How Much Does Sod Cost in 2026?
Sod costs $0.30–$1.00 per square foot delivered in 2026. Installed (including ground prep) runs $1.00–$2.50 per square foot. A 5,000 sq ft lawn costs $1,500–$5,000 delivered or $5,000–$12,500 fully installed. Pallets cover 450–500 sq ft each. Use our sod calculator for rolls, pallets, and total volume.
Key facts at a glance
- •Sod delivered: $0.30–$1.00 per sq ft
- •Sod installed: $1.00–$2.50 per sq ft
- •Standard pallet: 450–500 sq ft, $150–$500
- •Best installation: spring or early fall
- •Lifetime: 15–25 years with proper care
Sod cost per square foot by grass type
| Grass | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
Bermuda | $0.3 | $0.45 | $0.7 |
Tall fescue | $0.3 | $0.5 | $0.8 |
Kentucky bluegrass | $0.35 | $0.55 | $0.85 |
St. Augustine | $0.35 | $0.55 | $0.8 |
Zoysia | $0.45 | $0.7 | $1 |
Total sod cost by lawn size
| Lawn size | Delivered only | Installed |
|---|---|---|
1,000 sq ft Small front yard | Small front yard | $300 – $800 |
2,500 sq ft Small total lawn | Small total lawn | $750 – $2.0K |
5,000 sq ft Average suburban lot | Average suburban lot | $1.5K – $4.0K |
10,000 sq ft Quarter acre | Quarter acre | $3.0K – $8.0K |
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Try Remodel AI freeFrequently asked questions
How much does a pallet of sod cost?+
Standard pallet (450 sq ft): $150–$500 depending on grass type and region. Bermuda is cheapest; zoysia is most expensive.
How much does it cost to sod a 5,000 sq ft lawn?+
Tall fescue delivered: $1,500–$4,000. Installed by a pro: $5,000–$12,500. DIY savings: $3,500–$8,500 if you handle ground prep and rolling.
Is sod or seed cheaper?+
Seed is dramatically cheaper ($80–$320 vs $1,500+ for the same 5,000 sq ft area) but takes 6–8 weeks for full establishment. Sod gives instant lawn.
How long does sod last?+
15–25 years with proper care. Watering frequency in the first 2 weeks after install is the biggest factor in long-term success.
When is the best time to lay sod?+
Cool-season grasses (fescue, bluegrass): spring or early fall. Warm-season (Bermuda, zoysia, St. Augustine): late spring through summer.