Sod + Landscape Calculator
Sod pallets or rolls, topsoil amendment depth, starter fertilizer, and crew labor — for new lawn installs.
450 standard
200–400 sf/hr typical 2-person crew
5% for rectangles. 10%+ for curved beds.
Result
- Pallets needed
- 3
- Sod cost
- $600
- Topsoil (1 in)
- 3.7 yd³ · $167
- Starter fertilizer
- 8.4 lb · $7
- Material total
- $773
- Labor
- 4.0 hr · $220
- Total (material + labor)
- $993
This estimate is based on national average costs and may vary by region, project specifics, and market conditions. Use as a starting point for your bids.
How to estimate a sod install
Two piles: sod and prep. Sod is sold by the sq ft, by the pallet (450 sq ft standard), or by the roll (10 sq ft) for small jobs. Prep is topsoil amendment + starter fertilizer. The math is straightforward; the gotcha is waste — straight rectangular lawns get away with 5%, but anything with curves, flower beds, or irregular borders runs 8–12%.
Soil amendment levels
| Level | What it is | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| None | Lay over existing prepared bed | Existing soil is rich + drains well |
| Light | 1 in fresh topsoil + tilling | Decent soil, just needs refresh |
| Heavy | 3 in fresh topsoil tilled in | Compacted, depleted, or clay-heavy sites |
On a 1,200 sq ft lawn, heavy amendment is 11 yd³ of topsoil. At $45/yd³ delivered, that's $495 in topsoil alone before labor — significant. Sometimes a site assessment + drainage repair is the better investment than just dumping more soil.
Pricing benchmarks (installed)
- Sod alone (over prepared bed): $0.40–0.80 per sq ft installed
- Sod + light amendment: $0.70–1.40 per sq ft
- Sod + heavy amendment + grading: $1.20–2.50 per sq ft
- Pallet cost (Bermuda / Fescue): $180–280 per pallet delivered
- Pallet cost (Zoysia / St. Augustine): $250–400 per pallet
Frequently asked questions
How much sod do I need?
Total area to cover plus 5–10% waste. A standard sod pallet covers 450 sq ft (50 yards, give or take 5%). For a 1,200 sq ft front lawn, you need 3 pallets ordered (1,350 sq ft coverage, accounting for waste). Sod is sold in rolls (10 sq ft each) for small areas — calculator above supports both.
How much topsoil do I need under new sod?
Sod needs 4–6 in of decent topsoil to root into. If the existing grade is decent, 1 in of fresh topsoil + amendments is enough (light amendment). For poor or compacted soil, plan on 3 in of fresh topsoil tilled into the existing 3 in for 6 in of root zone (heavy amendment). A 1,200 sq ft lawn at 3 in deep needs 11.1 cubic yards of topsoil.
When should I lay sod?
Spring or fall, when temps run 50–75°F and you can water consistently. Avoid the peak of summer (100°F+) unless you're committed to twice-daily watering for the first 14 days. Don't lay sod over frozen ground or right before a freeze. Most sod farms shut down December through February in northern markets.
Do I need starter fertilizer?
Yes — apply per the sod farm's spec, typically 5–10 lb of starter fertilizer per 1,000 sq ft, broadcast on the prepared bed BEFORE laying sod. Then water deeply right after install (1 in of water for the first week, every day). Skipping starter fertilizer noticeably slows root establishment.
How fast can a crew install sod?
Two-person crew with a sod-cutter for old turf removal: 200–400 sq ft of finished install per hour, depending on access and grade. A typical 1,200 sq ft front lawn is a 4–6 hour job including delivery, prep, install, and a first watering. Add half a day for full topsoil amendment on poor sites.
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