How Much Does Sod Installation Cost in 2026?
By Michael JohnsonUpdated 6 sources comparedHow we estimate
Most homeowners pay $1,000 to $3,000 to have sod installed on a typical 1,000 to 1,500 sq ft lawn, with an average of about $2,000. That works out to roughly $1 to $2 per square foot for sod, delivery, basic prep and labor. The biggest price drivers are the size of the area, whether an old lawn has to be stripped out or the ground regraded first, and the grass type you choose.
- Typical cost
- $1,000–$3,000
- National average
- $2,000
- Full range
- $500–$6,000
The typical range covers professionally installed sod at roughly $1 to $2 per square foot on a 1,000 to 1,500 sq ft lawn with basic soil prep and delivery; removing an old lawn, regrading or premium grass can push the same area toward the national high. Prices are per 1,000–1,500 sq ft lawn, installed.
Sod installation cost per square foot
The $2,000 average rounds the two national averages published for a typical lawn: HomeGuide's $2,000 and HomeAdvisor's $2,062. On a per-square-foot basis, the sources cluster around $1 to $2 installed: HomeGuide gives $1.00–$2.00, Fixr $0.85–$1.75, and LawnStarter an average of $1.65. Lawn Love runs higher at $1.70–$2.60, and HomeAdvisor's all-in range stretches to $6 per sq ft for difficult jobs.
| Lawn size | Installed cost in sources | QuoteRuler typical range |
|---|---|---|
| 500 sq ft | $500–$1,000 (HomeGuide) | $500–$1,000 |
| 1,000 sq ft | $850–$2,600 (Fixr, HomeGuide, LawnStarter, Lawn Love) | $1,000–$2,000 |
| 2,000 sq ft | $1,700–$5,200 (Fixr, HomeGuide, Lawn Love) | $2,000–$4,000 |
| 5,000 sq ft | $4,250–$13,000 (Fixr, HomeGuide, Lawn Love) | $5,000–$10,000 |
| 1/4 acre (10,890 sq ft) | $11,000–$22,000 (HomeGuide) | $10,900–$21,800 |
| 1 acre | $36,150–$87,000 (Fixr, HomeGuide) | $43,500–$87,000 |
Our typical range is simply $1 to $2 per sq ft multiplied by the area, which is where most sources overlap. Sources differ mainly on scope. LawnStarter's $1.65 includes delivery and basic ground prep but not removing an old lawn. Lawn Love's higher range likely bakes in more prep. Very large areas often come in below $1 per sq ft because sod farms discount bulk orders; LawnStarter says buying by the pallet in bulk can cut the per-foot price by 15% to 40%.
Estimate your cost
Enter the area you want sodded, add any old lawn to strip out or ground to regrade, then pick the grass and how tricky the site is.
Ranges come from the sources listed at the end of this guide. The labor portion is adjusted for your state with BEA price data. Your final price depends on site conditions and local codes.
Cost per pallet
Sod is sold by the pallet, and a pallet usually covers 400 to 500 sq ft, with 450 sq ft the most common size (Fixr). The sod alone costs $90 to $450 per pallet depending on grass and region: Fixr lists $90–$390, HomeGuide $130–$360, Lawn Love $110–$375 and LawnStarter $150–$450. HomeGuide puts a single pallet installed at $400 to $1,000. A 1,000 sq ft yard needs two to three pallets; 5,000 sq ft needs about seven to twelve.
Sod cost by grass type
Grass type changes the material price more than most people expect, but it matters less to the total than prep and labor do.
| Grass type | Best climate | Sod only, per sq ft | Installed, per sq ft |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bahia | Warm-season | $0.20–$0.40 | $0.77–$2.40 |
| Kentucky bluegrass | Cool-season | $0.29–$0.60 | $0.86–$2.40 |
| Fescue (tall or fine) | Cool-season, transition | $0.32–$0.70 | $0.89–$2.65 |
| St. Augustine | Warm-season, humid | $0.30–$0.90 | $0.98–$2.75 |
| Bermuda | Warm-season | $0.30–$0.85 | $1.01–$2.85 |
| Zoysia | Warm-season, transition | $0.28–$1.05 | $1.04–$2.85 |
| Centipede | Warm-season | $0.35–$0.90 | $1.35–$2.85 |
Sod-only ranges combine Fixr, HomeGuide, LawnStarter and Lawn Love. Installed ranges run from LawnStarter's low end to HomeAdvisor's high end, which explains their width. Pick the grass that suits your climate, shade and foot traffic first. A cheaper sod that struggles in your region will cost more in replacement and water than the few cents you saved.
