How deep should topsoil be?
| Use | Typical depth |
|---|---|
| Top dressing an existing lawn | ¼–½ in |
| New lawn from seed or turf | 4–6 in |
| Flower or vegetable bed | 6–12 in |
| Raised bed | the depth of the bed |
How much does topsoil weigh?
Dry topsoil is about 80 pounds per cubic foot, a little over 1 ton per cubic yard. It can weigh far more when wet, which matters for trailers and for carrying bags.
Bulk or bags?
For more than about a cubic yard, a bulk delivery is usually cheaper than bags. A cubic yard is 27 bags of 1 cubic foot. Topsoil settles after watering, which is why the default adds 10%.
Frequently asked questions
How many bags of topsoil are in a yard?
27 bags of 1 cubic foot, or 36 bags of 0.75 cubic feet.
How much topsoil for a raised bed?
Multiply the inside length × width × depth. A 4 × 8 ft bed 12 inches deep needs 32 cubic feet, about 1.2 cubic yards. Many gardeners mix topsoil with compost.
Does topsoil settle?
Yes. Expect it to sink by 10 to 20 percent after it is watered in, so order a little extra or top up later.