Lay sod

Laying sod is a one-day wonder that transforms the lawn surrounding a home and property and becomes a permanent part of the landscape. The care and feeding of the new green carpet is important but when it’s established the grass is there to stay.

Laying sod is not for the faint of heart, especially if you’re sodding a large area, because it involves a lot of heavy lifting and physical labor, mostly on your hands and knees.

A landscape contractor will charge $2,176 to lay down 2,000 square feet of sod which includes labor and material. A homeowner can buy the sod, have it delivered and do the job for $825, and save 62 percent for the effort.

Depending on the condition of the soil, the job can be difficult and involve raking and grading it to make the surface level and free of stones and rocks. Rent a lawn roller ($60) for the beginning and end of the job, first to level the soil and finally to close gaps between seams in the sod once it’s laid. You’ll need a wheelbarrow, rakes, shovels, a sharp knife (to cut the sod into sections), and a garden hose and sprinkler. Wear kneepads to spare your knee joints, and schedule the job so you can lay it immediately after it’s delivered so it won’t dry out. Finally, plan to be home for the following weeks so you can water the new turf.

To find more DIY project costs and to post comments and questions, visit www.diyornot.com on your laptop, tablet or smartphone.

Pro Cost -- DIY Cost -- Pro time -- DIY Time -- DIY Savings -- Percent Saved

$2,176 -- $825 -- 42.4 -- 50.0 -- $1,351 -- 62 Percent

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