On average, sod costs between $0.31 and $0.82 per square foot, depending on the type of grass. If you hire a professional for the sod installation, your project can cost anywhere from $0.86 to $1.75 per square foot, including the sod, labor, and other necessary materials. For example, a sod installation project for a 1/5-acre lawn can cost between $7,492 to $15,246.
If you want to save money on labor, another option would be to install the sod yourself. However, you must have the necessary skills and experience to be able to lay the sod correctly. Also, you need to consider the cost of tools and other materials, which will likely be around $330 to $420.
In this article:
- Average sod installation costs in 2024
- Cost estimator by lawn size
- Other factors that affect cost
- Related services
- Pro cost vs. DIY cost
- Cost of sod installation by location
- FAQ
Average sod installation costs in 2024
| National average cost | $2,010 |
| Typical price range | $1,048 – $2,992 |
| Extreme low-end cost | $583 |
| Extreme high-end cost | $7,238 |
While the national average cost of sodding is around $2,010, various factors like yard size, grass type, ground preparation needs, and site accessibility can all affect sod installation costs. The price most homeowners pay for installing sod typically falls between $1,048 and $2,992.
You can expect to pay less (as low as $583) if you’re working on a smaller project or installing the sod yourself. On the other hand, if you’re hiring a professional to install your sod or the project is large and complex, you can expect to shell out closer to $7,238.
The cost of materials and yard size will make up most of your total project expense, with labor costs coming in at a close second.
Cost estimator by lawn size
The first thing to do is calculate the size of your lawn to determine how much sod you need. The average lawn is ⅕ acre, which is about 8,712 square feet.
Since sod costs between $0.31 and $0.82 per square foot, you can expect to pay anywhere from $2,701 to $7,144 if you have a ⅕-acre lawn. It can be lower if you have a smaller yard or higher if you have a large lawn.
Of course, simply buying sod is not enough – you’ll also need to pay for installation if you choose to hire a professional. So, apart from the price of sod, you’ll need to factor the labor cost into your overall budget.
Most lawn care companies charge around $37 to $78 per hour or between $0.55 and $0.93 per square foot for the labor. So, installing sod on a ⅕-acre lawn can have an overall cost of $7,492 to $15,246, including labor and materials. However, the actual cost may vary depending on the exact size and condition of your yard.
| Project size | Average cost (materials only) | Average overall cost (labor and materials) |
| 1,000 square feet | $310 – $820 | $860 – $1,750 |
| 2,000 square feet | $620 – $1,640 | $1,720 – $3,500 |
| 3,000 square feet | $930 – $2,460 | $2,580 – $5,250 |
| 4,000 square feet | $1,240 – $3,280 | $3,440 – $7,000 |
| ⅛ acre (5,445 sq. ft.) | $1,688 – $4,465 | $4,683 – $9,529 |
| ⅙ acre (7,260 sq. ft.) | $2,251 – $5,953 | $6,244 – $12,705 |
| ⅕ acre (8,712 sq. ft.) | $2,701 – $7,144 | $7,492 – $15,246 |
| ¼ acre (10,890 sq. ft.) | $3,376 – $8,930 | $9,366 – $19,058 |
Other factors that affect cost
The type of sod and other factors like your soil’s condition and any special features or landscaping you want to add to your lawn will create additional costs.
Type of sod
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 seed | Average price (per pound) |
| Bahiagrass | $7 – $10 |
| Bermudagrass | $4 – $10 |
| Buffalograss | $1 – $7 |
| Carpetgrass | $10 – $15 |
| Centipedegrass | $6 – $12 |
| Fine fescue | $5 – $7 |
| Kentucky bluegrass | $7 – $12 |
| Perennial ryegrass | $2.50 – $9.50 |
| Tall fescue | $3 – $10 |
| St. Augustinegrass | $3 – $18 |
| Zoysiagrass | $4 – $13 |
The cost of sod itself also will vary depending on 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 may require more care on your part to keep it healthy and protected from diseases. Over time, it could cost more in maintenance.
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 $60 and $259 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.
Before you start laying sod, there are a few prep work you need to do, like soil testing. Additionally, you may need to avail additional lawn care and landscaping services after you have your new lawn installed to keep it healthy, green, and beautiful.
Removal of old grass
Since you can’t lay sod on top of your existing lawn, you will need to hire a professional to remove the old grass, weeds, and other vegetation. On average, grass removal costs between $0.88 and $1.84 per square foot, but the total cost will depend on the size of your lawn and how much work needs to be done.
Soil testing and preparations
The condition of your soil will have a big impact on the success of your sod project. Soil testing kits typically cost $12 to $30 per sample, but you also can hire a professional to test the soil on your behalf.
The results can help you determine which amendments your soil needs to help your new sod grow thick and healthy. It also may indicate the types of grass that will grow best on your lawn and whether the soil can support it.
If your soil is of poor quality, it will be more difficult for the sod to take root and establish itself. In this case, you may need to amend the soil before laying down sod, which would increase the project’s cost.
