What You’ll Actually Pay for St. Augustine Sod
Price check: August 12, 2026. This guide compares displayed retailer listings, not proprietary contractor data or a national price survey. Product pages are dynamic, so confirm every price, fee, and availability condition before ordering.
The short answer: about $220 to $610 per pallet in the listings reviewed
The direct retailer listings reviewed for this guide display St. Augustine sod at approximately $219.99 to $609 per pallet. The low end is a Tampa Bay Floratam listing with selectable 400- and 500-square-foot pallet sizes; the page does not map each price to a specific size. Tampa Bay Sod displays Floratam at $219.99 to $249.99.
At the upper end, Home Depot displays a standard price of $609 for a 500-square-foot pallet of Harmony St. Augustine. A separate $559 promotional price requires opening a qualifying consumer card, so it should not be treated as the standard price. Local pricing and availability can vary. See the Home Depot Harmony listing and its location qualifications.
These figures are an observed retailer range, not a national average, a guaranteed local price, or a prediction of what every supplier will charge. The local Texas and Florida examples reviewed here generally fall closer to $220 to $305 per pallet.
Pallet size also matters. The reviewed products cover 400 to 500 square feet, with several Texas listings using 450 square feet. Two pallets carrying the same sticker price can therefore have different material costs per square foot.
Unless a seller explicitly states otherwise, treat the advertised pallet price as the price of the sod itself. The reviewed listings do not consistently establish that delivery, sales tax, installation, lawn removal, grading, soil preparation, disposal, fuel fees, or pallet deposits are included.
The practical buying rule is:
Compare the final delivered cost per square foot—not just the advertised price per pallet.
Ask each supplier for the exact square footage supplied and the total amount due for delivery to your address. Then divide the delivered total by the supplied square footage.
Current advertised prices by supplier, variety, and coverage
The following examples combine different regions, varieties, pallet sizes, and fulfillment conditions. Material prices per square foot are calculated from the displayed pallet price and stated coverage. Unconfirmed delivery, tax, preparation, and labor are excluded.
| Seller or market | St. Augustine variety | Displayed pallet price | Stated coverage | Calculated material price per sq. ft. | Important qualifications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas Garden Materials, Houston | Raleigh | $240 | 450 sq. ft. | About $0.53 | The page displays $240 online but tells pickup customers to call for pallet pricing and availability. Delivery and installation prices are not specified. |
| The Grass Store, Dallas–Fort Worth | Raleigh | $295 | 450 sq. ft. | About $0.66 | The page identifies this as a 2026 DFW rate but does not confirm whether delivery, tax, or other fees are included. |
| The Grass Store, Dallas–Fort Worth | Palmetto | $305 | 450 sq. ft. | About $0.68 | Same stated coverage as the Raleigh example, but a different variety and a $10 higher displayed price. |
| Tampa Bay Sod | Floratam | $219.99–$249.99 | 400 or 500 sq. ft. | Cannot be assigned reliably | The listing offers both pallet sizes but does not identify which price applies to which size. Customers must select the appropriate delivery zone. |
| Home Depot | Harmony | $609 standard displayed price | 500 sq. ft. | About $1.22 | Store pricing and availability vary by location. The captured page showed neither pickup nor delivery for ZIP code 10010. The displayed $559 price requires a qualifying new consumer card. |
These are purchasing examples rather than a controlled nationwide survey. They answer “how much is a pallet of St. Augustine grass?” only under the conditions shown.
How to compare the table correctly
First, normalize the material price:
Pallet price ÷ pallet coverage
= material price per square foot
Using the stated figures:
- Houston Raleigh: $240 ÷ 450 = approximately $0.53 per square foot
- DFW Raleigh: $295 ÷ 450 = approximately $0.66 per square foot
- DFW Palmetto: $305 ÷ 450 = approximately $0.68 per square foot
- Home Depot Harmony: $609 ÷ 500 = approximately $1.22 per square foot
Do not assign a single square-foot rate to the Tampa Bay offer until the seller confirms which price applies to the selected pallet size. Pairing either displayed price with the wrong coverage would distort the comparison.