Labor vs. materials
Labor is roughly half of a typical sod job. The sod itself runs about $0.30 to $0.85 per sq ft across our sources (LawnStarter's average is $0.60), while installation labor runs $0.50–$1.00 per sq ft (HomeGuide), $0.55–$1.00 (LawnStarter), about $0.95 at most companies (Fixr) and $0.35–$0.80 (Lawn Love). Crews bill roughly $35 to $80 an hour.
HomeGuide describes labor plus basic prep as about half of the $1 to $2 installed price, so we use a labor share of 50% for the state adjustment below. The share climbs on jobs with heavy prep, since removal and grading are almost all labor and equipment time.
What drives the price up or down
- Removing an old lawn. Stripping existing grass and weeds and hauling it away costs $0.50–$2.00 per sq ft (HomeGuide), $0.88–$1.84 (LawnStarter) or $1–$3 (HomeAdvisor). On 1,000 sq ft that alone can add $900 to $1,800, which is why resodding costs $1.50 to $4.00 per sq ft all in (HomeGuide).
- Grading and soil prep. Regrading or tilling runs $0.40–$2.00 per sq ft (HomeGuide), $0.90–$2.00 (LawnStarter) and $1–$3 (HomeAdvisor). Topsoil adds $10 to $50 per cubic yard, and you need a 4 to 6 inch bed on poor ground.
- Slopes and awkward shapes. Irregular or hard-to-reach areas raise the price 15% to 20% (LawnStarter), and HomeAdvisor says up to 20%.
- Obstacles. Fixr prices stump removal at $200–$700 and tree removal at $400–$900 when they're in the way. For large trees, see our tree removal cost guide.
- Delivery. Usually $50 to $250 per load (HomeGuide), or $65 to $230 (HomeAdvisor, LawnStarter). Large orders often get free delivery.
- Timing and heat. HomeGuide notes labor can rise 10% to 15% when temperatures top 95°F, because crews have to work faster and water more.
Sod installation cost by state
Sod prices follow local labor rates closely. LawnStarter's city data ranges from $1.15–$2.10 per sq ft in Dothan, Alabama, to $2.20–$3.50 in New York City. The table below starts from our national range, compiled from the sources above, and adjusts only the labor portion (50%) using the Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities for each state.
| State | Typical range | Average | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $950–$2,850 | $1,900 | -5.0% |
| Alaska | $1,000–$3,050 | $2,000 | +0.9% |
| Arizona | $1,000–$3,000 | $2,000 | +0.6% |
| Arkansas | $930–$2,800 | $1,850 | -6.8% |
| California | $1,050–$3,200 | $2,150 | +6.3% |
| Colorado | $1,000–$3,000 | $2,000 | +0.7% |
| Connecticut | $1,000–$3,050 | $2,050 | +1.8% |
| Delaware | $1,000–$3,000 | $2,000 | -0.4% |
| District of Columbia | $1,050–$3,150 | $2,100 | +5.4% |
| Florida | $1,000–$3,050 | $2,050 | +1.8% |
| Georgia | $980–$2,950 | $1,950 | -1.6% |
| Hawaii | $1,050–$3,150 | $2,100 | +4.3% |
| Idaho | $960–$2,850 | $1,900 | -4.3% |
| Illinois | $990–$3,000 | $2,000 | -0.5% |
| Indiana | $960–$2,900 | $1,900 | -3.9% |
| Iowa | $940–$2,850 | $1,900 | -5.6% |
| Kansas | $950–$2,850 | $1,900 | -5.0% |
| Kentucky | $950–$2,850 | $1,900 | -4.7% |
| Louisiana | $940–$2,800 | $1,900 | -5.8% |
| Maine | $990–$2,950 | $1,950 | -1.4% |
| Maryland | $1,000–$3,050 | $2,050 | +2.0% |
| Massachusetts | $1,050–$3,100 | $2,100 | +4.1% |
| Michigan | $970–$2,900 | $1,950 | -2.9% |
| Minnesota | $990–$3,000 | $2,000 | -0.8% |
| Mississippi | $940–$2,800 | $1,850 | -6.3% |
| Missouri | $960–$2,900 | $1,900 | -4.1% |
| Montana | $950–$2,850 | $1,900 | -4.9% |
| Nebraska | $950–$2,850 | $1,900 | -4.8% |
| Nevada | $980–$2,950 | $1,950 | -1.5% |
| New Hampshire | $1,050–$3,100 | $2,050 | +2.6% |
