How Much Does a Pallet of Sod Cost in 2025?

Typical Range:

$150 - $450

Cost data is based on research by HomeAdvisor.

Updated December 20, 2024

Reviewed by Tara Dudley, Landscape Designer, Landscape Project Coordinator and Owner of Plant Life Designs.

Written by HomeAdvisor.

Highlights

A pallet of sod costs between $150 and $450, averaging about $300.
With pallets covering about 450 square feet, costs work out to $0.35 to $1 per square foot.
Your yard size, local climate, sod grade, and site prep influence sod pallet prices.
High-quality or specialized sod typically represents higher-end costs.

The quality and type of grass impact the overall cost of sod. Most homeowners pay between $150 and $450 per pallet of sod or an average of $300. Sod costs between $0.35 and $1, averaging about $0.60 per square foot.

Average Cost for a Pallet of Sod

Average Cost	High Cost	Low Cost
$300	$450	$150

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Sod Pallet Cost Factors

The size of your yard and local climate are among the main cost factors for sod pallet costs, followed by labor, site preparation, and other variables.

Area Size

Sold is usually sold by pallet, which covers about 450 square feet, or by square foot. A pallet ranges from $150 to $450 depending on the type of sod, averaging about $300. Per square foot, sod costs about $0.35 to $1, averaging $0.60 per square foot.

Some suppliers sell sod by the roll, but it’s less common. Sod rolls don’t have standardized dimensions or estimated coverage, which makes comparing unit costs more challenging.

Consider these yard sizes, ranging from small urban townhome yards to a half acre suburban lots, to estimate the amount of sod coverage needed:

Yard Size (Sq. Ft.)	Sod Cost
500	$165–$500
1,000	$330–$1,000
5,000	$1,650–$5,000
10,000	$3,300–$10,000
12,000	$3,960–$12,000
15,000	$4,950–$15,000
20,000	$6,600–$20,000

Location and Climate

Sod prices vary by region, especially since local suppliers typically cater to their specific climate. Suppliers may charge premiums for grasses that aren’t well-suited to the local climate, often because they aren’t readily available and require additional shipping or production costs. In other words, the better suited the grass type is to your local climate, the more cost-effective it’ll be.

In hot and arid climates, local sod may be more costly due to the need for more irrigation or specialized and drought-tolerant species. Areas with shorter growing seasons, or those furthest from the equator in either direction, may also have higher growing or transportation costs.

There are three different categories of sod for different climate zones in the U.S.:

Cool-season grasses: Kentucky bluegrass, ryegrass, and fescue have a high tolerance for long periods of cooler weather in the northern half of the U.S.
Transition-zone grasses: Grasses that grow well in the middle area of the countrytop portion of the lower half of the country.
Warm-season grasses: Augustine, Bermuda, and zoysia grow well in the south’s hot weather.

Sod Grade

The grade of sod impacts its appearance, root development, disease resistance, and overall health. There are several grades of sod, ranging from $0.28 to $1 per square foot, assessed according to their uniformity, density, strength for handling, color, and rhizome or stolon development, as well as the absence of weeds, diseases, and pests. Together, these qualities determine the ability of the sod to properly root into the ground and resist pests or diseases. Low-grade sod may cost less but require more care and resources to keep it healthy.

Economy or utility-grade sod: Averaging $0.28–$0.40 per sq. ft., economy is the least expensive sod. This grass requires a lot of maintenance to remain strong and protected from diseases.
Mid-grade sod: Ranging $0.40–$0.70 per sq. ft., mid-grade sod offers a balance of low maintenance, disease resistance, and root system strength.
High-grade sod: Typically priced at $0.70–$0.1 per sq. ft., premium sod grade has the healthiest root systems and requires the least maintenance.

Labor

Sod installation averages $2,000 to $4,000, with sod laying contractors typically charging about $40 to $80 per hour or $1 to $2 per square foot with materials. Total costs depend on local labor rates, the complexity of the job, and yard accessibility.

