Sod is exactly what you need to restore your lawn’s health. Signs that your grass needs replacing include bare patches, an increase in weeds, puddle development, and poor drainage. With sod, all you need to do is contact an expert company who will till your current lawn and then roll out the sod layers. With frequent watering, the sod will take root and you will have a vibrant lawn you’ve always wanted. But how much does sod cost? Let’s find out.
Explore Different Types of Sod for Your Lawn
Did you know there are different types of sod, which sways the sod installation cost? The most common types of sod used are topsoil and loam. So, what’s the difference? Topsoil is mixed with sand. The duo promotes better plant growth and only takes a few weeks to install.
This type of sod is typically grown on farms. For topsoil in particular, professionals will use it as the foundation before planting grass seed. Loam is a more sustainable option and is made with organic materials, like cow dung, as well as compost and clay.
Factors Influencing the Cost of Sod
Aside from the type of sod you choose, there are several other elements that influence the cost of sod. First off, the size of the area matters. With larger yards, it takes longer for companies to cover the area with grass seed. As a general rule of thumb, typical house yards span 8,712 square feet. Based off this size, on average, homeowners will spend anywhere from $6,623 to $13,681. This size does not apply to all yards, so if you want a more accurate quote of how much it will end up costing you, take measurements.
Another factor that comes into play for the cost of sod in Ontario is accessibility. If the workers don’t have feasible access to the area of your lawn that needs sod, this means they need to carry the materials a farther distance, upping the labour cost. Additionally, delivery, prepping the area, added services and other obstacles will be considered to determine sod prices. Some companies charge a delivery fee, some will charge for prepping your lawn, and additional services will cost extra. Sometimes lawns have landscape obstacles that will need to be worked around, which increases sod grass prices.
Average Costs of Sod Installation
Based on sizing, labour, and materials, the average sod price in Ontario is $6,810, with the common range being anywhere from $4,780 to $8,050. The cheapest sodding cost in Ontario is $780 while the most expensive is $17,760. These prices are based off square footage. So, per square foot, the price is usually $0.35 to $0.80.
When it comes to labor and materials per square foot, the price is usually $0.90 to $1.80. To put this into context, if your lawn is 1,000 square feet, the service would cost $870 to $1,760.
Smaller projects and DIY jobs will typically be on the lower end of the scale. Large and/or complex jobs such as installing sod on a hillside or expansive commercial property will be priced at the higher end of the scale. Here’s a chart with the average national installation cost of sod in Ontario, including low-end and high-end prices:
| National Average Sod Installation Cost | |
| Average Cost | $2,010 |
| Low-End Cost | $583 |
| High-End Cost | $7,238 |
Get a Custom Sodding Estimate in Minutes
Try Our New Sodding Cost Calculator Now
Cost of Sod by Lawn Size
The size of your lawn will play a big role in determining the overall cost. On average, sod costs $0.31 to $0.82 per sq ft. Larger yards use more sod rolls and may take longer or require more people to install, which can increase the price. Smaller yards use fewer sod rolls and can often be installed in a shorter amount of time, leading to lower costs. The following chart includes the average sod installation price per sq ft:
| Square Footage | Average Cost of Sod | Average Cost After Installation |
| 1,000 sq ft | $310 to $820 | $1,500 to $3,000 |
| 2,000 sq ft | $620 to $1,640 | $3,000 to $6,000 |
| 3,000 sq ft | $930 to $2,460 | $4,500 to $9,000 |
| 4,000 sq ft | $1,240 to $3,280 | $6,000 to $12,000 |
| 5,445 sq ft (1/8 acre) | $1,688 to $4,465 | $8,168 to $16,335 |
| 7,260 sq ft (1/6 acre) | $2,251 to $5,953 | $10,890 to $21,780 |
| 8,712 sq ft (1/5 acre) | $2,701 to $7,144 | $13,068 to $26,136 |
| 10,890 sq ft (1/4 acre) | $3,376 to $8,930 | $16,335 to $32,670 |
| 21,780 sq ft (1/2 acre) | $6,752 to $17,860 | $32,670 to $65,340 |
| 43,560 sq ft (1 acre) | $13,504 to $35,719 | $65,340 to $130,680 |
Sod Cost Per Roll
The national average sod cost per roll is $4 to $7.50 before delivery fees. Sod rolls are typically 2 x 5 ft, with each roll covering approx. 10 sq ft. However, the exact measurements of sod rolls can vary depending on the provider. For an accurate quote, you can contact ISR Gardening.
Types of Sod Comparison
Different types of sod have varying prices. Choosing the best sod for your lawn will depend on your location, as each area has unique weather and soil conditions. The chart below includes common sod types in Ontario, along with the average price range per pound:
| Sod Type | Average Cost Per Pound |
| Kentucky Bluegrass | $5 to $7 |
| Fine Fescue | $7 to $12 |
| Tall Fescue | $2.50 to $9.50 |
| Perennial Ryegrass | $3 to $10 |
DIY vs. Professional Sod Installation
When it comes to installing sod yourself vs. hiring professionals, it really comes down to how much time, patience, and expertise you have. Doing it yourself will take two to three days, so if you have an open weekend, you may be able to do it. However, you want the job done right so that you do not have to redo it and spend more money.