| New Jersey | $1,050–$3,150 | $2,100 | +4.4% |
| New Mexico | $950–$2,850 | $1,900 | -4.8% |
| New York | $1,050–$3,100 | $2,100 | +3.8% |
| North Carolina | $970–$2,900 | $1,950 | -3.0% |
| North Dakota | $940–$2,850 | $1,900 | -5.7% |
| Ohio | $960–$2,900 | $1,900 | -4.1% |
| Oklahoma | $940–$2,800 | $1,900 | -5.8% |
| Oregon | $1,000–$3,050 | $2,050 | +2.3% |
| Pennsylvania | $990–$2,950 | $2,000 | -1.2% |
| Rhode Island | $1,000–$3,000 | $2,000 | +0.7% |
| South Carolina | $970–$2,900 | $1,950 | -3.4% |
| South Dakota | $940–$2,800 | $1,900 | -6.0% |
| Tennessee | $960–$2,900 | $1,900 | -3.7% |
| Texas | $990–$2,950 | $1,950 | -1.4% |
| Utah | $980–$2,900 | $1,950 | -2.5% |
| Vermont | $980–$2,950 | $1,950 | -1.7% |
| Virginia | $1,000–$3,000 | $2,000 | +0.4% |
| Washington | $1,050–$3,150 | $2,100 | +4.3% |
| West Virginia | $950–$2,850 | $1,900 | -5.1% |
| Wisconsin | $970–$2,900 | $1,950 | -3.4% |
| Wyoming | $950–$2,850 | $1,900 | -4.6% |
Treat the state figures as a starting point. Sod farm prices also vary by region, and a farm close to you can mean cheaper sod and delivery.
Sod vs. seed vs. hydroseed
| Method | Cost per sq ft | 1,000 sq ft | Time to a usable lawn |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sod, installed | $1.00–$2.00 | $1,000–$2,000 | A few weeks |
| Hydroseed | $0.06–$0.22 | $60–$220 | Months |
| Professional seeding | $0.09–$0.19 | $90–$190 | Months to a full season |
| Artificial turf | $6–$19 | $6,000–$19,000 | Immediate |
Seed and hydroseed figures come from HomeAdvisor, HomeGuide, Fixr and LawnStarter; artificial turf from HomeGuide and LawnStarter. Small jobs carry minimum charges, so HomeAdvisor puts the average hydroseeding project at about $1,000.
Choose sod for slopes that would wash out, high-traffic yards, or a lawn you need ready for a sale or event. Choose seed or hydroseed for large, flat areas where the savings are big and you can wait. The prep work (removal, grading, topsoil) costs the same either way, so the gap narrows on yards that need heavy prep.
DIY vs. hiring a pro
DIY sod is one of the more realistic landscaping projects for a homeowner. LawnStarter puts a DIY job on 1,000 sq ft at $732 to $1,354 including tool rental, versus $1,000 to $2,200 for a pro. HomeGuide estimates DIY saves up to 50% and lists $250 to $850 for tools and supplies such as a rototiller ($50–$100 a day), lawn roller ($10–$25 a day), spreader and starter fertilizer.
The catch is the labor. Sod is heavy, it dries out fast once it's cut, so it has to go down soon after delivery, and the result depends on prep you can't see afterward: removing old turf, grading away from the house, and rolling the soil firm. Hire a pro for large areas, slopes, drainage problems or anything that needs real regrading. If you'll be digging for edging or drainage, contact 811 a few business days ahead so buried utility lines get marked for free.
How to save money on sod
- Do the demolition yourself. Removal and grading are the most expensive add-ons. Even stripping the old lawn with a rented sod cutter cuts the bill.
- Order the right amount. Measure carefully and order only a small overage for cuts around beds and curves. Leftover pallets rarely survive long enough to use.
- Buy closer to the source. Ask a local sod farm about pickup or bulk pricing. Bulk orders can lower the per-foot price 15% to 40% (LawnStarter).
- Time it right. Cool-season grasses root best in early fall or spring; warm-season grasses in late spring to early summer. Installing in peak heat means more water and higher failure risk.