Next, add all mandatory charges. A low material rate can become the more expensive offer after delivery, zone fees, taxes, or minimum-order charges. Conversely, a higher pallet price may be competitive if it includes a service that another supplier bills separately.
Finally, compare like with like. Variety, coverage, location, ordering method, and fulfillment availability all affect whether two offers are genuinely comparable. Price alone does not establish which variety is appropriate for a particular lawn.
How much area does a pallet cover?
A useful planning figure is about 450 square feet per pallet, but that is not universal. The cited Texas pallets contain 450 square feet, Tampa Bay offers 400- and 500-square-foot configurations, and the Home Depot Harmony listing uses 500 square feet.
That variation affects both quantity and value:
- Two 400-square-foot pallets provide 800 square feet.
- Two 450-square-foot pallets provide 900 square feet.
- Two 500-square-foot pallets provide 1,000 square feet.
Never base a final order on a generic pallet assumption. Obtain the supplier-confirmed coverage for the exact variety and configuration being purchased.
A turf calculator from Tip’s Turf also uses approximately 450 square feet per pallet and recommends allowing 5% to 10% extra for measurement accuracy and odd spaces. Review the Tip’s Turf coverage and allowance guidance.
Measure the installation area
Break the lawn into simple shapes:
- Rectangle or square: length × width
- Triangle: base × height ÷ 2
- Circle: radius × radius × 3.1416
Calculate each section and add the results. Subtract patios, buildings, permanent beds, driveways, pools, and other areas that will not receive sod.
For an irregular lawn, divide the site into smaller rectangles and triangles rather than estimating by sight. Record the measurements so a supplier or installer can check the calculation if needed.
Add a cutting and measurement allowance
Use this ordering formula:
Required pallets =
round up [(measured lawn area × 1.05 to 1.10)
÷ supplier-confirmed pallet coverage]
Use approximately 5% extra when the site consists mostly of straightforward rectangles, measurements are reliable, and there are few obstacles.
Move toward 10% extra when the lawn includes:
- Curved borders
- Trees, beds, or utility structures
- Numerous corners
- Narrow strips
- Several disconnected areas
- Uncertain measurements
- Extensive trimming
Offcuts may sometimes fit another edge or corner, but cuts, damaged pieces, and measurement errors make ordering the exact measured area risky.
Always round up
When sod is sold only by full pallet, round the result up:
2.01 pallets → order 3 pallets
Do not round to the nearest whole number. Rounding 2.4 pallets down to two would leave a shortage.
If the calculation falls just above a pallet threshold, ask whether the supplier sells individual pieces or partial pallets. Confirm the quantity, coverage, availability, and price instead of assuming those options are offered.
Sample budgets for 500, 1,000, and 2,000 square feet
The examples below use:
- 450 square feet per pallet
- A 10% planning allowance
- Whole pallets rounded up
- Example material prices of $240 and $305 per pallet, based on the cited Houston Raleigh and DFW Palmetto listings
These are illustrative sod-only subtotals. They exclude unconfirmed delivery, tax, deposits, preparation, removal, disposal, and installation.
| Measured lawn | Area after 10% allowance | Calculation | Pallets required | At $240 per pallet | At $305 per pallet |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 500 sq. ft. | 550 sq. ft. | 550 ÷ 450 = 1.22 | 2 | $480 | $610 |
| 1,000 sq. ft. | 1,100 sq. ft. | 1,100 ÷ 450 = 2.44 | 3 | $720 | $915 |
| 2,000 sq. ft. | 2,200 sq. ft. | 2,200 ÷ 450 = 4.89 | 5 | $1,200 | $1,525 |
Example 1: A 500-square-foot project
Add the allowance and divide by pallet coverage:
500 × 1.10 = 550 square feet
550 ÷ 450 = 1.22 pallets
The result rounds up to two pallets, producing an illustrative material subtotal of $480 at $240 per pallet or $610 at $305 per pallet.
Two 450-square-foot pallets supply 900 square feet—considerably more than the planned 550 square feet. This demonstrates the whole-pallet threshold effect: a project slightly larger than one pallet’s usable capacity can require buying a complete second pallet.