If you need to remove and resod an existing lawn, installation rates increase to $2 to $4.50 per square foot to account for additional labor, such as digging up old turf, hauling it away, and prepping the soil for new sod.

Delivery

Expect to pay $90 to $350 for sod delivery if you’re unable to pick it up yourself. Local delivery within a 30 to 50-mile radius generally has a flat fee on the lower end of the cost range. Long-distance deliveries, particularly for large sod quantities, may involve higher costs and transportation surcharges.

Prep Work

The current condition of your yard impacts its required prep and associated costs, sometimes increasing your total sod installation bill by 30% or more.

Neglecting soil preparation may prevent your sod from establishing a strong root system, resulting in patchy growth, poor drainage, or dead grass. In contrast, proper preparation ensures the soil is fertile, level, and well-draining. Adding a layer of topsoil, for instance, costs between $340 and $1,350.

Consider these potential preparation costs:

Preparation Task	Cost Range
Soil grading	$1–$3 per sq. ft
Basic soil tests	$20–$100
Aeration	$75–$200
Topsoil	$12–$55 per cu. yd.
Sprinkler system installation	$1,650–$3,600
Fertilizer	$0.02–$0.08 per sq. ft.
Dethatching	$160–$225

Sod Pallet Costs by Type

Sod costs vary significantly depending on the grass species—some cost as little as $90 per pallet or $0.20 per square foot, while others cost $400 per pallet or $0.90 per square foot or more. Each grass has unique characteristics and is suited to specific soil types and climate zones.

Species	Per Square Foot	Cost Range per Pallet (450 Sq. Ft.)
St. Augustine	$0.45–$0.90	$200–$405
Zoysia	$0.50–$0.80	$225–$360
Bermuda	$0.45–$0.85	$200–$380
Centipede	$0.80–$0.90	$360–$405
Fine Fescue	$0.35–$0.70	$160–$315
Tall Fescue	$0.60–$0.65	$270–$295
Kentucky Bluegrass	$0.30–$0.60	$135–$270
Bahia	$0.20–$0.40	$90–$180
Marathon	$0.60–$0.65	$270–$290
Bentgrass	$0.55–$0.70	$250–$315
Perennial Ryegrass	$0.40–$0.85	$180–$385

St. Augustine

This coarse, fast-growing, wide-bladed grass is popular for lawns in the Carolinas, Texas, and Central California. St. Augustine sod costs $200 to $405 per pallet or $0.45 to $0.90 per square foot. Floratem, a variant of this species that’s well-suited to full sunlight and various soil types, is sometimes available for $185 to $225 per pallet or about $0.35 per square foot.

Zoysia

Zoysia sod is $225 to $360 per pallet or $0.50 to $0.80 per square foot. This soft grass features fine blades, tolerates varying levels of sunlight and water, and is common on golf courses. While versatile, Zoysia works best in warm and sunny areas.

Some newer breeds of zoysia better tolerate colder regions, such as the mid-Atlantic states. These include zoysia emerald—which sells for about $240 per pallet or $0.55 per square foot—and zenith—which sells for about $385 per pallet or $0.85 per square foot.

Bermuda

Bermuda sod averages $200 to $380 per pallet or $0.45 to $0.85 per square foot. This grass grows quickly in almost any soil, with a six-foot or more root system, making it drought-resistant and resilient. It’s popular in areas with heavy foot traffic, such as football fields.

Centipede

Centipede grass sod is $360 to $405 per pallet or $0.80 to $0.90 per square foot. Adapted to warm areas, such as the sandy and acidic soils of the Southeast, centipede grass creates a low and dense lawn.

Fescue

Fine and tall fescue sod averages $160 to $315 per pallet or $0.35 to $0.70 per square foot. This grass performs well in most climates and typically prefers shade. Tall fescue tolerates most conditions, including heavy foot traffic, while fine fescue is often more vulnerable.