- Install irrigation first. If you plan a sprinkler system, do it before the sod goes down so trenches don't tear up the new lawn. See our sprinkler system installation cost guide.
- Get three quotes that price the same area, grass and prep, so you can compare line by line.
How to compare sod quotes
A fair quote should list:
- The square footage, grass variety and sod grade, and where the sod comes from.
- Removal and disposal of the old lawn, priced per sq ft.
- Soil prep: tilling, grading, topsoil depth and any amendments or starter fertilizer.
- Delivery and any extra handling fees for hard-to-reach yards.
- Rolling and first watering after installation.
- Any establishment guarantee and what voids it, such as not watering as instructed.
Red flags: a per-sq-ft price that doesn't say whether removal or grading is included; plans to lay sod over existing grass; no mention of grading away from the foundation; or a quote far below the others that skips prep entirely.
Hidden costs people forget
- Watering. New sod needs frequent watering for the first few weeks, which shows up on your water bill.
- Fertilizer and weed control. HomeAdvisor puts a fertilizer treatment at $80 to $400, and HomeGuide lists weed control at $50 to $125.
- Soil testing. About $10 to $50 per test (HomeGuide, LawnStarter), and worth it before you buy amendments.
- Permits. Rare for sod alone, but HomeGuide lists $40 to $300 where grading or drainage work needs one.
- Edging and borders around beds and walks, if they're damaged during removal.
- Fencing or gates. If you're re-landscaping the whole yard, a new fence is often next. Our fence installation cost guide covers prices by material.
Bottom line
Professionally installed sod costs about $1 to $2 per square foot, so a typical 1,000 to 1,500 sq ft lawn runs $1,000 to $3,000, with $2,000 a realistic midpoint. Removing an old lawn or regrading can add another $1 to $2 per sq ft, and grass type moves the price less than prep does. Seed and hydroseed cost a fraction as much if you can wait for them to grow in. Get three itemized quotes that spell out removal, grading and delivery before you choose.
Frequently asked questions
How much is 1,000 square feet of sod installed?
Expect about $1,000 to $2,200 for 1,000 sq ft of professionally installed sod (HomeGuide $1,000–$2,000, LawnStarter $1,000–$2,200, Fixr $850–$1,750). The sod itself is only about $300 to $850 of that. Removing an old lawn first adds roughly $900 to $1,800 on that area, and regrading can add more.
How much does a pallet of sod cost?
A pallet of sod alone costs about $90 to $450 depending on grass type and region (Fixr $90–$390, HomeGuide $130–$360, LawnStarter $150–$450). Most pallets cover 400 to 500 sq ft, with 450 sq ft the most common. HomeGuide puts the installed cost of one pallet at $400 to $1,000.
Is it cheaper to reseed or sod?
Seeding is far cheaper: professional seeding runs about $0.09 to $0.19 per sq ft and hydroseeding about $0.06 to $0.22, versus roughly $1 to $2 per sq ft for installed sod. The trade-off is time. Sod gives a usable lawn in a few weeks, while seed can take a full season or longer to fill in.
What is the labor cost to lay sod?
Sod installation labor usually runs $0.35 to $1.00 per sq ft, or about $35 to $80 per hour, according to HomeGuide, Fixr, LawnStarter and Lawn Love. That is roughly half of a typical installed price. Prep work such as removing old grass and grading is often priced separately.
Which sod grass is cheapest?
Bahia is usually the cheapest sod at about $0.20 to $0.40 per sq ft for material, followed by Kentucky bluegrass and ryegrass. Zoysia and centipede tend to be the priciest, reaching about $0.85 to $1.05 per sq ft in some sources. Choose by climate first, because a cheap grass that doesn't suit your region will cost more to keep alive.
Is sod worth the money?
Sod is worth it when you need a finished lawn quickly, have erosion on a slope, or want to avoid months of weeds and bare patches while seed establishes. It costs several times more than seed up front. If budget matters more than speed and the area is flat, seeding or hydroseeding is usually the better value.
Can I install sod myself to save money?
Yes. DIY sod on 1,000 sq ft runs about $730 to $1,350 including sod and tool rental, according to LawnStarter, and HomeGuide estimates DIY can save up to 50%. The hard part is prep: removing old turf, tilling, grading and rolling. Sod is heavy and must be laid within a day or so of delivery.
