How Much Is a Pallet of Sod? Costs, Coverage, and Installation Guide
Depending on the type of grass and the store, a pallet of sod can cost anywhere from $130 to $360. It covers between 400 and 500 square feet, so it's great for quickly putting down lawns.
The price of installing sod includes the cost of labor, delivery, and getting the ground ready. Your budget, time frame, and lawn needs will help you decide between sod and seeding. By knowing these things, you can be sure to pick the best option for your landscaping project.
How Much Is a Pallet of Sod?
How much a pallet of sod costs depends on a number of things, like the type of grass, the supplier, and the delivery fees. A pallet of sod costs about $130 to $360 on average, and it's an easy way to make a lush lawn.
It costs more or less for popular choices like Palisades zoysia, Bermuda grass, and centipede grass because they have different qualities and grow better in different climates.
Understanding Sod Pricing
The sod cost includes the price of the grass, transportation, and often harvesting labor. Pricing varies:
Bermuda Grass: Known for its durability, often used on golf courses and athletic fields, costs $130–$240 per pallet.
Centipede Grass: A low-maintenance option, ideal for residential yards, ranges from $150–$300 per pallet.
Palisades Zoysia: A premium option for its dark green color and adaptability, priced at $200–$360 per pallet.
Factors Influencing Sod Cost
Grass Type: Some types like zoysia and st. augustine are more expensive due to their resilience and appearance.
Seasonality: Prices may drop in winter months when demand is lower, but availability may be limited.
Delivery Fees: Expect to pay extra for transportation if the farm or supplier is far from your location.
How Much Does One Pallet of Sod Cover?
It's easier for homeowners and landscapers to plan their projects when they know that a pallet of sod will cover a certain area. A pallet of sod usually has enough to cover 400 to 500 square feet, but this can change depending on the type of grass and how it's cut.
Square Footage and Measurements
A normal pallet of sod covers about 450 square feet, but pallets of Bermuda grass may be a little different.
Smaller pallets, which are sometimes called "half pallets," are about 225 square feet in size.
Calculating Your Needs
To find out how many pallets your yard needs, do the following:
To find the area in square feet, multiply the length by the width.
To find the area, divide it by the size of a single pallet, which is about 450 square feet.
Add 5–10% more for odd shapes or extra trimming.
How Much Does It Cost to Install One Pallet of Sod?
How much it costs to install a pallet of sod depends on how much the labor costs, how well the site is prepared, and any extra services you want, like setting up irrigation or fertilization. Installation usually adds $1 to $2 per square foot to the total cost of the sod, so it's important to plan ahead.
Breakdown of Installation Costs
Labor: Hiring professionals for sod installation costs $0.50–$1.50 per square foot.
Site Preparation: Includes soil testing, leveling, and removing existing grass or debris, which may cost $200–$400.
Delivery Fees: For large projects, the cost of delivery can range from $50 to $200, depending on the supplier's location.
Factors That Affect Installation Pricing
Grass Type: Premium options like palisades zoysia or st. augustine may require more careful handling, increasing installation costs.
Farm Location: Local farms may offer lower delivery costs, while distant suppliers could raise the total price significantly.
How Long Does It Take Two People to Lay a Pallet of Sod?
Putting down sod pallets is a quick way to get a lush lawn, but the time it takes depends on how big the area is, how well the ground is prepared, and how skilled the person is. It normally takes two people two to three hours to lay down one pallet of sod, which covers about 400 to 500 square feet.
Average Installation Time
Teams with more experience can lay sod pallets more quickly because they know how to do it.
For beginners, it could take longer, especially if they don't prepare the ground well.
Factors Affecting Installation Time
Grass Type: Bermuda grass and centipede grass are lighter and easier to handle, potentially speeding up the process.
Weather Conditions: Laying sod in the winter months can take longer due to frozen ground or wet soil.
Ground Preparation: Proper leveling and clearing debris ensure smoother installation but require additional time.
Is It Better to Lay Sod or Seed?
Choosing between sod and seed depends on your timeline, budget, and lawn goals. Both options can lead to a lush lawn, but sod provides instant results, while seeding requires patience and more maintenance during growth.
Pros and Cons of Sod
Advantages:
Instant transformation for golf courses and athletic fields.
Provides an even, dark green color immediately.
Ideal for fast results during the winter months when seeding is less effective.
Disadvantages:
Higher sod cost compared to seeding.
Requires careful watering to prevent shrinkage or drying.
Pros and Cons of Seeding
Advantages:
Lower cost makes it accessible for larger areas.
More grass variety options to choose from, including popular lawn grass like rye or fescue.
Disadvantages:
Slower growth and higher risk of patchy areas.
Needs consistent maintenance to prevent weed growth.
Sod is better for areas that need results right away, like athletic fields that get a lot of foot traffic. Seeding, on the other hand, is a good choice for areas with less time and less money.
Final Thoughts
Putting down sod is a quick and easy way to get a lush lawn. You can make the best choice for your yard if you know how much a pallet of sod costs and about common types of lawn grass, like Bermuda grass.
Even though sod can be more expensive than seeding, many homeowners and landscapers choose it because it works right away and is easy to work with.