leveling, and general use.
- 3-Way Topsoil Mix: Premium. Screened topsoil blended with compost and sand. Best for raised beds, garden installation, and high-quality applications.
2. Volume
Topsoil is priced by the cubic yard. Larger orders may qualify for volume pricing. Our topsoil calculator helps you determine exactly how many yards your project needs.
3. Delivery
Delivery is typically a flat fee based on distance and load size. Bulk delivery by dump truck is the standard for orders of 2+ yards. For context: delivering 5 yards of topsoil is far more economical than making 5 store trips for bagged soil.
Bulk Topsoil vs. Bagged Topsoil: The Cost Reality
| Purchase Type | Approximate Cost per Cubic Yard | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bagged topsoil (40 lb bags) | $100–$200/yd equivalent | Expensive, heavy, multiple trips |
| Bagged garden soil (2 cu ft) | $150–$250/yd equivalent | Convenient for small projects only |
| Bulk screened topsoil (delivered) | Significantly lower | Best value for 2+ yards |
| Bulk 3-Way Mix (delivered) | Moderate premium over plain topsoil | Best value for planting applications |
The rule of thumb: For any project requiring more than 1 cubic yard (about 13 bags), bulk delivery is almost certainly more economical than bagged product.
Project Cost Estimates
Lawn Top-Dressing (1,000 sq ft, 1 inch deep)
- Quantity needed: ~3.1 cubic yards
- Bagged alternative: ~42 bags of 2 cu ft soil (heavy, multiple trips, much higher cost)
- Bulk delivery: One truck, delivered where you need it
New Raised Bed Setup (4 beds, 4×8 ft, 12 inches deep)
- Quantity needed: ~4.7 cubic yards of 3-Way Mix
- Bagged alternative: ~64 bags (expensive and impractical)
- Bulk delivery: Exactly what you need, one delivery
Lawn Renovation (2,000 sq ft, 4 inches new topsoil)
- Quantity needed: ~24.7 cubic yards
- At this volume, bulk delivery is the only practical option
How to Get an Accurate Quote
When you call Harbor Soils, have ready:
- Your project type (lawn top-dress, raised beds, filling a hole, new garden bed, etc.)
- Square footage of the area
- Desired depth
- Delivery address
We'll calculate the yards needed and give you a complete price including delivery. No surprises.
Tips to Get the Best Value
- Combine orders. If you need topsoil for the lawn AND bark for the beds, one delivery of both is more economical than two separate deliveries.
- Order slightly more. A shortage means a second delivery fee. Building in 10% extra protects you from running short.
- Ask about 3-Way Mix. For planting applications, our blended product is better value than straight topsoil — you get the amendment built in rather than buying separately.
- Consider the season. Spring and fall are our busiest delivery seasons. Planning ahead ensures you get your preferred delivery date.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much topsoil is in a yard?
One cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet — a pile roughly 3 feet × 3 feet × 3 feet. It covers 324 square feet at 1 inch deep, 162 square feet at 2 inches deep, or 81 square feet at 4 inches deep.
How many bags of topsoil make a yard?
A standard 40-pound bag of topsoil is about 0.75 cubic feet. You'd need 36 bags to make one cubic yard. At 2 cubic feet per bag, you need 13.5 bags per yard. Bulk delivery eliminates all that handling.
Is cheaper topsoil worth it?
Depends on the application. For structural fill or rough grading, fill dirt is fine and saves money. For lawns, gardens, and any area where plants will grow, the extra cost of screened topsoil or 3-Way Mix is worth it. Poor quality topsoil full of weed seeds or low organic matter is a false economy.
Get a topsoil quote today. Harbor Soils delivers screened topsoil, 3-Way Mix, and fill dirt throughout Gig Harbor, Port Orchard, and Kitsap County. Same-day delivery, no minimum order. Learn more about our topsoil →