Sources
We compared these sources to build the QuoteRuler range. State figures adjust the labor portion (50% of the total) using the BEA Regional Price Parities.
- How Much Does Sod Installation Cost? — HomeGuide. Used for: New sod installed $1.00–$2.00/sq ft; resodding $1.50–$4.00/sq ft; national average $2,000 for 1,000–1,500 sq ft (range $500–$6,000, typical $1,000–$3,000); by size 500 sq ft $500–$1,000 to 1 acre $43,500–$87,000; installed pallet $400–$1,000, sod-only pallet $130–$360; sod by grass type; labor $0.50–$1.00/sq ft or $35–$80/hr (about half of installed price); labor +10%–15% above 95°F; old grass removal $0.50–$2.00/sq ft; regrading $0.40–$2.00/sq ft; topsoil $10–$50/cu yd; soil test $10–$50; delivery $50–$250; permits $40–$300; hydroseed $0.07–$0.22/sq ft; overseeding $0.04–$0.18/sq ft; seeding 30%–50% cheaper than resodding; artificial turf $6–$17/sq ft; DIY tools $250–$850, saves up to 50%. Page shows no update date..
- Sod Installation Cost — Fixr. Used for: Updated January 31, 2025. National average $6,750 for a 5,000 sq ft fine fescue lawn (range $5,800–$7,200); sod plus installation $0.85–$1.75/sq ft; sod only $0.30–$0.80/sq ft; pallet $90–$390; by size 1,000 sq ft $850–$1,750, 5,000 sq ft $4,250–$8,750, 1 acre $36,150–$76,700; sod by grass type per sq ft and per pallet; labor from about $0.55/sq ft, most about $0.95/sq ft, $40–$80/hr; old sod removal about $1/sq ft; reslope $1–$2/sq ft; delivery $50–$100 (up to $200–$350 long distance); seed $0.09–$0.18/sq ft; DIY 1,500 sq ft $450–$1,200; pallets cover 450–650 sq ft..
- How Much Does Sod Installation Cost? — HomeAdvisor (Angi Inc.). Used for: Appears to reflect 2025 data. National average $2,062; typical $1,079–$3,057; $1–$6/sq ft all-in; sod material $0.35–$0.85/sq ft; installed cost by grass type (Bahia $1.20–$2.40 up to centipede $1.75–$2.85); delivery $65–$230; slopes and irregular shapes add up to 20%; regrading $1–$3/sq ft; old lawn removal $1–$3/sq ft; seeding $0.09–$0.18/sq ft; fertilizer $80–$400 per treatment; DIY about $2,000 for a typical job..
- How Much Does Sod Cost? — LawnStarter. Used for: Updated October 5, 2026. Average $0.60/sq ft for sod and $1.65/sq ft installed (sod, delivery, basic prep, labor); sod and installed prices by grass type; 1,000 sq ft professional $1,000–$2,200, DIY $732–$1,354; pallet $150–$450 (450–500 sq ft), bulk discounts 15%–40%; labor $0.55–$1.00/sq ft or $37.50–$77.50/hr; irregular or hard-to-reach sites +15%–20%; delivery $65–$230; old grass removal $0.88–$1.84/sq ft; tilling and grading $0.90–$2.00/sq ft; topsoil $12–$50/cu yd; soil test $12–$30; seeding $0.09–$0.19/sq ft; city ranges from $1.15–$2.10/sq ft (Dothan, AL) to $2.20–$3.50/sq ft (New York, NY)..
- How Much Does it Cost to Lay Sod? — Lawn Love. Used for: Updated October 5, 2026. Installed $1.70–$2.60/sq ft; 1,000 sq ft $1,700–$2,600; 2,000 sq ft $3,400–$5,200; 5,000 sq ft $8,500–$13,000; sod by grass type (Zoysia up to $1.05/sq ft); pallet $110–$375; labor $0.35–$0.80/sq ft or $37–$78/hr; DIY tool rental $330–$420; delivery $55–$180. Its quarter- and half-acre rows do not match its own per-sq-ft rate, so we did not use them..
- How Much Does Hydroseeding Cost? — HomeAdvisor (Angi Inc.). Used for: Titled for 2025. Hydroseeding $0.06–$0.20/sq ft; average project about $1,000 (normal range $650–$2,200); $2,600–$8,700 per acre..
- Regional Price Parities by State, 2023 — U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. Used for: state cost adjustments.