{"id":12519,"date":"2022-09-20T01:13:33","date_gmt":"2022-09-20T01:13:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/?p=12519"},"modified":"2025-12-27T20:02:42","modified_gmt":"2025-12-27T20:02:42","slug":"sod-cost","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/sod-cost\/","title":{"rendered":"How Much Does it Cost to Lay Sod in 2026?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On average, hiring a pro to install sod costs between <strong>$1.70 and $2.60 per square foot<\/strong>, depending on the type of grass. That price includes the sod, labor, and materials.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That means laying 2,000 square feet of sod costs around <strong>$3,400 to $5,200<\/strong>. You can save money on labor and install the sod yourself, but you might find it challenging and backbreaking if you don\u2019t have experience doing it.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This pricing guide draws data from big and small cities across the U.S., so you can get an accurate estimate of your project&#8217;s costs.<\/p>   <div class=\"wp-block-ub-table-of-contents-block ub_table-of-contents\" id=\"ub_table-of-contents-2ad054a1-6d82-4143-b3bf-0c0991fa4691\" data-linktodivider=\"false\" data-showtext=\"show\" data-hidetext=\"hide\" data-scrolltype=\"auto\" data-enablesmoothscroll=\"false\" data-initiallyhideonmobile=\"false\" data-initiallyshow=\"true\"><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header\" style=\"text-align: left; \"> \t\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-title\" style=\"\">In this pricing guide, we\u2019ll cover:<\/div> \t\t\t\t \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-extra-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-container ub_table-of-contents-1-column\"> \t\t\t\t<ul style=\"\"><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/sod-cost\/#0-cost-by-location\" style=\"\">Cost by location<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/sod-cost\/#1-cost-estimator-by-lawn-size\" style=\"\">Cost estimator by lawn size<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/sod-cost\/#2-cost-by-type-of-grass\" style=\"\">Cost by type of grass<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/sod-cost\/#3-cost-per-pallet\" style=\"\">Cost per pallet<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/sod-cost\/#4-cost-per-roll\" style=\"\">Cost per roll<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/sod-cost\/#5-labor-costs\" style=\"\">Labor costs<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/sod-cost\/#6-pro-cost-vs-diy-cost\" style=\"\">Pro cost vs. DIY cost<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/sod-cost\/#7-other-factors-that-affect-cost\" style=\"\">Other factors that affect cost<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/sod-cost\/#12-faq\" style=\"\">FAQ<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>   <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"0-cost-by-location\"><span id=\"cost-by-location\">Cost by location<\/span><\/h2>   <div style=\"position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0px; padding: 82.58% 0px 0px; overflow: hidden; will-change: transform;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/e.infogram.com\/9921fbe8-c3ae-4662-af18-15aab78cbbce?src=embed&amp;embed_type=responsive_iframe\" title=\"LL: Cost to Lay Sod by Location\" allowfullscreen=\"\" allow=\"fullscreen\" style=\"position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0px; left: 0px; border: none; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;\"><\/iframe><\/div>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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:<\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>City<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Average Cost Per Square Foot (Including Labor and Materials)<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Northeast U.S.<\/strong><\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Portland, ME<\/td><td>$1.70 &#8211; $2.50<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Boston, MA<\/td><td>$2 &#8211; $3<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Southeast U.S.<\/strong><\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Biloxi, MS<\/td><td>$1.60 &#8211; $2.40<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Atlanta, GA<\/td><td>$1.60 &#8211; $2.50<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Midwest U.S.<\/strong><\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Madison, WI<\/td><td>$1.70 &#8211; $2.70<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Detroit, MI<\/td><td>$1.70 &#8211; $2.70<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Northwest U.S.<\/strong><\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Missoula, MT<\/td><td>$1.60 &#8211; $2.50<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Boise, ID<\/td><td>$1.60 &#8211; $2.50<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Southwest U.S.