Sod Installation Cost in 2026 (Per Sq Ft, Per Pallet, Whole Yard)

The short version: Professionally installed sod runs about $0.90–$2.00 per square foot including prep. A typical quarter-acre yard (about 4,000 sq ft of turf) lands around $4,500–$9,000. St. Augustine is the default Florida choice.

How sod is priced

Three numbers show up in quotes. Per square foot installed — $0.90–$2.00, including delivery, prep and labor. Per pallet — a pallet covers about 400–500 sq ft and costs $180–$400 for the sod alone; installed, $350–$700. Whole yard — a single project number after measuring the turf area (total lot minus house, drive, beds and hardscape).

Cost by grass type (Florida)

St. Augustine ‘Floratam’ — the Florida default. $0.35–$0.60/sq ft for sod; broad blade, good sun tolerance, moderate shade tolerance.
St. Augustine ‘Palmetto’ / ‘CitraBlue’ — better shade and disease tolerance, $0.45–$0.75/sq ft.
Zoysia — dense, fine, handsome, slow to establish and pricier: $0.55–$0.90/sq ft.
Bahia — cheapest ($0.25–$0.40), tough and drought-hardy, but coarse and open — often used for large low-maintenance areas.
Bermuda — full-sun, high-traffic, needs the most mowing and feeding.

Because grading and irrigation coverage decide whether new sod survives its first summer, most Port St. Lucie homeowners have a local landscaping crew handle the prep rather than laying pallets over an unleveled yard.

Sod installation cost by yard size (St. Augustine, installed, 2026)

Area sodded	Approx. pallets	Installed cost
Front yard only (~1,500 sq ft)	3 – 4	$1,800 – $3,500
Average full yard (~4,000 sq ft)	8 – 10	$4,500 – $9,000
Large lot (~8,000 sq ft)	16 – 20	$8,000 – $16,000
Repair patches (~400 sq ft)	1	$350 – $700

Add for heavy old-lawn removal, significant regrading, fill dirt, or irrigation repair/expansion.

What professional installation includes

A proper install is mostly prep: kill or strip the old lawn and weeds; haul off the dead material; bring in and grade topsoil so water runs away from the house and there are no low spots; till and level; lay the sod tight with staggered seams; roll it for soil-to-root contact; and water it in heavily. The crew should also confirm your irrigation actually covers the new area — dry corners are the number-one cause of new-sod failure.

Skipping prep is why DIY pallets often brown out in patches within a month.

Best time to sod in Florida

Sod can be laid year-round in Florida, but spring through early summer gives the roots warm soil and the rainy season to establish. Avoid laying it right before a cold snap or during a drought restriction when you cannot water it in. New sod needs daily watering for the first 2 weeks, then tapering over the next month.

Frequently Asked Questions

?How much does it cost to sod a quarter-acre yard?

A quarter-acre lot usually has 3,500–4,500 sq ft of actual turf area after subtracting the house and hardscape. Installed St. Augustine sod for that runs about $4,500–$9,000.

?How long until you can walk on new sod?

Stay off it for about two weeks while the roots knit into the soil. Light foot traffic is fine after that; full use and the first mow at around three to four weeks.

?Which grass is best for a Florida lawn?

St. Augustine (Floratam for full sun, Palmetto or CitraBlue for partial shade) is the standard choice for its sun tolerance and appearance. Bahia is the budget option for large, low-maintenance areas.

Cost figures are 2026 national and Florida-region averages compiled for general guidance. Get itemized quotes for your specific property before budgeting.