Key Takeaways
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost Per Square Foot | $0.30 – $0.80 |
| Cost Per Pallet (450 SF) | $130 – $360 |
| Cost To Sod Average Lawn (1/5 acre) | $2,600 – $7,000 |
Sod is pre-grown grass cut into squares or rolls ready for installation, making it a popular choice for quick a lawn facelift. But How Much Does Sod Costs? Let’s break down the various factors and prices associated with sod.
Sod Cost Overview
Sod Cost Per Pallet & Square Foot
When purchasing sod, it’s essential to understand the coverage and pricing units, which can vary. Here’s a detailed table of average sod prices by various measurements:
| Unit | Average Price | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Per Square Foot | $0.30 – $0.80 | Most common measurement |
| Per Roll | $3 – $8 | 8 – 10 square feet |
| Per Square Yard | $3 – $8 | 9 square feet |
| Per Pallet | $130 – $360 | 400 – 500 square feet |
| 1,000 square feet | $300 – $800 | Average project size |
| 1/5 Acre | $2,600 – $7,000 | 8,712 square feet |
| 1/4 Acre | $3,200 – $8,700 | 10,890 square feet |
| 1/2 Acre | $6,500 – $17,500 | 21,780 square feet |
| Acre | $13,000 – $35,000 | 43,560 square feet |
Sod vs. Grass Seed
Compared to grass seed, sod is significantly more expensive but offers instant results. Grass seed takes longer to establish and requires a substantial amount of care and patience.
How Much Sod Do I Need?
Understanding the size of the sod pieces, rolls, or pallets will help determine how much sod you need for your project. Here’s a quick guide:
| Type | Average Size | Coverage (Square Feet) |
|---|---|---|
| Piece | 16” x 24” | 3 |
| Roll | 24” x 60” | 10 |
| Pallet | 4’ x 4’ x 4’ | 450 |
How To Measure For Sod
To measure your lawn for sod, you’ll need to:
- Measure each section of your lawn by width and length.
- Multiply the width by the length to get the area.
- Add the areas of all sections together to get the total square footage.
- Order 5% to 10% extra to account for cutting and waste.
Average Sod Cost By Type
Different types of sod have varying costs. The table below breaks down the most common sod costs per species:
| Species | Per Square Foot | Per Pallet | Per Roll |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. Augustine | $0.30 – $0.80 | $135 – $360 | $3 – $8 |
| Zoysia | $0.28 – $0.80 | $130 – $450 | $3 – $8 |
| Bermuda | $0.30 – $0.85 | $150 – $380 | $3 – $9 |
| Centipede | $0.35 – $0.90 | $160 – $450 | $4 – $9 |
| Fescue | $0.35 – $0.70 | $160 – $350 | $4 – $7 |
| Kentucky Bluegrass | $0.30 – $0.55 | $130 – $275 | $3 – $6 |
| Bahia | $0.20 – $0.40 | $90 – $150 | $2 – $4 |
| Bentgrass | $0.50 – $0.70 | $225 – $350 | $5 – $7 |
| Perennial Ryegrass | $0.40 – $0.85 | $180 – $425 | $4 – $10 |
Sod Grass Comparison
When choosing the right sod, consider the growth rate, appearance, resistance to weeds and pests, traffic tolerance, and dormancy period:
| Species | Growth | Look | Weed & Pest Resistance | Traffic Tolerance | Dormancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. Augustine | Quick | Broad blade | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | Seasonally dormant |
| Zoysia | Slow | Fine or thick blade | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | Seasonally dormant |
| Bermuda | Quick | Fine blade | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | Seasonally dormant |
| Tall Fescue | Quick | Fine blade | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | Dormant in high temps |
| Kentucky Bluegrass | Quick | Fine blade | ⭐ | ⭐⭐ | Year-round color |
Species-Specific Sod Costs
Here’s a more detailed sod cost breakdown for various sod types:
St. Augustine Sod Cost
| Per | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Square Foot | $0.30 – $0.80 |
| Roll | $3 – $8 |
| Pallet | $135 – $360 |
Pros and Cons of St. Augustine Grass
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Warm-season creeping grass that establishes quickly in full sun. | Subject to chinch bugs and diseases such as brown patch, SAD, and gray leaf spot. |
| Better shade and drought tolerance than other warm-season grass species. | Requires a high frequency of mowing during peak growing seasons. |
| Grows well in sandy soil and humid climates, with a good salt tolerance. | Requires water to remain green and healthy, especially during extended dry periods. |
| Well suited for most soils and climates in Florida. | Poor wear tolerance, doesn’t hold up to repeated traffic. |
| Produces a thick, lush, dark-green to blue-green turf. | Produces thatch under high maintenance regimes, which affects health. |
| Can be planted as sod, sprigs, or plugs in fall to spring. | Less dense compared to other species. Shaded conditions may develop thin, spindly turf. |
Zoysia Sod Cost
| Per | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Square Foot | $0.28 – $0.80 |
| Roll | $4 – $8 |
