On average, hiring a pro to install sod costs between $1.70 and $2.60 per square foot, depending on the type of grass. That price includes the sod, labor, and materials.
That means laying 2,000 square feet of sod costs around $3,400 to $5,200. You can save money on labor and install the sod yourself, but you might find it challenging and backbreaking if you don’t have experience doing it.
This pricing guide draws data from big and small cities across the U.S., so you can get an accurate estimate of your project’s costs.
Cost by location
Your region and local climate also can affect the cost of sod installation. In areas with hot, dry summers and cold winters, you should choose a type of grass that can withstand extreme temperature changes and still look good. And remember, different types of grass vary widely in price.
Also, the installation cost may be higher in colder climates where sod is less readily available. Check the table below for a snapshot of the costs to lay sod nationwide:
| City | Average Cost Per Square Foot (Including Labor and Materials) |
| Northeast U.S. | |
| Portland, ME | $1.70 – $2.50 |
| Boston, MA | $2 – $3 |
| Southeast U.S. | |
| Biloxi, MS | $1.60 – $2.40 |
| Atlanta, GA | $1.60 – $2.50 |
| Midwest U.S. | |
| Madison, WI | $1.70 – $2.70 |
| Detroit, MI | $1.70 – $2.70 |
| Northwest U.S. | |
| Missoula, MT | $1.60 – $2.50 |
| Boise, ID | $1.60 – $2.50 |
| Southwest U.S. | |
| Phoenix, AZ | $1.70 – $2.50 |
| Colorado Springs, CO | $1.70 – $2.50 |
| Las Vegas, NV | $1.80 – $2.70 |
Cost estimator by lawn size
The first step is to calculate the size of your lawn to determine the amount of sod you need. The average lawn is approximately 1/4 acre, which is equivalent to 10,890 square feet.
Since sod costs between $1.70 and $2.60 per square foot, you can use the table below to estimate how much it will cost to sod your lawn:
| Project size | Average overall cost (labor and materials) |
| 1,000 square feet | $1,700 – $2,600 |
| 2,000 square feet | $3,400 – $5,200 |
| 3,000 square feet | $5,100 – $7,800 |
| 5,000 square feet | $8,500 – $13,000 |
| 1/4 acre (10,890 sq. ft.) | $9,366 – $19,058 |
| 1/2 acre (21,780 sq. ft.) | $37,026 – $56,628 |
Cost by type of grass
Different grass types will have varying costs. So, the sod type you select for your lawn will have a considerable impact on the cost of your project. The following is a breakdown of average costs for the most popular types of sod grass:
| Grass type | Average price per square foot (materials only) |
| Bahiagrass | $0.20 – $0.37 |
| Kentucky bluegrass | $0.30 – $0.57 |
| Fescue | $0.35 – $0.70 |
| Perennial ryegrass | $0.35 – $0.73 |
| Bermudagrass | $0.43 – $0.85 |
| St. Augustinegrass | $0.45 – $0.90 |
| Bentgrass | $0.53 – $0.67 |
| Centipedegrass | $0.60 – $0.87 |
| Zoysiagrass | $0.60 – $1.05 |
The cost of sod itself varies by its grade, which refers to the health and strength of the sod’s root system. A low-grade sod may be more affordable, but it will require more care on your part to keep it healthy. Over time, it may incur higher maintenance costs.
Cost per pallet
A full pallet of sod is the go-to choice when you’re revamping an entire yard. They’re easily find, and each pallet is typically stacked 4 feet wide, 4 feet long, and 4 feet high. Every pallet contains enough turf to cover roughly 400 to 500 square feet. Prices run from about $110 to $375 per pallet, depending on the type of grass.
Cost per roll
Sod rolls are not as common as pallets, but landscapers turn to them when speed and flexibility matter. A single roll typically measures 24’’ x 60’’, covers 10 square feet, and sells for around $3 to $8.
Unrolling several dozen of these rolls can transform a bare lot into a green expanse in a fraction of the time it takes to seed or install other types of sod. However, they require special machinery to install, so they’re usually only used when you need to lay turf over a large space quickly.
Labor costs
Labor typically accounts for $0.35 to $0.80 per square foot of sod installation, or roughly $37 to $78 per hour. Crews charge by the square foot when tackling an entire yard or by the hour for smaller or more complex areas.
Prices go up during peak growing seasons when demand spikes and schedules fill quickly. Moreover, they’ll factor in the land’s condition, such as slope, soil preparation, and accessibility.
Pro cost vs. DIY cost
The total cost of DIY sodding depends on your yard’s size, the terrain’s difficulty, and the type of grass you want. Since you’ll have to buy the necessary tools and rent equipment, DIY sodding can cost between $330 and $420, plus the cost of sod. That includes the cost for tools such as a sod cutter and lawn roller rental.
The decision to DIY sod your lawn or hire a professional largely depends on your budget and the size of your yard. While it may be more affordable to install the sod yourself on a large lawn, think of the hard work you’d have to do. It may be better to hire a professional instead.
Other factors that affect cost
Here are some factors that can affect your final bill:
Shape of the yard
When calculating the amount of sod you need, take into account not only the size of your yard but also its shape. A square or rectangular lawn will be less expensive to install than one with a curved edge, and different edge treatments may require more cuts in the sod to achieve a more precise fit.
Delivery fees
Homeowners usually pay between $55 and $180 to have sod delivered to their location. The delivery fees will depend on how far away you live from the sod farm or supplier and how much sod you need. Typically, sod delivery will cost you less (or nothing at all) if you order more than 1,000 square feet of sod, but it’s not a rule set in stone.
Yard accessibility
If the area where you want to install the sod is difficult to access, it also can affect the cost. Additionally, if the delivery truck needs to be driven over a long distance of soft ground or through a narrow gate, the supplier may charge you an additional convenience fee.
Obstacles in the yard
The more obstacles in your yard – such as trees, bushes, or other landscaping features – the higher your sod installation cost will be. That’s because the landscaping company may have to do some extra work to get the sod around these obstacles, which could add to the project’s overall cost.
FAQ
The best time to lay the sod is in the spring or early summer when temperatures are not too hot or cold. Hotter temperatures can cause the grass to dry out and die, while colder temperatures can damage the sod and make it difficult for new roots to grow.
After installation, the roots of your new sod will start to grow within a few days. However, it can take up to two weeks for the roots to fully establish themselves.
The best place to find the tools you need for sodding your lawn is at your local home improvement store or garden center. You also may be able to find some of the tools you need for sodding online. And if you choose to rent sodding equipment, you may check your local hardware store.
Enhance your curb appeal
Sodding your lawn is a great way to improve the look of your yard. However, you must prepare the soil correctly and choose the right time of year to install your sod. Also, give your lawn TLC by regularly mowing, watering, and fertilizing. With proper care, your sod can last many years.
However, sod prices are not the same in every location. So, don’t forget to get several estimates before hiring a contractor. Lawn Love can connect you with lawn mowing experts after the sod is established, that can also seed, fertilize, and aerate.
Maria Isabela Reis contributed to this article.
Read More:
– Lawn Fertilization Cost Guide
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