How Much Does Sod Cost?

Are you wondering how much you’ll need to invest in new sod for your lawn? From estimate costs to installation services, there’s a lot to consider before purchasing and laying down sod.

Sod is a quick fix is you are looking to improve your lawn without all the hassle of waiting for grass seed to grow in your yard. You may love a lush, green lawn – but that extra color comes with an added cost.

If you are curious about how much sod costs when creating your dream lawn, here are the most important factors to consider. Learn more about Sod price estimates, grades and types of sod, installation services, and other costs associated with maintaining a healthy lawn.

Average Sod Prices in 2023

The average price of sod in 2023 is $6,990 for a standard-size yard. However, this price range can vary depending on the size of the yard, the type of grass being installed, and any ground preparation that needs to be done. Factors such as site accessibility can also affect the overall cost.

Generally speaking, homeowners can expect to pay between $6,960 and $11,250 for sod installation. On the extreme high end, you could pay upwards of $18,000. However, that is an uncommon price unless you have an especially large yard, want certain specialty grasses, or need additional installation factors like sprinkler systems.

If you are trying to save money, you could install the sod yourself or do smaller areas. This can reduce your total sod costs to as low as $825. While this is a significant saving, it does require you to prep the ground and install the sod yourself.

When considering sod installation costs in 2023, it’s important to factor in all potential expenses. This includes not only materials and labor but also any additional ground preparation that may need to be done prior to installation.

You should also keep in mind that prices can vary significantly depending on the type of grass being installed and the size of the yard. By taking all these factors into account, homeowners can ensure they get the best value for their money when it comes time to install new sod.

How Much Does It Cost to Sod a Yard?

You can expect to pay from $0.25 to $0.85 per square foot, depending on the type of sod. However, that does not include delivery or installation costs. The average cost of sod with delivery and installation runs from $0.80 to $2.00.

Assuming you have a 1/5 acre yard or roughly 8,700 square feet, you can expect to pay between $2,175 and $7,395 for just the sod. Including delivery and installation, sod costs for that same yard will range from $6,960 to $17,400.

Obviously, there is quite a difference in these price ranges, so it’s important to consider the different factors in sod costs. Here are the most common factors that impact sod prices:

Sod Type and Grade

The biggest factor in sod prices is usually the type and grade of grass. While the type refers to the variety of grass, the grade refers to the strength of the root system. Higher-grade sod has more well-developed roots that make it easier to install and maintain in your yard. The grass is also healthier and more durable overall.

Cheaper low-grade sod may take more care on your part to keep it healthy and protect it from diseases, so it could cost more in maintenance over time. Economy-grade sod typically costs $0.25 per square foot, while you will pay around $0.50 for mid-grade and $0.85 for high-grade sod.

The higher grades of sod are generally more expensive but also offer better quality grass with stronger roots. They also withstand wear and tear better than lower-grade varieties. High-grade sod is usually recommended for areas with heavy traffic or where you want a thicker, lusher lawn that requires less maintenance over time.

Mid-grade sod is best suited for areas with moderate traffic or where you want a good balance between price and quality. Economy-grade sod is ideal for areas with light traffic or if you’re looking for an affordable option that still provides decent-quality grass coverage.

Size and Shape of Your Yard

The size and shape of your yard are also important factors to consider when pricing sod, especially installation and labor costs. Since sod is sold by the square foot, expect larger yards to cost more. The shape of your yard will affect how much labor is required for installation.

A square or rectangular lawn is the most cost-effective option when it comes to installing sod, as there are fewer cuts required in order to achieve a precise fit. On the other hand, a curved edge requires more cuts in order to achieve a neat finish.

The same goes for obstacles like trees or plant beds in your yard. Since the installers need to cut around these items, installation takes longer and ends up costing more. Additionally, different edge treatments may require additional cuts in order to create a more aesthetically pleasing look.

Delivery

Depending on where you live, delivery fees may range from $50 to $200 or more. The distance from the sod farm to your home will also play a role in delivery costs. If you’re located far away from the sod farm, expect to pay more for delivery.

Additionally, if you need to have the sod delivered on a specific day or time, you may have to pay an additional fee for rush delivery. However, some companies will waive delivery fees if you buy a certain amount of sod or if you are also paying for professional installation.

Yard Preparation

Another factor in sod installation costs is yard preparation. From removing old grass to amending the soil with nutrients or even leveling and grading your yard, there are a number of different preparation steps you may need before installing sod.

The most common yard prep work is to weed the existing lawn or remove the existing grass altogether. This gives the sod the best chance of thriving and will keep your new lawn healthier for years to come. Weeding and prepping an existing lawn is an additional cost of between $1 and $2 per square foot, while grass removal usually costs $1.75 per square foot.

The grade or grading of your yard is the slope away from your foundation, while the level or leveling is how flat your yard is relative to the slope. The grade is important to prevent water from pooling around your foundation, while the level makes it easier and safer to walk on the grass.  The cost to level and grade your yard can cost anywhere from $1,200 to $4,000, depending on how much work is needed.

Fertilizing or amending the soil is another common preparation step. Fertilizer adds nutrients to ensure the sod is healthy and takes root in the ground. Similarly, soil amendments improve the general health of the soil. Amendments are available to help the soil retain more water or to improve drainage so your yard is not too wet. Depending on what is needed, these costs will vary and can range from $100 to $500 or more.

Your sod company will assess your yard and advise you on what preparation steps are recommended before installation. While the choice is always yours, skipping certain steps can impact the health of the sod.