How much does sod installation cost?
Sod typically costs $1–$3 per square foot installed — roughly $2,000–$6,000 for a 2,000 sq ft lawn. The sod itself is $0.30–$0.85/sq ft; grading, soil prep and laying make up the rest.
Ranges are typical planning guides — actual price varies by region, access, materials and your local pro. Always get a written quote.
| Item | Typical cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sod material | $0.30–$0.85 / sq ft | Varies by grass species & region |
| Labour & prep | $0.70–$2 / sq ft | Grade, till, amend soil, lay & roll |
| Per pallet (450–500 sq ft) | $150–$450 delivered | Material only |
| 2,000 sq ft lawn installed | $2,000–$6,000 | Typical suburban front + back |
| Old lawn removal | +$0.25–$1 / sq ft | Cut out and haul old turf |
What affects the price
Grass type
Common varieties like fescue and Bermuda sit at the low end; premium types like zoysia and St. Augustine cost 2–3 times more per square foot for the sod itself.
Soil prep and grading
Sod laid on hard, unlevel ground dies. Tilling, adding topsoil and fine grading can be half the project cost — and is where good installers earn their price.
Lawn size
Bigger lawns cost less per square foot because delivery and setup are spread out. Small patch jobs often carry a $500–$800 minimum.
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How much does sod installation cost?
About $1–$3 per square foot installed, or $2,000–$6,000 for a typical 2,000 sq ft lawn — including soil prep, delivery and laying.
How much does a pallet of sod cover?
A standard pallet covers 450–500 sq ft and costs $150–$450 delivered depending on the grass type. Most lawns need 3–6 pallets.
Is it cheaper to seed or sod a lawn?
Seeding costs a fraction of sod ($0.10–$0.20/sq ft) but takes a full season to establish and can wash out. Sod gives an instant lawn you can use in 2–3 weeks.