How Much Are Sod Prices?
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+When it's time to consider the cost of a new lawn, homeowners generally have two options: seeding grass or laying new sod. While hydroseeding costs less on average, it's a much longer process that can take up to 2 years for a thick, lush lawn to fully flourish. For a quick and effective method to instantly increase curb appeal, laying new sod is an attractive choice for most homeowners.
Sod prices can vary due to regional differences, the type of grass, and the amount of sod that needs to be laid. Sod can be sold by the pallet, per square foot, per square yard, or by the roll. According to HomeAdvisor, sod prices per pallet range from $150 to $450, with an average cost of $300, not including installation. Though laying sod over a large lawn can seem like a daunting task, enjoying healthy, green grass within a matter of days may be worth the cost and effort to boost the appearance and value of a property.
How to Calculate Sod PricesSod prices are based on a number of factors that include the unit of measure (roll, square foot, pallet, and more), the variety of grass, installation costs, delivery price, and regional location. Purchasing sod for 1/5 of an acre costs on average between $3,025 and $8,025. The average cost to install grass sod is $2,000. Choosing to install sod on their own may require homeowners to use additional equipment such as a sod cutter to remove old grass, compost/fertilizer, a tamping roller, topsoil, and more. These items are included during a professional installation, which means the flat rate may be cheaper than the cost of a DIY installation. The price of one pallet of the most popular kinds of sod grass ranges from $150 to $450.
How to Estimate Sod QuantityAfter homeowners have learned how to calculate sod prices for purchasing and installing new sod, it's time to figure out how to calculate sod quantity. The final price will vary based on the type of sod, but these calculations can help determine the overall sod quantity needed. Homeowners can follow the steps below to determine how much sod they need for their project.
Determining the cost of sod for sale in a particular area is typically an easy process. Geographic location and climate are the first factors to ensure the purchase of the right kind of grass for a region, which will in turn determine the cost. Some varieties of grass are priced differently due to their hardiness to survive well in cool temperatures and others in warm temperatures.
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+ Measurement UnitSod prices per square foot are typically in the range of $0.35 to $0.85. It's also common for sod to be sold in 450-square-foot pallets. A pallet of sod price usually falls between $150 and $450. Less commonly, sod can come in rolls that cover about 10 square feet apiece and cost $3 to $8. It's worth noting that roll sizes are not always consistent across retailers. Other options include per square yard, acre, ½ acre, and ¼ acre.
Sod TypeMost lawn sod is sold by the pallet or square foot. Homeowners can expect to pay around $150 to $450 per pallet. Some grass varieties may not be available in certain areas, but local distributors will have several varieties to choose from that work best for the climate.
Sod comes in three grades: economy (also called utility grade), mid-grade, and high-grade. The higher the sod grade, the better equipped it will be to integrate with the existing soil and fight off disease. The price per square foot for sod can vary depending on the sod grade. Economy-grade sod is the most affordable option at $0.20 to $0.30 per square foot but is also the least hearty. Mid-grade sod strikes a balance between relative affordability at $0.50 to $0.65 per square foot and relative low maintenance, with moderate resistance to disease. High-grade sod is the priciest but develops strong roots and requires very little maintenance. High-grade sod costs $0.70 to $0.80 per square foot.
Sod Grade Cost per Square Foot Economy/utility $0.20 to $0.30 Mid-grade $0.50 to $0.65 High-grade $0.70 to $0.80 TopsoilTopsoil is not required for putting down sod, but if the current soil is unhealthy or lacking in nutrients it can be worthwhile to add fresh topsoil ahead of the sod installation. It costs about $12 to $55 per cubic yard to put down new topsoil. Otherwise, lawn aeration costs $140 on average and can also improve the health of the soil.
Warm-Season vs. Cool-Season GrassesIn most regions, laying sod is best done during spring or fall, when the temperatures are less extreme. Some sod varieties have a high tolerance for longer periods of cooler weather. These are called cool-season grasses. Others called warm-season grasses do well in warmer climates with long periods of hot weather. Transition-zone grasses grow in all regions and thrive in moderate climates.
Cool-season grasses:
Transition-zone grasses:
Warm-season grasses:
Some varieties of grass sod cannot be purchased locally if they aren't well-suited for that region's climate. Local suppliers will grow a variety of the best sod and often have a lower price point than Home Depot sod for large purchases. Purchasing sod directly from the grower will also help ensure the sod is fresh and healthy. Homeowners can look up "sod prices near me" online to get a sense of local pricing or to get quotes from local sod growers.