| Pallet | $130 – $450 |
Pros and Cons of Zoysia Grass
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Best in full sun and temperate climates. Tolerates a wide variety of soils, sunlight, and water. | Thatch can build up. Slow recuperative potential. |
| Very invasive, spreads quickly, can be grown in plugs. | Turns brown when dormancy sets in under drought or freezing conditions. |
| Tolerant to moderate shade, drought, cold temperatures, and salinity. | May not recover well from concentrated or heavy foot traffic, or traffic in shaded areas. |
| Dense, carpet-like coverage that’s traffic-tolerant. | Slower growth rate, takes longer to establish itself. |
| Low fertilization requirement. | Prefers soil with proper drainage. |
| Resistant to insects and pests. | Certain shallow root species can result in less drought hardiness. |
Bermuda Sod Cost
| Per | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Square Foot | $0.30 – $0.85 |
| Roll | $3 – $9 |
| Pallet | $150 – $380 |
Pros and Cons of Bermuda Grass
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Establishes quickly and grows well in full sun. | Invasive. Creeper root system can overrun flowerbeds and edging. |
| Tolerant to heat, dry climates, salinity, and drought. | Moderate to high fertilization requirement. |
| Durable, excellent wear-ability, and recovers quickly in high-traffic areas. | High maintenance, grows rapidly, and needs frequent mowing. |
| Well suited to most soils and climate changes in Florida. | Turns brown in cold weather and may cause allergies. |
| Dense, fine blade that’s dark-green. Often used for athletic fields. | Poor shade tolerance that may thin out over time. |
| Herbicide-resistant with a low disease potential. | Subject to cultural and pest problems. |
Centipede Sod Cost
| Per | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Square Foot | $0.35 – $0.90 |
| Roll | $4 – $9 |
| Pallet | $160 – $450 |
Pros and Cons of Centipede Grass
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lowest maintenance and easiest to mow out of any warm-season turfgrass. | Loose turf that’s not very wear-resistant. Poor salt tolerance. |
| Low fertilizer requirements result in slow growth. Best planted in fall to spring. | Over-fertilizing reduces cold tolerance, increases the thatch layer, and leads to long-term maintenance issues. |
| Has a shallow root system and can grow in acidic soils that are moderate to well-drained. | Decline can occur within several years forming large, brown dead patches in early spring. |
| Thrives in full sun but is tolerant of partial shade. | Highly aggressive colonizing grass that’s susceptible to damage from nematodes and ground pearl insects. |
Fescue Sod Cost
| Per | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Square Foot | $0.35 – $0.70 |
| Roll | $4 – $7 |
| Pallet | $160 – $350 |
Kentucky Bluegrass Sod Cost
| Per | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Square Foot | $0.30 – $0.55 |
| Roll | $3 – $6 |
| Pallet | $130 – $275 |
Bahia Sod Cost
| Per | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Square Foot | $0.20 – $0.40 |
| Roll | $2 – $4 |
| Pallet | $90 – $150 |
Grass Sod Cost Factors
Understanding the factors that influence sod prices can help you make better decisions for your lawn project.
Warm-Season vs. Cool-Season Grasses
Choosing between warm-season and cool-season grasses depends on your local climate and the grass species suitable for it. Here’s a detailed table comparing zones and species:
Sod Grass Types by Climate Zone
| Zone | Species | Common Locations |
|---|---|---|
| Cool Season | Perennial Ryegrass, Kentucky Bluegrass, Tall Fescue | Boston, MA, Chicago, IL, Denver, CO, Detroit, MI, Indianapolis, IN, Kansas City, MO, Milwaukee, WI, Minneapolis, MN, New York, NY, Newark, NJ, Panhandle of Texas, Portland, OR, Salt Lake City, UT, Seattle, WA, St. Louis, MO |
| Transition Zone | Tall Fescue, Bermuda, Zoysia, Centipede | Albuquerque, NM, Atlanta, GA, Charlotte, NC, Raleigh, NC, Knoxville, TN, Little Rock, AR, Las Vegas, NV, Oklahoma City, OK |
| Warm Season | Bermuda, St. Augustine, Zoysia, Centipede, Bahia | Honolulu, HI, Houston, TX, Jacksonville, FL, Los Angeles, CA, Miami, FL, Orlando, FL, Phoenix, AZ, Tampa, FL |
| Cool Season | Perennial Ryegrass, Kentucky Bluegrass, Tall Fescue | Boston, MA, Chicago, IL, Denver, CO, Detroit, MI, Indianapolis, IN, Kansas City, MO, Milwaukee, WI, Minneapolis, MN, New York, NY, Newark, NJ, Panhandle of Texas, Portland, OR, Salt Lake City, UT, Seattle, WA, St. Louis, MO |
Sod Grade
The quality of sod can vary, affecting the price. Higher grade sod is typically healthier, weed-free, and has a more uniform thickness.
Bulk Wholesale Sod Prices vs. Retail
Purchasing sod in bulk can lower costs, particularly for larger projects. Retail prices are generally higher due to smaller order volumes and retailer markups.
