Pricing by Grass Type
Sod Cost per Square Foot — 2026 Pricing Guide
Sod material costs range from $0.35 to $1.00 per square foot depending on the grass type. Here is a detailed breakdown of what each variety costs, including pallet pricing, and what to consider beyond the sticker price.
| Grass Type | Cost per Sq Ft | Cost per Pallet | Pallet Coverage | Season | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bermuda Grass | $0.35 - $0.65 | $180 - $330 | 500 sq ft | warm-season | medium |
| Fescue (Tall Fescue) | $0.40 - $0.75 | $200 - $375 | 500 sq ft | cool-season | low |
| Zoysia Grass | $0.55 - $1.00 | $280 - $500 | 500 sq ft | warm-season | low |
| St. Augustine Grass | $0.45 - $0.85 | $225 - $425 | 500 sq ft | warm-season | medium |
| Kentucky Bluegrass | $0.45 - $0.90 | $225 - $450 | 500 sq ft | cool-season | high |
Prices reflect sod material only. Last verified April 2026.
Bermuda Grass
$0.35 - $0.65/sq ftOne of the most popular warm-season grasses known for its durability, heat tolerance, and rapid growth. Bermuda grass creates a dense, carpet-like lawn that withstands heavy foot traffic.
Sun Requirement
Full sun (6-8+ hours)
Water Needs
Medium
Ideal Regions
Southeast, Southwest, Southern Plains
Pros
- + Extremely heat and drought tolerant
- + Recovers quickly from damage
- + Dense growth crowds out weeds
- + Low to moderate cost
Cons
- - Goes dormant and turns brown in winter
- - Requires full sun — poor shade tolerance
- - Aggressive spreading into garden beds
- - Needs frequent mowing in peak season
Fescue (Tall Fescue)
$0.40 - $0.75/sq ftA versatile cool-season grass that tolerates heat better than other cool-season varieties. Tall fescue has deep roots that provide good drought resistance and stays green year-round in moderate climates.
Sun Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
Water Needs
Medium
Ideal Regions
Upper South, Transition Zone, Pacific Northwest, Northeast
Pros
- + Stays green year-round in many climates
- + Good shade tolerance
- + Deep roots improve drought resistance
- + Low maintenance once established
Cons
- - Can look clumpy if not planted densely
- - Slower to repair bare spots
- - Not as fine-textured as bluegrass
- - May thin in extreme southern heat
Zoysia Grass
$0.55 - $1.00/sq ftA premium warm-season grass prized for its dense, soft texture and beautiful appearance. Zoysia is slow to establish but creates a thick, weed-resistant carpet once mature.
Sun Requirement
Full sun to light shade
Water Needs
Low
Ideal Regions
Transition Zone, Southeast, Mid-Atlantic
Pros
- + Dense growth naturally resists weeds
- + Low water requirements once established
- + Tolerates some shade
- + Soft, carpet-like texture
Cons
- - Slow to establish (2-3 seasons to fill in)
- - Higher cost per square foot
- - Goes dormant earlier than Bermuda
- - Can develop thatch problems
St. Augustine Grass
$0.45 - $0.85/sq ftA broad-bladed warm-season grass that thrives in coastal and subtropical climates. St. Augustine is the go-to choice in Florida and along the Gulf Coast for its shade tolerance and lush appearance.
Sun Requirement
Full sun to moderate shade
Water Needs
High
Ideal Regions
Gulf Coast, Florida, Southeast Coastal, Southern California
Pros
- + Best shade tolerance among warm-season grasses
- + Lush, tropical appearance
- + Establishes relatively quickly
- + Salt tolerant for coastal areas
Cons
- - High water requirements
- - Susceptible to chinch bugs and SAD virus
- - Does not tolerate heavy foot traffic well
- - Cannot be grown from seed — sod or plugs only
Kentucky Bluegrass
$0.45 - $0.90/sq ftThe classic American lawn grass known for its rich blue-green colour and fine texture. Kentucky Bluegrass produces a beautiful, self-repairing lawn but requires consistent maintenance and watering.
Sun Requirement
Full sun (6+ hours)
Water Needs
High
Ideal Regions
Northeast, Midwest, Northern Plains, Pacific Northwest
Pros
- + Beautiful blue-green colour
- + Self-repairs via rhizomes
- + Fine, soft texture ideal for barefoot
- + Cold hardy — handles harsh winters
Cons
- - High water and fertiliser needs
- - Poor heat and drought tolerance
- - Requires full sun
- - Slow to establish from sod
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest type of sod per square foot?
Bermuda grass is the most affordable sod, costing $0.35-$0.65 per square foot for materials. It is widely grown across the southern US and benefits from high supply and fast-growing characteristics that keep production costs low.
Why is Zoysia sod more expensive?
Zoysia sod costs $0.55-$1.00 per square foot because it grows very slowly, taking 2-3 times longer to reach harvest maturity compared to Bermuda. This means sod farms tie up land longer and produce fewer harvests per year, driving up the per-unit cost.
How many square feet does a pallet of sod cover?
A standard pallet of sod covers approximately 400-500 square feet, depending on the supplier and grass type. Most pallets contain 100-170 individual pieces (rolls or slabs). At 500 sq ft per pallet, a 5,000 sq ft lawn requires 10 pallets.
Need a total project estimate?
See what your full sod project will cost based on yard size and grass type.