Kentucky Bluegrass

Kentucky bluegrass sod costs $135 to $270 per pallet or $0.30 to $0.60 per square foot. This cool-season grass is popular due to its lush, green, and uniform appearance. While it prefers full sun, Kentucky Bluegrass grows well in the shade with proper care and regular mowing, feeding, and watering.

Bahia

Bahia grass sod is $90 to $180 per pallet or $0.20 to $0.40 per square foot. This warm-season grass thrives in the Southeastern U.S. and is well-adapted to sandy soil and drought, but it can survive in most conditions.

Marathon

Marathon sod averages $270 to $290 per pallet or $0.60 to $0.65 per square foot. This lush and soft grass grows quickly in the fall and thrives in cool weather, but different varieties are available for different climates and conditions. They all work well in front yards and backyards that endure a lot of foot traffic but require frequent mowing and watering.

Bentgrass

Bent grass sod is $225 to $315 per pallet or $0.50 to $0.70 per square foot. This cool-season grass has a blue-green hue and soft feel. It’s popular for lawns, natural putting greens, and sports turf since it stands up well to low mowing and heavy foot traffic. It grows well in the cool, wet conditions of the Pacific Northwest and the Northeast U.S.

Perennial Ryegrass

Ryegrass sod costs $180 to $385 per pallet or $0.40 to $0.85 per square foot. Known for its fast germination and growth, this durable grass tolerates close mowing and cold weather.

Does Installing Sod Increase Home Value?

Sod can help increase your home value by improving its overall curb appeal. A well-maintained lawn can significantly improve potential homebuyers’ first impressions, especially in markets where residents prioritize lawn care and outdoor spaces. Sodding offers other benefits for your property, such as preventing soil erosion and protecting your lawn from weed and pest damage.

Budgeting for a Pallet of Sod

Keeping sodding costs down with these budgeting tips:

Buy in bulk—suppliers may offer reduced unit costs for higher quantities, often making pallets more cost-effective than rolls.
Get quotes from multiple suppliers or sod layers to find the best deal.
Opt for affordable sod types that balance quality, appearance, and cost.
Bundle sod laying with other landscaping services for an overall discounted labor rate.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is sod?

Sod is a thick layer of mature, natural grass growing in one to two inches of soil. It’s ready to lay upon delivery, creating an instant lawn. Sod offers a lusher, denser lawn than growing from seed and helps prevent erosion. You’ll also spend less time and money on irrigation—sod requires only twice daily water in the weeks following installation.

What is Super-Sod?

Super-Sod is a supplier of various high-quality species of zoysia, centipede grass, tall fescue, and Bermuda grass in the Southeast and mid-Atlantic U.S. Every variety is sold in rolls and pallets to suit different-sized yards.

How much does a pallet of sod weigh?

A pallet of sod weighs anywhere from 1,500 to 3,000 pounds, depending on its moisture content. If your sod is left in the rain, it absorbs the water and can weigh more than before.

Sod vs. seeded grass lawn vs. hydroseeding—which is better?

Sod is better than a seeded grass lawn when it comes to convenience and short-term durability. A sod lawn installation matures more quickly, establishes itself faster, is less prone to rain erosion, and you can use it in just a few weeks.

Seeding and hydroseeding offer some advantages over sod, including lower prices and labor requirements. Hydroseeding costs half as much as budget-friendly sod at about $3,500 per acre or $0.08 per square foot. Hydroseeding also combats erosion better than traditional seeding by mixing seed with mulch, but it can take up to a year before a traditionally seeded or hydroseeded lawn is fully usable.

Which is more expensive—sod or artificial grass turf?

Ranging from $5 to $20 per square foot, artificial grass turf costs more than sod. However, synthetic grass can save time and money on maintenance. Artificial grass turf doesn’t require mowing, watering, or fertilizing, saving up to $850 per year.