Pricing guide · Sod installation & seeding
How to price sod installation
Last updated
The pricing model
- 1Measure the lawnArea in square feet, minus beds, patios and the pool.
- 2MaterialSod cost per sq ft from your farm (plus delivery), or seed/hydroseed cost.
- 3LabourPublished labour figures run about $0.55–$1.00 per sq ft for sod.
- 4PrepGrading, tilling and starter topsoil as its own line.
- 5RemovalStripping and hauling old turf is real work; price it per sq ft.
Published rates
| Item | Range | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Sod installed, national average | $1.65 per sq ft | LawnStarter (2026-10-05) |
| Sod material only | ~$0.20–$0.85 per sq ft by grass | LawnStarter (2026-10-05) |
| Sod labour | $0.55–$1.00 per sq ft | LawnStarter (2026-10-05) |
| Hydroseeding | $0.08–$0.21 per sq ft | Lawn Love (2025-12-27) |
| Site prep add-on | $0.20–$0.50 per sq ft | ThePricer / HomeServe |
| Canada, installed (CAD) | $1.70–$3.50 per sq ft | HomeStars |
Ranges from published cost guides. Sod prices swing with grass type, season and delivery distance.
Worked example
A 2,400 sq ft back lawn in sod, with soil prep included and old-turf removal added. Priced with the default starting rates in a new account (before tax); yours will differ.
Lawn installation
- Back lawn2,400 sq ft
| Item | Quantity | Amount |
|---|---|---|
Sod, installed 2,400 sq ft × $1.75 | $4,200.00 | |
Soil prep Grade, till and add starter topsoil 2,400 sq ft × $0.40 | $960.00 |
Mistakes that cost money
Quoting gross lot area
Subtract beds, patios, driveways and the pool. Cut-outs make this a 10-second job.
Burying prep in the sod price
When prep is a visible line, customers understand why your price differs from a cheaper quote.
No waste allowance
Order 5–10% extra; price on installed area, not ordered area.
Measure and price sod installation & seeding jobs from satellite imagery →
Related
Sources
- LawnStarter: Sod cost (updated 2026-10-05), accessed October 10, 2026
- Lawn Love: Lawn seeding cost (updated 2025-12-27), accessed October 10, 2026
- HomeAdvisor: Hydroseeding prices, accessed October 10, 2026
- HomeStars: Grass sod cost (Canada), accessed October 10, 2026
- ThePricer: Sod grass cost, accessed October 10, 2026
Frequently asked questions
How much should I charge to lay sod per square foot?
Published guides put most straightforward US jobs at roughly $1–$2.50 per installed square foot, more for complex sites or premium grass.
Should I offer seed as an alternative?
Yes. Offering seed, hydroseed and sod lets budget-conscious customers still say yes.
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