Sod Delivery
Delivery costs vary based on the distance from the supplier to your location. Always factor in delivery charges when budgeting for your sod project.
Labor Cost to Lay Sod
Labor costs for installing sod can vary widely based on the complexity and size of your project. Professional sod installation typically ranges from $0.30 to $1.80 per square foot. Factors influencing labor costs include:
- Site preparation
- Soil amendments
- Sod installation
How Long Does It Take To Lay Sod?
A professional crew can typically sod 1,000 to 2,000 square feet per day. DIY projects may take longer, depending on your experience and the tools you have available.
Preparing Soil for Sod
Proper soil preparation is crucial for successful sod installation. This includes:
- Removing old grass
- Amending the soil with compost and fertilizer
- Leveling the ground
How Much Topsoil Do I Need For Sod?
You’ll need about 2 to 3 inches of topsoil to promote healthy root growth. Calculate the necessary amount based on the square footage of your lawn.
Sod Cost of Removal
Removing existing sod can be labor-intensive and may cost between $0.10 to $0.60 per square foot. Renting a sod cutter helps reduce labor costs. Read more about sod removal costs on our Sod And Grass Removal Cost Guide
Sod vs. Hydroseeding vs. Grass Seed
Here is a comparative overview of sod, hydroseeding, and grass seed costs and benefits:
| Sod | Hydroseeding | Grass Seed |
|---|---|---|
| $0.30 – $0.80 per sqft. | $0.07 – $0.22 per sqft. | $0.04 – $0.18 per sqft. |
| High installation cost | Lower labor costs | Low cost |
| Laborious to install | Easy to install | Easy to install |
| Instant lawn | Takes 2 to 3 months to establish | Takes up to a year to grow |
| Ready in 2 – 3 weeks | Ready in about 8 weeks | Ready in about 10 – 12 weeks |
| Needs constant watering | Needs consistent watering | Needs regular watering |
| Can be installed year-round | Best installed in Fall, Spring, or Summer | Best during March to October |
| Weed, pest, and disease-free | May compete with existing weeds | May compete with existing weeds |
| Ideal for slopes and erosion areas | Seeds might wash away on slopes | Seeds might wash away on slopes |
| Grows in full sun initially | Grows in same location | Grows in same location |
Other Grass Lawn Options
For those looking for alternatives to sod and grass seed, hydroseeding has emerged as a viable option.
Artificial Grass vs. Sod Cost
Artificial grass offers a long-term alternative to natural sod, eliminating mowing, watering, and fertilizing needs.
Where To Buy Sod?
You can purchase sod from garden centers, sod farms, or online retailers. Make sure to choose healthy, weed-free sod with uniform thickness.
Tips When Buying Sod
- Always inspect the sod before purchase.
- Ensure it’s fresh and has been cut within the last 24 hours.
- Confirm the type of grass is suitable for your climate.
- Ask about delivery and extra sod guidelines.
Sod Cost FAQs
What Is Sod?
Sod is pre-grown grass that is cut into squares or rolls and can be installed on a lawn for instant coverage.
What Is the Most Expensive Type of Sod Grass?
Generally, Bentgrass and Zoysia tend to be more expensive due to their superior quality and desirable characteristics.
How Many Square Feet In A Pallet of Sod?
A pallet of sod typically covers around 450 square feet.
How Many Pieces of Sod On A Pallet?
A pallet usually contains 400 to 500 individual pieces of sod.
How Much Does Sod Weigh?
| Unit | Weight (Pounds) |
|---|---|
| Per Square Foot | 15 – 30 |
| Roll | 150 – 300 |
| Pallet | 1,500 – 3,000 |
How Long Does Sod Last?
Sod is best planted within 24 to 48 hours after being cut to ensure successful rooting.
When Is the Best Time to Lay Sod?
The best time to lay sod is during the growing season – spring or early fall.
How Much to Grade and Sod a Yard?
Grading and sodding costs typically range from $0.50 to $1.00 per square foot, depending on the yard’s condition.
How Many Pallets of Sod Per Acre?
You’ll need approximately 110 pallets of sod to cover an acre.
How Much Does Instant Grass Cost?
Instant grass can cost between $0.30 and $0.80 per square foot.
Can You Lay Sod Over Grass?
It is not advisable to lay sod over existing grass. Proper preparation ensures healthier sod establishment.
How Long Does It Take Sod To Root?
Sod can start to root within 2 to 3 weeks under ideal conditions.
DIY Sod Costs
DIY Equipment and Materials
| Material | Average Cost | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Sod | $0.28 – $0.85 per sq ft | Order 5% to 10% extra. Install within 24 to 48 hours. |
| Sod Cutter | $80 – $100 daily rental | Removing old grass |
| Lawn Roller | $20 daily rental $140 – $230 to buy | Pushing sod firmly to dirt |
| Rototiller | $50 – $70 daily rental | Loosening and preparing the soil |
| Fertilizer | $5 per 1,000 sqft. |
