Sod Installation Cost in Austin [2025 Data]

Keeping your lawn green and healthy can be tricky in Austin’s hot climate, but installing sod can give you a head start in achieving a picture-perfect lawn. Most sod installation in Austin ranges between $1,131 and $3,041, with the average homeowner paying $2,074. Take a look at some of the factors that affect how much you’ll pay for sod installation.

Sod Installation Cost Factors 

The cost of sod installation in Austin, Texas, is determined based on yard size, type of grass, lawn prep services, and more. We break down some of the most common things that influence how much sod installation costs. 

Size

Since sod prices are based on your lawn’s square footage, your yard size plays a hefty role in the cost of the project. For small patches, you might be able to spend less than $1,000 in total sod installation costs. However, if you’re looking to sod a quarter of an acre or more, that price is substantially higher. 

Here’s a breakdown of sod installation costs by yard size: 

When buying by the yard, divide your square-foot measurements by nine to determine how much you need. For example, if your yard is 350 square feet, divide 350 by 9 for a total of 38.9 yards, and round that up to 39 yards of sod. Because most material is nonrefundable, be as accurate as possible while measuring and doing the math. Use a sod calculator to determine how much to order, then use that and measurements for how much a pallet of sod covers to calculate how many pallets your project needs. 

Sod Delivery

If you opt for professional sod installation, delivery charges will be included in your total project cost. If you’re installing your own sod, you’ll need to pay a delivery fee to have it dropped off at your home. Sod delivery costs can range between $65 and $400, depending on how much sod you order and how far it needs to be delivered. 

Types of Sod Grass

Austin’s humid subtropical climate means that you’ll want to choose a sod grass type that can withstand the high temperatures and low rainfall levels in the area. Bermuda grass, St. Augustine grass, and Zoysia grass are all popular sod choices in the Austin area. 

Here’s a breakdown of sod installation costs based on the type of grass:

New Lawn vs. Existing Lawn

The starting point you’re working with will factor into your overall price for this project. If you're just installing sod on a new lawn, the cost will be cheaper than removing an existing lawn and resodding it, as this process involves additional materials and labor. You may be able to sod over an existing lawn—check with your sod installation pro to see if that’s an option.

Soil Testing

The cost to test your soil is around $60 on average, but costs can range anywhere from $20 to $100. A professional soil test can help determine how to amend it and help your new grass grow thick and healthy. This test will also help you decide what type of grass grows best in your lawn’s soil conditions.

Prep and Removal

You can’t just install sod over your existing lawn as-is—you’ll need to do some prep work first to ensure it takes root. If you’re replacing your current lawn, you’ll need to budget for the cost to remove your existing lawn and then soil prep costs like adding topsoil or fertilizer and herbicide treatments. For a new sod installation, you may need to clear and level the land before prepping the soil. 

Sod Installation Pro Costs

Sod Installation Pro Costs

Hiring a local sod installation pro in Austin, TX, costs an average of $40 to $100 per hour in labor costs. Hire a landscaper with experience installing sod to get the best results from your project. A qualified pro can not only install your sod quickly and correctly but also answer all your sod installation questions and ensure you’re set up so your new lawn can thrive. 

Permit Costs

In most cases, you won’t need a permit to install sod in Austin unless your project also includes excavation or other work that requires a permit. Check with the Austin Development Services Department to confirm if your project requires a permit before beginning work. 

Does Sod Installation Increase Home Value?

Installing sod is a landscaping project with a high return on investment (ROI) of up to 100% of your initial costs. Properly installed sod can improve your home’s curb appeal, prevent erosion and drainage issues, and make your home more competitive when it comes time to sell.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We survey real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

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