<\/strong><\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Phoenix, AZ<\/td><td>$1.70 &#8211; $2.50<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Colorado Springs, CO<\/td><td>$1.70 &#8211; $2.50<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Las Vegas, NV<\/td><td>$1.80 &#8211; $2.70<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1-cost-estimator-by-lawn-size\"><span id=\"cost-estimator-by-lawn-size\">Cost estimator by lawn size<\/span><\/h2>   <div style=\"position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0px; padding: 68.75% 0px 0px; overflow: hidden; will-change: transform;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/e.infogram.com\/ec28289a-cf45-4118-ae88-6f9096bd8045?src=embed&amp;embed_type=responsive_iframe\" title=\"LL: Cost to Lay Sod by Lawn Size\" allowfullscreen=\"\" allow=\"fullscreen\" style=\"position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0px; left: 0px; border: none; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;\"><\/iframe><\/div>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Since sod costs between <strong>$1.70 and $2.60 per square foot<\/strong>, you can use the table below to estimate how much it will cost to sod your lawn:<\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Project size<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Average overall cost (labor and materials)<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>1,000 square feet<\/td><td>$1,700 \u2013 $2,600<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>2,000 square feet<\/td><td>$3,400 \u2013 $5,200<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>3,000 square feet<\/td><td>$5,100 &#8211; $7,800<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>5,000 square feet<\/td><td>$8,500 \u2013 $13,000<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>1\/4 acre (10,890 sq. ft.)<\/td><td>$9,366 \u2013 $19,058<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>1\/2 acre (21,780 sq. ft.)<\/td><td>$37,026 &#8211; $56,628<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2-cost-by-type-of-grass\"><span id=\"cost-by-type-of-grass\">Cost by type of grass<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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:<\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Grass type<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Average price per square foot (materials only)<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Bahiagrass<\/td><td>$0.20 &#8211; $0.37<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Kentucky bluegrass<\/td><td>$0.30 &#8211; $0.57<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Fescue<\/td><td>$0.35 &#8211; $0.70<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Perennial ryegrass<\/td><td>$0.35 &#8211; $0.73<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Bermudagrass<\/td><td>$0.43 &#8211; $0.85<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>St. Augustinegrass<\/td><td>$0.45 &#8211; $0.90<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Bentgrass<\/td><td>$0.53 &#8211; $0.67<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Centipedegrass<\/td><td>$0.60 &#8211; $0.87<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Zoysiagrass<\/td><td>$0.60 &#8211; $1.05<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The cost of sod itself varies by its grade, which refers to the health and strength of the sod\u2019s 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.<\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3-cost-per-pallet\"><span id=\"cost-per-pallet\">Cost per pallet<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A full pallet of sod is the go-to choice when you&#8217;re revamping an entire yard. They&#8217;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 <strong>$110 to $375 per pallet<\/strong>, depending on the type of grass.&nbsp;<\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"4-cost-per-roll\"><span id=\"cost-per-roll\">Cost per roll<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sod rolls are not as common as pallets, but landscapers turn to them when speed and flexibility matter. A single roll typically measures 24\u2019\u2019 x 60\u2019&#8217;, covers 10 square feet, and sells for around<strong> $3 to $8.<\/strong><\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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&#8217;re usually only used when you need to lay turf over a large space quickly.<\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"5-labor-costs\"><span id=\"labor-costs\">Labor costs<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Labor typically accounts for <strong>$0.35 to $0.80 per square foot<\/strong> of sod installation, or roughly <strong>$37 to $78 per hour<\/strong>. Crews charge by the square foot when tackling an entire yard or by the hour for smaller or more complex areas.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Prices go up during peak growing seasons when demand spikes and schedules fill quickly. Moreover, they&#8217;ll factor in the land&#8217;s condition, such as slope, soil preparation, and accessibility.<\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"6-pro-cost-vs-diy-cost\"><span id=\"pro-cost-vs-diy-cost\">Pro cost vs. DIY cost<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The total cost of DIY sodding depends on your yard\u2019s size, the terrain\u2019s difficulty, and the type of grass you want. Since you\u2019ll have to buy the necessary tools and rent equipment, DIY sodding can cost between <strong>$330 and $420<\/strong>, plus the cost of sod. That includes the cost for tools such as a sod cutter and lawn roller rental.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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\u2019d have to do. It may be better to hire a professional instead.