Example 2: A 1,000-square-foot project
1,000 × 1.10 = 1,100 square feet
1,100 ÷ 450 = 2.44 pallets
Round up to three pallets. The sod-only subtotal is $720 at $240 per pallet or $915 at $305 per pallet.
Using a 5% allowance instead would produce 1,050 square feet, or 2.33 pallets. That still rounds up to three. A smaller allowance does not always reduce the order because both results remain above the two-pallet capacity of 900 square feet.
Example 3: A 2,000-square-foot project
2,000 × 1.10 = 2,200 square feet
2,200 ÷ 450 = 4.89 pallets
Round up to five pallets. The illustrative material subtotal is $1,200 at $240 per pallet or $1,525 at $305 per pallet.
Five pallets provide 2,250 square feet, leaving only 50 square feet above the planned order area. This is a more efficient whole-pallet fit than the 500-square-foot example.
Why supplier coverage changes the result
For a measured 1,000-square-foot lawn with a 10% allowance:
At 500 sq. ft. per pallet:
1,100 ÷ 500 = 2.2 → 3 pallets
At 450 sq. ft. per pallet:
1,100 ÷ 450 = 2.44 → 3 pallets
At 400 sq. ft. per pallet:
1,100 ÷ 400 = 2.75 → 3 pallets
All three calculations require three pallets, but the total delivered quantity ranges from 1,200 to 1,500 square feet. Compare total coverage and final cost, not pallet count alone.
What the advertised pallet price may leave out
Separate every quote into three possible cost levels:
- Sod only: Grass material priced by pallet, piece, or square foot.
- Sod delivered: Material plus mandatory charges required to reach the property.
- Fully installed sod: Delivered material plus the preparation and installation work included in the written scope.
A displayed pallet price should not be assumed to represent the second or third level.
Possible delivery and transaction charges
Ask whether the quote adds:
- Delivery or freight
- Fuel, mileage, or delivery-zone charges
- A minimum-order fee
- Sales tax
- A pallet deposit
- Unloading or restricted-access charges
“Delivery available” does not necessarily mean delivery is included. Pickup may avoid a delivery charge, but other transaction costs can still apply.
Possible preparation and installation charges
A complete lawn replacement may also require:
- Old-grass or weed removal
- Debris disposal
- Rough or finish grading
- Additional soil or amendments
- Irrigation repairs or adjustments
- Fertilizer or other supplies
- Installation labor
- Rolling and cleanup
An Austin-area seller describes delivery as commonly costing $50 to $400 and estimates professional installation at an additional $1 to $2 per square foot. Those are regional seller estimates, not universal rates. The same page contains conflicting Raleigh prices, so its current figures should be confirmed directly. Review the Austin-area pricing and add-on guidance.
A broader commercial guide estimates $100 to $250 per truckload for delivery, $1 to $2 per square foot for labor, $0.50 to $1 per square foot for old-grass removal, and $10 to $20 per pallet for refundable deposits. Use these only as budgeting prompts; they are not confirmed charges for any supplier in the comparison table. See USA Sod’s estimated project additions.
A better total-budget formula
Use:
Total project budget =
(pallet count × pallet price)
+ mandatory delivery and freight
+ sales tax and deposits
+ preparation and removal
+ installation
For delivered material, calculate:
Final delivered total ÷ total square feet supplied
= delivered price per square foot
For a fully installed project, calculate:
Final installed total ÷ measured project area
= installed project price per square foot
The first rate compares the sod quantity actually delivered. The second shows what it costs to complete the measured lawn, including any surplus caused by whole-pallet ordering.
Example of how add-ons change the comparison
Suppose Supplier A charges $240 per pallet and Supplier B charges $275. For three pallets:
- Supplier A material subtotal: $720
- Supplier B material subtotal: $825
Supplier A initially appears $105 cheaper. If A’s hypothetical delivery charge is $200 and B’s is $50, the delivered totals become:
- Supplier A: $920
- Supplier B: $875
Supplier B is then $45 cheaper before tax or deposits. These delivery amounts are an arithmetic illustration, not claims about any listed seller.
