Dense, Compactable Clay Fill for Grading, Backfill & Structural Base Work
 
Screened Fill Dirt – Clay is a processed, clay-rich soil that has been mechanically screened to remove large debris while retaining the natural binding and compaction properties of clay. This material is specifically suited for projects that require tight compaction, minimal settling, and long-term stability—not drainage or direct planting.
 
Best Uses & Applications for Screened Fill Dirt – Clay
Where High Compaction, Stability & Load Resistance Matter Most
Screened clay 3/8-inch minus fill is engineered for strength and structural integrity, making it a preferred material for contractors, builders, and engineers working on projects throughout the North Bay and Bay Area. Its fine, cohesive particles compact tightly, reducing voids and long-term settling.
 
Common applications include:
Trench backfill & utility work
Ideal for backfilling around plumbing, electrical, and utility lines where firm support and minimal movement are required.
 
Structural backfill behind walls & foundations
Used where controlled compaction is needed to support retaining walls, footings, and building pads (note: drainage rock is still recommended directly behind retaining walls when required by design).
 
Raising grade & site leveling
Excellent for building up low areas, correcting slopes, and preparing subgrade before installing base rock, concrete, or asphalt.
 
Driveway & roadway subgrade
Provides a solid, compactable sub-layer beneath base rock or pavement systems in residential and light commercial settings.
 
Slope correction & erosion repair (non-drainage)
Used to reshape and stabilize slopes where water flow is managed separately and permeability is not required.
 
Construction & landscape prep
Commonly specified for rough grading and earthwork on projects in San Rafael, Novato, Petaluma, Walnut Creek, Concord, San Mateo, and San Francisco.
 
Because screened clay fill retains moisture and compacts densely, it is not suitable for drainage systems or planting areas. Its value lies in strength, not permeability.
 
Material Specs & Technical Notes
Material Type: Screened Fill Dirt – Clay Blend
Source: Locally excavated and screened through 3/8″ mesh for consistency
Composition: Native soil with moderate to high clay content and small traces of sand and silt
Texture: Firm, compactable, and slightly cohesive when moist
Color: Varies by source — typically dark brown to tan clay tone
Moisture Content: Naturally moist; dries and hardens over time when exposed to air
Screen Size: ≤ 3/8″ (screened to remove large debris, rocks, and roots)
Density: Approx. 2,300–2,700 lbs. per cubic yard (~1.25–1.4 tons)
Load Capacity: Delivered in bulk by dump truck
Compliance: Suitable for non-structural fill applications; not intended for planting or topsoil replacement but could be used as a soil-amendment to add weight to the soil.
Material Cover Per Ton:
~100 sq ft at 2" depth
~50 sq ft  at 4" depth
~30 sq ft  at 6" depth
 
Coverage, Ordering & Bulk Delivery
North Bay Materials provides screened fill dirt – clay delivered by the ton, making it easy to source dependable structural fill without yard pickups or oversized transfer trucks. Our delivery-only model is designed for residential, urban, and light-commercial sites throughout the North Bay and Bay Area.
 
Delivery Areas We Serve
We deliver screened clay fill across:
Marin County – San Rafael, Novato, Mill Valley, Tiburon, Larkspur, Corte Madera
Sonoma County – Petaluma, Santa Rosa, Rohnert Park, Sebastopol
Alameda County – Oakland, Berkeley, Piedmont, San Leandro
Contra Costa County – Walnut Creek, Concord, Orinda, Lafayette
San Francisco – All neighborhoods
San Mateo County – Daly City, San Mateo, Burlingame, Redwood City
If your location is nearby but not listed, request a quote—coverage is often available.
 
Available Quantities
Sold by the ton
Screened to remove large debris while retaining clay fines
Ideal for grading, trench backfill, subgrade build-up, and structural fill
 
Dump Truck Delivery (Residential-Friendly)
Our compact dump trucks are designed for tight access, narrow streets, and residential driveways, while still handling heavy clay loads.
 
Typical load capacities:
7-9 tons per load (varies by moisture content and access conditions)
Material is dumped in one accessible location such as a driveway, street frontage, or staging area. Please ensure:
Firm, level dumping surface
Clear access and overhead clearance
Adequate space for truck maneuvering
 
Ordering & Scheduling
Order online or request a quote for larger or multi-load projects
Pricing is distance- and time-based
Standard delivery within 1–3 business days
Same-day or next-day delivery may be available in select areas
From trench backfill in San Rafael to grading work in Petaluma, subgrade prep in Walnut Creek, or site leveling in San Mateo, North Bay Materials delivers screened clay fill that performs where compaction and stability matter most.
 
 
Frequently Asked Questions – Screened Fill Dirt (Clay Blend)
1. Is screened fill dirt the same as topsoil?
No. Screened fill dirt is a structural soil used for grading and base preparation. It has little to no organic matter, making it ideal for compaction — not for growing plants.
 
2. Can I plant directly into screened fill dirt?
It’s not recommended. For lawns, gardens, or landscaping, apply a 4–6″ layer of topsoil or planter mix over the fill dirt once grading is complete.
 
3. How much does a ton of fill dirt cover?
One cubic yard covers approximately 100 sq. ft. at 2″ deep or 60 sq. ft. at 4″ deep.