Sod installation cost in Toronto & the GTA (2026)
$2.50 – $3.50 per sq ft, installed
| Lawn size | Installed price |
|---|---|
| 1,000 sq ft | $2,500 – $3,500 |
| 2,000 sq ft | $5,000 – $7,000 |
| 3,000 sq ft | $7,500 – $10,500 |
Your price depends on removing the old lawn, topsoil, grading and how easy the yard is to reach. Sod rolls alone run about $0.35 – $0.80 per sq ft. We install sod across Toronto, Vaughan, Markham, Richmond Hill and Thornhill.
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
The type of sod changes the price a little. Almost all sod sold in Ontario is Kentucky bluegrass, usually blended with fine fescue. It is the standard, lowest-cost option: dark green, soft, and it fills in thin spots on its own. It wants full sun and regular water.
Fescue sod (tall fescue blends) costs a bit more per square foot. It handles shade, heat and dry spells better than bluegrass, so it is the better pick under big trees or on a lawn that will not be watered much. Not sure which one your yard needs? We check the sun and shade when we come out to quote.
What Affects the Cost of Sod?
Aside from the type of sod, a few things move the price. The biggest is the size of the lawn: more square feet means more rolls, more soil and more hours. Measure the length and width of each area and multiply them to get the square footage, then use the table below. Very large lawns usually get a lower rate per square foot, because the setup cost is spread over more ground. For real examples, our Sod Report 2026 shows the real size and cost of the sod jobs we finished this year.
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. The condition of the old lawn matters too: a lawn full of weeds, a yard that needs a lot of new topsoil, or one that has to be regraded so water drains away from the house costs more to prepare. 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.
How Much Does Sod Installation Cost?
Based on sizing, labour, and materials, most sod jobs in Toronto and the GTA land between $2,500 and $7,000. A front lawn of about 1,000 sq ft runs $2,500 to $3,500, and a 2,000 sq ft yard runs $5,000 to $7,000. Large properties, or yards that are hard to reach with equipment, cost more. Prices are based on square footage: $2.50 to $3.50 per sq ft installed, or $0.35 to $0.80 per sq ft for the sod rolls alone.
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. See what is included in our sod installation service, and check the best time to lay sod before you book.
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How Much Does Sod Cost for My Lawn Size?
The size of your lawn will play a big role in determining the overall cost. On average, the sod itself costs $0.35 to $0.80 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 table shows the sod alone and the full installed price for common lawn sizes:
| Square Footage | Average Cost of Sod | Average Cost After Installation |
| 500 sq ft | $175 to $400 | $1,250 to $1,750 |
| 1,000 sq ft | $350 to $800 | $2,500 to $3,500 |
| 1,500 sq ft | $525 to $1,200 | $3,750 to $5,250 |
| 2,000 sq ft | $700 to $1,600 | $5,000 to $7,000 |
| 3,000 sq ft | $1,050 to $2,400 | $7,500 to $10,500 |
| 5,000 sq ft | $1,750 to $4,000 | $12,500 to $17,500 |
How Much Does a Roll of Sod Cost?
Sod rolls are typically 2 x 5 ft, so each roll covers about 10 sq ft. At $0.35 to $0.80 per sq ft, that works out to roughly $3.50 to $8.00 per roll before delivery. The exact measurements can vary depending on the provider. For an accurate quote, you can contact ISR Gardening.
Kentucky Bluegrass vs. Fescue Sod
Kentucky bluegrass blend is the standard and the cheapest per square foot. Fescue blends cost a little more but stay greener in shade and in dry summers. Both are sold in the same 2 x 5 ft rolls, so the labour is the same; only the sod price changes. Pick bluegrass for a sunny lawn you will water, and fescue for shade or for a lawn that gets little water.
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 cheaper: for a 1,000 sq ft lawn the sod itself is about $350 to $800, against $2,500 to $3,500 for a professional job. The difference is the labour, removing and hauling away the old lawn, topsoil and grading. However, it’s important to remember that a DIY job can involve additional costs for equipment rentals and proper tools. Here is how the two compare for a 1,000 sq ft lawn:
| Comparison | DIY Sod Installation | Professional Installation |
| Cost for 1,000 sq ft | $350 to $800 for the sod, plus delivery, tool rentals and topsoil | $2,500 to $3,500, all included |
| 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
This is how we install sod, step by step. Most front lawns are done in a single day.
Step 1: Measure and quote. We come out, measure the lawn and check the soil, slopes, drainage and access, then send a written price.
Step 2: Remove the old lawn. The old grass and weeds are cut out and hauled away, so the new sod sits on soil, not on dead turf.
Step 3: Grade. The soil is levelled and sloped away from the house so water drains off instead of pooling.
Step 4: Add topsoil where needed. Low spots are filled and the surface is raked smooth.
Step 5: Fertilize the soil. A starter feed goes down before the sod, so the new roots have food right away.
Step 6: Lay the sod. Rolls go down the same day they arrive, with the joints staggered like bricks and pushed tight together.
Step 7: Cut to fit. Edges are trimmed around beds, trees, walkways and driveways.
Step 8: Roll. The whole lawn is rolled so every piece touches the soil underneath.
Step 9: Water. The first soak goes on right away, and you get a watering schedule for the next few weeks.
Related Article: Guide How to Lay Sod Perfectly
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 Is the Best Time to Lay Sod in 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 raccoons or skunks start rolling back your new sod, read how to stop raccoons from digging up your lawn.
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.
Sod Installation Prices in Your Town
The price per square foot is the same across the GTA. What changes from town to town is the watering rules for new sod, who looks after the boulevard and what the native soil is like. Each town page covers its own rules:
Richmond Hill · Markham · Thornhill · Vaughan · Maple · Woodbridge · Kleinburg · Concord · Newmarket · Aurora · Stouffville · King City · Nobleton · East Gwillimbury · Uxbridge · North York · Etobicoke · Scarborough · Mississauga · Brampton · Oakville · Milton · Halton Hills · Ajax · Pickering · Whitby · Oshawa
FAQs
The sod installation cost in Ontario typically ranges from $2.50 to $3.50 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 $2,500 and $3,500, 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 $2.50 to $3.50 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.
Most lawn replacements in Toronto and the GTA cost $2,500 to $7,000. A 1,000 sq ft front lawn runs $2,500 to $3,500 and a 2,000 sq ft yard runs $5,000 to $7,000, including removing the old lawn, soil prep and the new sod. Steep, hard-to-reach or very large yards cost more.
If you’re asking how much does new sod cost in Ontario, expect to pay around $2.50 to $3.50 per square foot installed, or about $2,500 to $3,500 for a 1,000 sq ft lawn. Exact costs vary by location, lawn size, and sod type.
Get a free quote
Tell us the property address and what you need. We come out, look at the job and send you a written price. Or call 416-831-7076.