Land leveling
If the ground you’re covering with sod is pretty flat and even, you may only need to do some light raking and leveling before you lay down new sod. But if you have an uneven lawn that presents a particular challenge, you can hire a professional to level it for you.
Aeration
If your soil is very dense or has high clay content, it may require aeration before you can lay sod. Lawn aeration usually costs around $143 on average, but you can expect to pay anywhere from $82 to $251 for an average-sized lawn. You can skip aerating your lawn if you’re planning to apply new topsoil before installing sod.
Topsoil
Sometimes, it may be more cost-effective to apply new topsoil if the soil test results indicate your soil is very poor in quality. A fresh layer of topsoil can help provide a better environment to support your new grass. Most properties will need 3 to 4 inches of topsoil, so plan on adding enough for at least that much coverage.
Fertilizer and herbicide application
Applying fertilizer and herbicides to your lawn before laying down new sod can help give the grass a head start and make it more resistant to weeds. Typically, lawn fertilization costs from $0.02 to $0.07 per square foot, which means a homeowner may spend between $103 and $343 for this service.
Sprinkler system
Want your new grass to stay green and perky even when you forget to water it? Consider adding a new sprinkler system to your project (since all your existing grass will be pulled up anyway). It’s best to consult a professional since choosing the correct type of sprinkler system for your yard can be a complex process. Plus, they can give you an accurate cost estimate.
If you already have an existing sprinkler system, and it gets damaged during the sod installation, you should have the sprinklers repaired as soon as possible.
Mowing
After installing sod, you need to mow your lawn if you want to promote healthy grass growth. You can expect to mow your newly installed sod two to four weeks after the sod installation, as this is usually when the grass reaches a height of 3 to 4 inches.
Lawn mowing costs between $35 and $100 per visit or around $29 to $65 per hour. You also may opt to mow the lawn yourself if you have a reliable lawn mower in your shed.
Dethatching
Apart from mowing, dethatching also needs to be a part of your routine lawn care maintenance. You may need to start dethatching your newly sodded lawn when thatch accumulates to more than 1/2 inch, usually around six months to a year after laying sod. Lawn dethatching costs around $145 to $247, or $196 on average.
Other lawn solutions
As sodding has its drawbacks, some homeowners look for alternative solutions like seeding and installing artificial grass. Seeding is more cost-effective, while artificial grass is low-maintenance and consistent in appearance. Your choice will depend on your preference, budget, location, and soil conditions.
Seeding
Many homeowners choose seeding over sod installation due to its lower cost. On average, seeding costs between $0.09 and $0.19 per square foot, making it possible to cover larger areas at a lower price. Although, you may have to wait longer for your new grass to grow.
While laying sod is more expensive than seeding, it offers many benefits that make it worth the extra cost. Since sod establishes more quickly than seed, you can enjoy a beautiful lawn immediately. In addition, sod is more resistant to weeds, pests, or diseases.
Artificial grass installation
For homeowners who want a low-maintenance and consistent lawn year-round, artificial grass can be better than sod. The initial cost of artificial grass can be high, but it pays for itself over time. Since you don’t have to water, mow, or fertilize it, artificial grass can help you save money and time in the long run.
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.
| DIY equipment/materials | Typical cost |
| Home soil test | $14 |
| Shovel | $20 |
| Garden knife | $20 |
| Tape measure | $12 |
| Tamper | $48 |
| Wheelbarrow | $69 |
| Granular fertilizer | $5 – $14 per 1,000 sq. ft. |
| Handheld fertilizer spreader | $11 – $35 |
| Sod cutter rental | 4 hours: $64 Full day: $88 Deposit: additional $150 |
| Rototiller rental | 4 hours: $53 Full day: $78 Deposit: additional $50 – $150 |
| Lawn roller rental | 4 hours: $14 Full day: $22 Deposit: additional $25 |
| Total DIY cost | $330 – $420 (plus the cost of sod) |
The larger the lawn, the more cost-effective DIY sodding is. For a ⅛-acre yard, the cost of professional sod installation usually ranges from $4,683 to $9,529, including the expenses for the pallets of sod, labor, and other materials. On the other hand, DIY sodding for the same size of lawn can be just around $2,018 to $4,885, including the cost of sod.
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.
Cost of sod installation 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.
FAQ
What is the best time of year to install sod?
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.
How long does it take for sod to root?
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.
Where can I find the right tools for sodding my lawn?
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 by installing sod
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.
Depending on the size of your yard, the quality of the soil, and other factors, installing sod costs between $0.86 and $1.75 per square foot, including the cost of the sod itself, labor, and other materials. However, sod prices are not the same in every location. So, don’t forget to get several estimates before hiring a contractor.
Note: Lawn Love may get a referral fee for matching you with contractors in your area.
Main Image Credit: Pexels
Melanie Joseph
After discovering her passion for writing through her beauty blog, Melanie left her engineering job in California, became a writer, and never once looked back. When she isn't writing, she loves dipping in the pool, tending to the garden, or doing simple home improvement projects.
Posts by Melanie Joseph