Sod prices can vary within the three growing regions across the country. There are three climate zones suitable for different grass varieties in the United States: cool, transition, and warm. The cool climate includes the mid- to upper-half of the country; the transition zone includes the top portion of the lower half of the country; the warm climate includes the lowest regions of the Southern states.
Additional Costs and ConsiderationsDelivery costs are another factor for sod prices for those who don't own a truck or trailer to pick it up. Other considerations may include installing a sprinkler system, physically laying the sod, or removing old sod.
DeliveryOrdering sod from a local wholesaler can be more cost-effective for large purchases. In general, the cost to have sod delivered ranges between $90 and $350. For homeowners who have their own trucks or trailers, picking up the order is usually free. It may be most cost-effective to rent a truck for the day as this typically costs around $129 in total. Homeowners will want to have sod delivered or picked up when it's ready to be installed, and not earlier, to avoid stressing the grass.
LaborThe labor costs to install sod with a professional landscaping company include all equipment and tools needed to prepare, install, and fertilize the new sod. On average, the labor cost to install sod is $0.15 to $0.60 per square foot. Prices will be on the higher end if the lawn is sloped, is difficult to access, or has an irregular shape. Costs can also depend on how much work the installers do compared to any DIY prep completed by the homeowner. For most projects, it takes contractors between 1 and 2 hours to install 500 square feet of sod.
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+ Old Sod Removal and Ground PreparationIf old sod needs to be removed first, a sod-cutter can be rented for approximately $70 to $100 per day. A professional company typically charges between $0.50 to $2 per square foot of grass that needs removal. The old soil would need to be tilled to provide a freshly aerated base for the new sod, or new topsoil can be laid and leveled. Adding compost to the soil layer can help boost the growth of new sod grass.
Sprinkler InstallationInstalling a sprinkler system in dry climates is recommended before the last layer of soil is leveled and sod installed to avoid digging up and damaging the grass. A new sprinkler can cost anywhere from $1,700 to $3,500. Most homes need at least three to five sprinkler zones.
Sod Prices by Type of SodThere are nearly a dozen common varieties of sod that are frequently installed in yards. Sod prices are determined by the region and the variety that's available or best suited for that climate. Below are the most common types of sod for sale and their average costs.
BahiaThe average cost of this grass is $90 to $180 per pallet or $0.20 to $0.40 per square foot. This is one of the least expensive types of sod and works well in warm climates. It's tolerant of heavy foot traffic and lawn care mistakes like overwatering and resists soil erosion thanks to the strong root system.
BentgrassBentgrass sod prices per pallet range from $225 to $315 on average in most cool-weather climates. This type of grass costs between $0.50 and $0.70 per square foot. Bentgrass can tolerate heavy foot traffic and resists pests and disease during cooler, wet months, but it requires extra care during warmer months.
BermudaBermuda sod is a tough grass that can handle heavy foot traffic like you'd find at a sports field or park. Roots grow at least 2 feet deep, and seed heads sprout to propagate quickly if it's not mowed frequently. The average cost per pallet is $160 to $385, and the cost per square foot is between $0.35 and $0.85.
CentipedeThis warm-season variety can tolerate shady areas while growing a low, dense lawn. It can tolerate drought and heat, as well as sandy or acidic soils, but it doesn't do as well with heavy foot traffic. The average cost per pallet is $340 to $385 from a hardware store and may be less from a local wholesaler. Homeowners paying by the square foot will pay between $0.75 and $0.85.
FescueFescue is a cool-weather grass that can grow between 4 and 79 inches tall, making it a great choice for ornamental grass or in-the-rough grass on golf courses. It's one of the most common grass choices and tolerates poor soil conditions and high elevations. A pallet costs on average $160 to $295, and the per-square-foot cost ranges from $0.35 to $0.65.
Kentucky BluegrassKentucky bluegrass is designed for cool climates that do not experience extreme heat or drought. It can tolerate full sun or partial shade with regular fertilizing and watering, but it cannot handle much stress from disease, pests, or weeds. Homeowners can expect to pay $0.35 to $0.40 per square foot or $160 to $180 per pallet.
MarathonMarathon is a type of cool-season sod that is durable enough to handle foot traffic while also resisting weeds and pests. Regular mowing and watering is needed to maintain the lush, green appearance. On average, the cost per pallet is $270 to $295 and the cost per square foot is $0.60 to $0.65.