<\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"7-other-factors-that-affect-cost\"><span id=\"other-factors-that-affect-cost\">Other factors that affect cost<\/span><\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/AdobeStock_430464805-1.jpeg\" alt=\"Man laying grass turf rolls for new lawn\" class=\"wp-image-36664\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/AdobeStock_430464805-1.jpeg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/AdobeStock_430464805-1-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/AdobeStock_430464805-1-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/AdobeStock_430464805-1-610x406.jpeg 610w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/man-laying-grass-turf-rolls-for-new-garden-lawn\/430464805\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ungvar<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock Free \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/license-terms\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here are some factors that can affect your final bill:<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"8-shape-of-the-yard\"><span id=\"shape-of-the-yard\">Shape of the yard<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"9-delivery-fees\"><span id=\"delivery-fees\">Delivery fees<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Homeowners usually pay between <strong>$55 and $180<\/strong> 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\u2019s not a rule set in stone.<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"10-yard-accessibility\"><span id=\"yard-accessibility\">Yard accessibility<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"11-obstacles-in-the-yard\"><span id=\"obstacles-in-the-yard\">Obstacles in the yard<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The more obstacles in your yard \u2013 such as trees, bushes, or other landscaping features \u2013 the higher your sod installation cost will be. That\u2019s because the landscaping company may have to do some extra work to get the sod around these obstacles, which could add to the project\u2019s overall cost.<\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"12-faq\"><span id=\"faq\">FAQ<\/span><\/h2>    <div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1750851482721\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What is the best time of year to install sod?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">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.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1750851490388\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">How long does it take for sod to root?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">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.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1750851499272\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Where can I find the right tools for sodding my lawn?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">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.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"13-enhance-your-curb-appeal\"><span id=\"enhance-your-curb-appeal\">Enhance your curb appeal<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, sod prices are not the same in every location. So, don\u2019t forget to get several estimates before hiring a contractor. Lawn Love can connect you with <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/lawn-mowing\">lawn mowing<\/a> experts after the sod is established, that can also <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/lawn-seeding\">seed<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/lawn-fertilization\">fertilize<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/lawn-aeration\">aerate<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Maria Isabela Reis contributed to this article.<\/em><\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Read More:<\/strong><\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u2013 <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/cost-to-seed-lawn\/\">Lawn Seeding Cost Guide<\/a><\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u2013 <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/lawn-mowing-cost\/\">Lawn Mowing Cost Guide<\/a><\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u2013 <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/lawn-aeration-cost\/\">Aeration Cost Guide<\/a><\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u2013 <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/lawn-dethatching-cost\/\">Dethatching Cost Guide<\/a><\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u2013 <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/lawn-fertilization-cost\/\">Lawn Fertilization Cost Guide<\/a><\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Note:<\/strong> Lawn Love may get a referral fee for matching you with contractors in your area.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Main Image Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/photo\/crop-worker-laying-grass-roll-5231236\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pexels<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>While installing sod costs between $1.70 and $2.60 per square foot, you can expect to spend anywhere from $3,400 to $5,200.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":106,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","fifu_image_url":"","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[354],"tags":[355],"class_list":["post-12519","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-cost","tag-cost"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":null,"author_info":{"display_name":"Melanie Joseph","author_link":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/author\/melanie-joseph\/"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12519","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/106"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12519"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12519\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":43737,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12519\/revisions\/43737"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12519"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12519"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12519"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}