Why the price changes by location, variety, and order
The reviewed listings show substantial seller and regional variation. They do not establish one dependable national average.
Variety
The DFW price list displays Raleigh at $295 and Palmetto at $305, with both pallets covering 450 square feet. The $10 difference shows that varieties can be priced differently even within the same market and coverage format.
Price does not determine which variety is appropriate for a lawn. Treat variety selection and quote comparison as related but separate decisions.
Pallet coverage
A larger pallet can have a higher sticker price but a lower material cost per square foot. A lower-priced small pallet can be less economical after coverage is normalized.
Ask the supplier:
- What coverage applies to this exact variety?
- Are pallet size and price fixed for the selected product?
- How are damaged or missing pieces handled?
- Is the quoted coverage the amount expected on delivery?
Buyer location and freight distance
The DFW seller says freight from the Gulf Coast is reflected in its pricing, while Tampa Bay Sod requires customers to choose a delivery zone. A supplier’s service area and the distance to the property can therefore affect the usable quote.
Location also affects availability. The captured Home Depot page displayed a product and price but showed neither pickup nor delivery for ZIP code 10010. A website price is not a usable local quote until the seller confirms fulfillment for the installation address.
Pre-order versus same-day purchasing
The Austin seller publishes separate Raleigh prices for pre-order and same-day purchasing, suggesting that timing can affect the displayed price. However, the page conflicts with itself: its narrative shows $220 pre-order and $350 same-day, while its comparison table shows $205 and $320. Confirm the current Austin price because the published figures disagree.
The defensible conclusion is not that any one of those prices is current. It is that order timing may matter and conflicting online information requires direct confirmation.
Order quantity
Order quantity can change the effective delivered price even when the material price per pallet stays the same. Ask whether:
- The pallet price changes at a quantity threshold.
- Delivery is charged by pallet, trip, or truckload.
- Several varieties can share one delivery.
- Minimum or maximum quantities apply.
- Small orders incur additional fees.
Treat these as questions for the supplier rather than assumed policies.
Inventory, harvest, and weather
Availability can change with local inventory, harvest scheduling, and weather. The Houston supplier states that pickup requires advance notice, delivery timing is subject to weather and harvest schedules, payment is required when ordering, and harvested sod is non-refundable.
Coordinate site preparation, delivery, and labor around the supplier’s confirmed schedule. A low online price is of limited value if the sod cannot be harvested or delivered when the site is ready.
How to get an accurate local quote before ordering
Contact at least two suppliers serving your ZIP code and give each the same project information.
Information to provide
Tell each supplier:
- Installation address or ZIP code
- Measured lawn area
- Planned cutting allowance
- Desired St. Augustine variety, if selected
- Preferred pickup or delivery date
- Whether the site is prepared
- Whether you need material only, delivery, or installation
- Access limitations such as narrow streets, gates, slopes, or overhead obstructions
Questions about the sod
Ask:
- What exact variety is included?
- What is the current price per full pallet?
- How many square feet does the pallet cover?
- Is the displayed online price current?
- Does that price apply to pickup, delivery, or both?
- Are partial pallets or individual pieces available?
- Is there a minimum quantity?
- How much sod is available for the required date?
- When will it be harvested?
- How much notice is required?
Questions about the final delivered price
Request a written quote showing:
- Material subtotal
- Delivery or freight
- Fuel, mileage, or zone fees
- Sales tax
- Pallet deposits
- Minimum-order fees
- Unloading charges
- Every other mandatory amount
Then ask:
“What is the total amount due for this quantity delivered to this address?”
That question is more useful than asking only how much delivery costs.
Questions about delivery access and pallet weight
Clarify where the driver can place the pallet, what access the truck requires, and who is responsible for unloading.
The Houston listing gives its pallet a weight of 3,000 pounds. A broader sod calculator estimates that a full pallet may weigh approximately 1,500 to 3,000 pounds depending on moisture. See the pallet-weight planning estimate.