RyegrassRyegrass sod tolerates low mowing and high foot traffic, making it a great choice for sports fields and parks in cool-weather climates. Minimal maintenance is needed in cool months, but extra watering helps prevent browning in warmer months. The average cost per pallet is $160 to $295, with the cost per square foot ranging from $0.35 to $0.65.
St. AugustineSt. Augustine is a warm-climate friendly grass with a wide blade that resists drought and heat but doesn't tolerate temperatures below 10 degrees Fahrenheit. It's popular in several southern states, fast-growing, and pest-resistant. On average, it costs between $160 and $340 per pallet or $0.35 to $0.75 per square foot.
Super-SodSuper-Sod is a company that supplies homeowners with sod types that match their climate and growing seasons. It can provide variations of the zoysia, centipede, fescue, and Bermuda grasses to give homeowners a lush, green lawn. Prices will vary depending on the home's location and the variety of sod needed, but homeowners can get a free quote directly from Super-Sod.
ZoysiaThe average cost for zoysia sod is $180 to $270 per pallet or $0.40 to $0.60 per square foot. Zoysia is known to be a highly tolerant type of sod when it comes to sunlight and water variables. The blades are fine and soft, which makes it a preferred variety for golf courses in warmer climates, since it also grows slowly.
Benefits of Installing SodWhile the upfront price of sod can discourage new homeowners, a healthy lawn can provide several benefits to the overall property. Not only does the appearance of the yard immediately improve, but sod can also help control weeds, prevent blowing dust, and stop soil erosion, making it a quick and relatively low-cost solution for an ugly lawn.
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+ Immediate ResultsWhen it's time for a new lawn, the choice is often between sod and seed. When compared to the less-expensive and tedious method of hydroseeding a lawn, laying new sod provides an immediate result of healthy, strong grass that can be used within days or weeks. This can also help homeowners save significantly on the time and cost of lawn care.
Increased Curb AppealA lawn that's been overgrown by weeds or never really was a lawn in the first place can look unappealing and bring down the value of the home. Potential buyers will notice a poorly maintained yard immediately and realize there will be an added cost to improve the yard's appearance, which may dissuade them from purchasing the home.
Weed Growth ControlWith the right type of sod, weeds are less likely to overtake a yard. Grass typically grows densely and helps reduce the number of weeds that can take root. This can also help alleviate symptoms for allergy sufferers who may be less tolerant of weeds growing wild in the yard.
Reduced Soil ErosionSoil that has no ground cover from grass or plants is susceptible to being blown away in strong winds or swept away during rain. Both situations are potentially hazardous, whether from breathing in the dust or risking mudflow into the home. Layering exposed soil with a healthy sod grass can help prevent soil erosion by covering it with a strong root system.
How to Choose SodWhen homeowners are determining how to choose new sod for an existing yard, it's a good idea to take a sample of the grass to the sod supplier to see if an exact match or similar type is available. If a completely new lawn is being installed, then there are a number of factors to consider, including climate, sun and shade ratio, level of foot traffic, and more. Below are some helpful tips for homeowners to consider when choosing new sod.
Yard work and landscaping are among the most common DIY activities for homeowners. It can be therapeutic to work in the dirt and satisfying to enjoy the fruits of the labor of building a beautiful yard. The best DIY lawn care programs on the market have also made it easier for homeowners to care for their own lawns. For some homeowners completing a small sod installation, it may be more cost-effective to prep, purchase, and install new sod on their own.
Homeowners may already own several of the tools needed to complete the task, including a shovel, rototiller, rake, and more. Additional costs may include buying fertilizer (around $10 per 1,000 square feet) and renting a sod roller to remove any air pockets (between $15 and $25 per day). All that's needed beyond that is time and a strong back to lay down the sod pieces once they are purchased.
While many homeowners don't think twice about calling friends and family to help install a new layer of sod, groups of friends are not always available to help with big projects. When a large area of new sod needs to be installed, it's worth homeowners considering having a professional landscape company do all of the prep work and installation. Not only can it save homeowners from straining themselves physically, but the best lawn care services have plenty of practice and experience with the best sod for an area and proper installation methods as well as helpful maintenance tips. Installation costs will include all materials and labor, but it's often possible for homeowners to negotiate with the installer about prepping the ground or purchasing the sod. Then, all the homeowner needs to do is sit back and relax while the pros do the heavy lifting.
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+ How to Save Money on Sod PricesAs with most big projects, finding ways to reduce the overall costs interests most homeowners. From discounts to local shopping, the following tips can help with saving money on sod prices.