Make sure to do research and that you feel confident in your abilities. If you don’t, it is best to hire professionals. DIY sodding is more affordable, costing, on average, $1,700. Hiring a professional landscaping company to install your sod can come at a higher cost as there are labour expenses in addition to material costs. However, it’s important to remember that a DIY job can involve additional costs for equipment rentals and proper tools. Take a look at the chart below to for an in-depth breakdown of DIY vs. professions sod installations including average costs, pross, and cons:
| Comparison | DIY Sod Installation | Professional Installation |
| Average Cost(5,445 sq ft Installation + Sod) | $2,018 to $4,885 | $4,683 to $12,000 |
| Pros | – No Labour Expenses – Can be done on your own schedule – More control over the installation process | – Higher quality and more efficient installation – Less work for you – Warranty coverage |
| Cons | – Added cost of tools and equipment rentals – Requires hard work, can be difficult and time-consuming – Costly to redo if installed incorrectly | – Additional labour expenses – Appointment date may not be convenient for you – Limited control over material selection and installation process |
Sod Installation Process
The process can be broken down into 13 steps. Installing sod is not the easiest project in the world, as it is time-consuming and requires finesse, but it is totally worth it. Here is the process step-by-step:
Step 1: Soil testing. You or the professional can do this to test for issues. From there, they can form a strategy to give you a healthy lawn on top of sodding.
Step 2: Measure the dimensions of your lawn and calculate its square footage.
Step 3: Deliver and transport the sod to your home.
Step 4: Breaking up of the sod. This is usually done with a rototiller.
Step 5: Level out the soil.
Step 6: Roll the soil with a lawn roller.
Step 7: Fill lower areas with extra topsoil as needed.
Step 8: Distribute fertilizer.
Step 9: Install the sod.
Step 10: Cut the turf to fit around trees, plants, ponds, etc.
Step 11: Compress the sod with a shovel to ensure it’s flat.
Step 12: Irrigation installation.
Step 13: Water the sod. This should be done regularly, especially at first, so that the roots can flourish.
Tips for Saving on Sod Costs
If you want to sod your lawn on a budget, there are a few things you can do to pinch pennies. Get the cheapest blend available and install the sod DIY style. Some companies will charge a delivery fee. To avoid this, pick up the materials yourself.
For smaller and harder-to-fit areas, ask companies about using remnants (scraps of sod). They sell these for much cheaper than full rolls. Additionally, ask the company if they have any sales or discounts going on.
Related Article: When the Best Time to Lay Sod in Southern Ontario
Long-Term Maintenance Costs for a Healthy Sod Lawn
With proper lawn mowing, watering, fertilizing, weed-pulling, and pest-monitoring routines, you will get the best quality out of the sod for years to come. These little acts of care go a long way. A top tip: if you believe you have a severe pest infestation, contact a pest control professional. They can diagnose the problem and get your lawn back to full health.
Sodding is not a small project, and it can cost a pretty penny, but in the end, having a healthy lawn is worth it. If you want your lawn to look lush and vibrant, call ISR Gardening at 416-831-7076 for a free quote. We’re garden experts you can trust.
FAQs
The sod installation cost in Ontario typically ranges from $1.50 to $3.00 per square foot, depending on the size of your yard, site access, soil condition, and whether you choose DIY or professional installation.
Wondering how much does it cost to lay 1,000 sq ft of sod? On average, it will cost between $1,500 and $3,000, including materials, labour, and basic soil preparation.
The cost to resod a lawn depends on factors like the condition of your existing lawn, the type of sod you choose, site accessibility, and the layout of your yard. Obstacles like tree roots, slopes, or poor soil can increase labour costs.
How much is sod per square foot depends on the grass variety and supplier. Prices generally range from $0.35 to $0.80 per square foot for sod alone, and about $1.50 to $3.00 per square foot when including delivery and professional installation.
Yes — hiring pros for sod installation ensures proper grading, watering, and root establishment. Although it costs more than DIY, it helps avoid costly rework and supports healthier lawn growth long-term.
The lawn replacement cost for an average yard in Ontario generally ranges between $13,000 and $26,000 for a typical 8,712 sq ft residential lot. This includes old sod removal, new sod installation, and watering setup. Smaller yards will cost less; larger or complex yards can cost more.
If you’re asking how much does new sod cost in Ontario, expect to pay around $1.50 to $3.00 per square foot installed, or about $13,000 to $26,000 for a mid-sized 8,712 sq ft yard. Exact costs vary by location, lawn size, and sod type.