The price of installing new sod can be a big investment for homeowners looking to transform their yards.
The cost of sod installation in Dallas varies quite a bit, with most homeowners spending between $2,000 and $7,000 in the front and backyard. This price includes everything from the sod itself to the labor and preparation work needed to get your yard ready for its new grass.
Key Takeaways
- Different grass types like Bermuda, Zoysia, and St. Augustine affect the total cost
- A complete yard installation typically costs between $2,000 and $7,000
Sod Pallet Prices Today
A pallet of fresh sod ranges in price from $190 to $300, not counting delivery fees.
I’ve found that Bermuda grass offers the best value for my budget.
St. Augustine grass hits the middle price range, while Zoysia comes with the highest price tag. The price differences make sense when I look at each grass type’s unique traits.
Price ranges for sod pallets by type:
- Bermuda: $190-$230
- St. Augustine: $230-$280
- Zoysia: $280-$300
How Big is a Sod Pallet?
A standard pallet of sod covers around 450 square feet.
I recommend planning for about 420 square feet of actual coverage since you’ll need to cut pieces to fit around corners and edges.
Most suppliers package their sod in pallets with either 60 rolls or 100 slabs. The exact coverage can vary between 400-500 square feet depending on the supplier and region.
Pro tip: I always order 5-10% extra sod to account for:
- Irregular shapes
- Cutting waste
- Damaged pieces
- Miscalculations
The size of rolls can differ by region too.
In northern areas, large rolls might be 60 x 24 inches or 80 x 18 inches, covering about 10 square feet each. These pallets typically range from 500-700 square feet.
Popular Grass Types for Dallas Lawns
I find that three main types of grass work really well in North Dallas yards.
Bermuda Grass
- Handles lots of foot traffic
- Grows great in full sun
- Stays green from spring through fall
- Perfect for active families with kids and pets
St. Augustine Grass
- Grows nicely in shady spots
- Has wide, dark green blades
- Takes the Dallas heat well
- Better for yards with less activity
Zoysia Grass
- Feels soft and carpet-like
- Needs less water than other types
- Stays green most of the year
- Works in both sun and shade
Cost per 500 square feet:
| Grass Type | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Bermuda | $190-$230 |
| St. Augustine | $230-$280 |
| Zoysia | $280-$300 |
These grasses grow best when planted in spring or early summer. I’ve seen them all thrive in Dallas yards when matched to the right conditions.
The Cost of New Sod for Your Yard
Your Yard’s Square Footage
Lawn size plays a big role in sod costs.
I’ve seen front yards need about 3-4 pallets of sod, while backyards often need 4-7 pallets.
A typical front yard in my area measures between 1,350 and 1,800 square feet. Backyards tend to be larger, ranging from 1,800 to 3,150 square feet.
For a bare dirt yard that’s already graded:
- Front yard only: $2,000 – $3,400
- Full property: $5,000 – $7,000
Grass Types and Their Price Tags
I’ve worked with many types of warm-season grasses, and their prices can vary quite a bit. Here’s what I’ve found, from least to most expensive:
Popular Grass Options:
- Bermuda grass – Most budget-friendly
- St. Augustine – Mid-range pricing
- Zoysia – Premium option
Each type gets installed the same way, but the sod itself comes at different price points.
The right choice depends on your budget and yard needs. I’ve seen Bermuda work great for sunny spots, while St. Augustine handles shade better.
Price ranges per square foot:
- Basic installation: $0.85 – $1.40
- Premium installation: $2.12 – $3.53