Asking the right questions before installing new sod can help homeowners feel confident that their new lawn will stay healthy and green during the growing season. Below are some helpful questions for homeowners to ask sod wholesalers and the best sod installation services about sod prices.
Factoring the costs of installing new sod can be a daunting process, especially for first-timers. The following frequently asked questions and their answers can guide homeowners as they decide on the best sod for their home.
Q. How much does sod cost per square foot?The average cost of sod sold by the square foot ranges from $0.35 to $0.85, depending on location, climate, and choice of sod.
Q. Do I need to put topsoil down before sod?It's helpful to lay down several inches of topsoil before installing sod to provide the grass with a healthy place to grow new roots. Sometimes existing soil is too clay-based, acidic, or rocky, so the topsoil provides grass with a better foundation to thrive on. If the soil has already had rocks removed and is of sufficient quality for the sod, it's possible to simply use a rototiller to aerate the soil before leveling it for sod.
Q. Is it OK to water new sod at night?It's best to water new sod during the day so that the roots have a chance to dry out during the heat of the day. Leaving sod wet overnight can make it susceptible to pests, disease, and fungus.
Q. Can you lay sod over existing grass?It's generally not recommended to lay sod over existing grass for several reasons:
If new sod is being installed, the old sod will need to be removed with a sod-cutter.
Sources: HomeAdvisor, Angi, HomeGuide
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+How To Find The Best Concrete Companies Near You
Residential concrete companies can install new and repair old concrete at your residence. Contractors will make the concrete onsite using a bagged cement mix for smaller-scale projects, like landings and walkways. For larger-scale projects, like foundations and slabs, contractors will order a concrete mix truck to the project site.
Concrete Slabs and PatiosA concrete slab or patio turns unused outdoor space into a new place for gathering. Whether you want a small 10-feetby-10-feet slab or something much larger, a concrete contractor will explain all of your options, then install a level, uniform and versatile slab. The deck around some types of inground pools also falls into this category. A concrete company with lots of pool deck experience can also take on any associated masonry and tile work that you need.
Concrete Sidewalks and DrivewaysWhether you are looking to install a new driveway or sidewalk or want to replace your existing one, this service is a concrete contractor's bread and butter. When planning your project, choose the size of your path and the location of the joints, depending on the style you prefer. If you want the same look as your existing concrete, ask the contractor to replace it "in kind."
Concrete Retaining Walls and StairsConcrete retaining walls and stairs provide accessibility throughout your yard—installation requires an advanced level of expertise. Some concrete retaining walls will even require an engineered design. Ensure your concrete contractor is highly experienced and qualified to install these structures. A poorly constructed retaining wall can quickly become a safety hazard.
Concrete FoundationsFoundations are the concrete bases that support an addition to your home, a new garage or a new shed. Foundations that support large structures need to be engineered and expertly erected. For this reason, not all residential concrete companies can pour concrete foundations. If you need a concrete foundation, you will need a highly qualified concrete company with the ability to take on the task and who will coordinate with an engineer.
Stamped and Colored ConcreteAdding a stamped pattern or a tinted color to your concrete can take ae dull, gray slab and transform it into an interesting design feature. Stamped concrete can mimic the look of pavers or natural stone at a fraction of the cost. Ask your concrete contractor for samples of the styles and colors they offer.
Concrete Repair and RemovalOver time, concrete is bound to crack. Experienced concrete companies know this and have an entire arsenal of caulks, sealants, and grouts available for crack repair. Concrete companies can also perform concrete removal. For example, if you have a cracked patio slab or walkway that is past the point of repair, a concrete contractor will use mechanical equipment to complete the removal.
Solar Installers Near You: How To Find Reputable Installers
1. Find Solar Installers in Your AreaThere are excellent solar installation companies of all sizes. Small installers who focus on local markets often have lower prices, and you can easily contact them for technical support. Small installers are also more familiarized with local solar incentives such as rebates and tax credits.
Large installers have higher overhead costs, but they often have attractive financing options that are rarely available from small companies. A study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) found that national solar installers have higher prices 70% of the time, and their offers are 10% more expensive on average.
National installers also have a broader supply chain, and they may offer a wider variety of solar panel brands. However, large companies often rely on local subcontractors to keep up with demand, which means they don't have direct control over many of their installations.
We recommend comparing quotes from multiple solar installers to make sure you get a good deal that fits your needs. The following are some ways to identify solar companies near you:
You can also input your ZIP code in the box below to contact our recommended solar installers.
