Sod installation cost in 2026: three lawn sizes, the right grass for Central Texas, and sod vs seed
What new sod costs laid on a 500, 1,000 and 2,000 sq ft lawn, with and without soil preparation and grading, which grass suits sun and shade in Central Texas, sod against seed, and how to water it in.
Sod is a lawn the same day, but the soil under it decides whether it is still a lawn next year. Here is what sod costs at three sizes, with and without the soil work, which grass to choose in Central Texas, and when seed makes more sense.
What sod costs
| Type | 500 sq ft lawn | 1,000 sq ft lawn | 2,000 sq ft lawn |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard sod | $1,206 | $2,213 | $4,225 |
| Sod + soil preparation | $1,640 | $3,081 | $5,961 |
| Sod + grading + irrigation-ready | $2,087 | $3,974 | $7,747 |
- Standard sod: laid over the existing soil after light preparation. Fine on decent soil.
- Sod and soil preparation: old lawn stripped, soil tilled and amended with compost first. Roots faster; the right call where a lawn failed before.
- Sod, grading and irrigation-ready: the yard regraded so water drains away from the house, with sleeves laid for sprinklers.
Priced by the same engine our free quote tool uses, at its starter rates. Removing the old lawn is usually a per-square-foot extra. To measure, enter your address: the tool outlines your yard and you adjust it.
Which grass in Central Texas
- Bermuda: full sun, drought tolerant, wears well. Struggles in shade.
- St. Augustine: the most shade tolerant of the three, with broad blades, but thirsty in summer.
- Zoysia: in between: handles some shade and drought, dense, slow to establish.
All three are warm-season grasses. Lay them from spring to early summer, when they root fastest.
Sod or seed?
- Seed costs a fraction of sod, but takes a season to fill in, washes out in heavy rain and fails in a hot spell.
- Sod is a lawn the same day, holds soil on slopes, and keeps weeds out from the start.
- St. Augustine is not sold as seed at all: it is laid as sod or plugs.
Comparing a lawn against something else? See front yard landscaping cost for planting beds and design-build.
Common questions
How much does sod installation cost?
About $2,213 for 1,000 sq ft of standard sod, and $3,081 with soil preparation.
Sod or seed?
Seed is cheaper and slower; sod is a lawn the same day. St. Augustine comes only as sod or plugs.
Which sod is best in Central Texas?
Bermuda for sun, St. Augustine for part shade, Zoysia in between.
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