Before selecting pickup, obtain the pallet’s actual loaded weight from the supplier and verify the applicable vehicle ratings and unloading requirements with the vehicle manufacturer or rental company. Do not assume a particular vehicle can carry the pallet based only on its appearance or bed size.
Questions about preparation and installation
If installation is included, request a written scope stating:
- Whether old grass removal is included
- Whether debris hauling is included
- Whether grading is included
- Whether soil or amendments are included
- Whether irrigation work is included
- Who supplies fertilizer and installation materials
- Whether rolling and cleanup are included
- How excess sod is handled
- What project area the labor quote covers
- What conditions could change the price
“Installed” might mean laying sod on prepared soil or completing a broader lawn replacement. The quote should define the scope.
Questions about scheduling, cancellation, and refunds
Before paying, ask:
- Is the delivery date guaranteed or estimated?
- Can weather delay harvest or delivery?
- How much notice will be provided?
- Can the order be rescheduled before harvest?
- What happens if the site is not ready?
- Is harvested sod refundable?
- What is the cancellation deadline?
- How are damaged or missing pieces handled?
The Houston seller lists a 3,000-pound pallet, requires 24 to 48 hours’ advance notice for pickup, describes delivery as typically occurring one to three business days after payment subject to weather and harvest schedules, and says harvested sod is non-refundable. Review the Houston supplier’s ordering conditions.
A simple quote-comparison template
| Quote item | Supplier A | Supplier B | Supplier C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Variety | |||
| Pallet price | |||
| Coverage per pallet | |||
| Number of pallets | |||
| Total square feet supplied | |||
| Material subtotal | |||
| Delivery and freight | |||
| Tax | |||
| Deposits and mandatory fees | |||
| Final delivered total | |||
| Delivered price per square foot | |||
| Harvest or delivery date | |||
| Cancellation and refund terms |
Finish with:
Final delivered total ÷ total square feet supplied
= comparable delivered price per square foot
Frequently asked questions
How many square feet are in a pallet of St. Augustine grass?
The reviewed listings range from 400 to 500 square feet per pallet. Several cited Texas products use 450 square feet, while Tampa Bay offers 400- and 500-square-foot options and the Home Depot Harmony pallet is listed at 500 square feet.
Confirm coverage for the exact supplier, variety, and pallet configuration before ordering.
How many pallets of St. Augustine sod do I need for 1,000 square feet?
Using 450-square-foot pallets and a 10% allowance:
1,000 × 1.10 = 1,100 square feet
1,100 ÷ 450 = 2.44 pallets
Round up to three pallets. Substitute the supplier’s actual coverage if it uses 400- or 500-square-foot pallets.
Does the pallet price include delivery and installation?
Not necessarily. The reviewed product listings do not consistently establish that delivery, taxes, installation, preparation, removal, disposal, or deposits are included.
Ask for three separate figures:
- Sod-only subtotal
- Final delivered total
- Fully installed total with a written scope
Is it cheaper to pick up St. Augustine sod instead of having it delivered?
Pickup may avoid a delivery charge, but it is not automatically the cheaper or more practical option. Compare vehicle or trailer costs, fuel, trips, handling, and unloading with the supplier’s delivered total.
Because a full pallet can be extremely heavy, confirm the actual pallet weight and applicable vehicle ratings before arranging pickup.
Why is Home Depot’s St. Augustine pallet price higher than some local suppliers?
The reviewed Home Depot offer involves a different seller, variety, pallet size, and location-dependent fulfillment arrangement. Those differences prevent the sticker price alone from explaining the gap or establishing which option offers better value.
Compare only products available to your address, then calculate the final delivered price per square foot.
The bottom line
The reviewed direct listings display St. Augustine sod at roughly $220 to $610 per pallet, with the cited local Texas and Florida examples generally closer to $220 to $305. Those figures are starting points, not a national average or a guaranteed local price.
Confirm whether the pallet covers 400, 450, or 500 square feet. Measure the lawn, add approximately 5% to 10%, round up to the quantity the supplier actually sells, and request a written quote separating sod, delivery, tax, deposits, preparation, removal, and installation.
The number that belongs in your budget is the final local delivered or installed cost per square foot, not the pallet headline alone.