2. Check Licensing, Certification and Insurance InformationBefore choosing a solar installation company, you should make sure they meet at least three basic requirements:
Rooftop solar systems need a construction permit in most locations, and you will only get the permit if you hire a licensed contractor. Also consider that many home solar systems participate in net metering, where surplus solar power is exported to the local electric grid in exchange for bill credits. Utility companies will only allow an interconnection if the system is installed by professionals.
Most solar panel installations are completed without major issues when qualified professionals are in charge. However, accidents and property damage can happen on rare occasions, and they may affect third parties. Contractor insurance is very important, since it also protects you from fines and other types of legal action.
Depending on the state where you live, the NABCEP certification may be mandatory for solar contractors operating locally. There are also solar incentive programs that have this requirement. Even when professional certifications are optional, they demonstrate that an installer has been approved by a recognized solar industry organization.
3. Research a Solar Installer's Experience and ReviewsThere are many ways to tell if a solar installation company has a successful track record. Searching online is a great starting point, since you can check the average scores of solar installers based on customer reviews. Many solar companies also have reviews on their websites, but keep in mind these could be filtered or even fake.
NABCEP has a professional directory where you can find certified solar installers by city. The directory will display the names of solar PV professionals near you, along with their certifications and the names of their companies. If you get offers from solar installers who claim to be NABCEP-certified, you can look them up in the official directory to confirm.
In addition to customer reviews, you may also find case studies. These give you an idea of typical solar panel costs and electric bill savings, but make sure the source can be trusted. The following are excellent resources if you're looking for detailed information about solar power and other renewable technologies:
4. Compare Solar Quotes and Installers' Local KnowledgeComparing offers from multiple solar installers is strongly recommended before proceeding with an installation. The first proposal you get could be overpriced, or you could be getting a cheap offer with low-quality solar panels. This is only evident when you compare multiple solar quotes.
NREL and SEIA provide average solar quotes by market segment, which are excellent references when comparing offers. You can identify overpriced and underpriced offers by comparing them with the average prices reported for the residential sector.
The SEIA estimates a higher average price, since they focus on high-end solar panels for home. The NREL considers a wider product variety, including less efficient PV modules, and their estimated costs are lower as a result.
Based on NREL estimates, you can expect to pay around $17,700 for a 6-kW home solar system (before subtracting incentives). Some variation above and below the average price is normal when comparing solar installers, but offers that are excessively cheap or expensive should raise suspicion.
When contacting a solar installation company, always ask for a detailed breakdown of all the equipment and services included in their offer. This allows for a better comparison, since you can check if the higher-priced offers include additional features.
The NREL study also analyzed the market price of home batteries, and they determined that you can expect to pay around $1,503 per kilowatt-hour of electricity storage capacity. This means a 10-kWh solar battery can be expected to cost around $15,030 (before incentives).
Testing Knowledge of Local IncentivesGood solar installers will be familiar with current incentive programs available in the states where they operate. Solar rebate programs have limited funding, and many of them offer higher incentives for early adopters. Some incentive programs renew their budget each year, but others close permanently when funds are depleted. Ideally, you should hire a solar installer who will help you qualify for all the incentives available.
If you get familiarized with local solar incentives before contacting installers, you can test their knowledge. The Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) is an excellent resource, where you filter incentives by state or by technology (including solar, wind, batteries, heat pumps and more).
The Bottom LineIf you're going solar, you should look for an installation company who is licensed in your state and covered by liability insurance. Depending on where you live, the NABCEP Certification may also be mandatory.
According to the NREL, you can expect to pay $2.95 per watt of solar photovoltaic capacity, before subtracting incentives. The following table summarizes the average prices you can expect for common solar PV system sizes:
Actual prices vary, and you can expect to pay more when using high-efficiency monocrystalline panels. However, the figures above are a useful reference for comparison. Note that your out-of-pocket cost will be lower after subtracting the 30% federal solar tax credit and local incentives.
Leonardo David is an electromechanical engineer, MBA, energy consultant and technical writer. His energy-efficiency and solar consulting experience covers sectors including banking, textile manufacturing, plastics processing, pharmaceutics, education, food processing, real estate and retail. He has also been writing articles about energy and engineering topics since 2015.
Sabrina Lopez is an editor with over six years of experience writing and editing digital content with a particular focus on home services, home products and personal finance. When she is not working on articles to help consumers make informed decisions, Sabrina enjoys creative writing and spending time with her family and their two parrots.