Take time to prepare the planting bed for the best results. Loosening the soil to a depth of 4 to 6 inches will help the grass roots spread and develop. Make sure the area is leveled by raking it and adding topsoil to low points, so there is no water pooling.
Use as many long pieces of sod as possible. Small pieces may not survive, leaving brown, dead grass. Push them as close together as possible so there are no gaps because sod will shrink a little when it grows. Fit irregular spots by cutting the sod with a utility knife.
Moisture is essential to the success of grass. Water it until it has become established. It's also a good idea to spread straw on top of grass seed to maintain the soil temperature and keep moisture in.