Sod is a great alternative to regular grass seed. Rather than waiting weeks to see a healthy lawn, sod installation is an immediate burst of lush greenery to your front yard and/or backyard. When you’re thinking about new sod installation or sod replacement, the cost is one of the first factors you’ll consider. In addition to the type of sod you select, costs are influenced by square footage, installation complexity, and more. This article breaks down each of the cost-contributing factors to help you gain a complete understanding of sod installation and replacement prices in Ontario. Continue reading to review the factors affecting sod cost in Ontario as well as answers to a few FAQs.
What is the Average Sod Installation Cost in 2025?
In 2025, sod installation prices in Ontario remain competitive but vary depending on project complexity, lawn size, and the type of sod you choose. The average cost to install sod per square foot generally falls between 75 cents and $4 per square foot. This can be adjusted slightly based on residential and commercial projects.
Residential sod replacement averages $1.80 to $3.50 per square foot and 75 cents per square foot for commercial sod installation. The price of sod varies based on a number of things such as lawn size and the amount of work to prep your lawn for sod installation.
The chart below outlines national averages that can help you set a realistic budget. These figures typically include sod delivery, labor, and basic site preparation.
|
Cost Level |
Price per sq ft |
Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
Average Range |
$1.50 – $3.00 |
Includes delivery and installation |
|
Low-End Projects |
$0.90 – $1.50 |
Minimal prep work, smaller lawns, easy access |
|
High-End Projects |
$3.00 – $3.50+ |
Complex layouts, premium sod types, challenging access |
Homeowners often find themselves in the mid-range, but special circumstances—such as regrading, large slopes, or adding premium topsoil—can push costs higher.
Sodding Cost by Lawn Size
While sod is priced per square foot, many homeowners want a total estimate based on their yard size.
The table below gives an idea of how much you might expect to spend in Ontario in 2025. These prices assume average installation conditions and include both sod and labor.
|
Lawn Size |
Approximate Size |
|---|---|
|
500 sq ft (small yard) |
$750 – $1,750 |
|
1,000 sq ft |
$1,500 – $3,000 |
|
2,000 sq ft |
$3,000 – $6,000 |
|
5,000 sq ft (large yard) |
$7,500 – $15,000 |
|
8,712 sq ft (¼ acre) |
$13,000 – $26,000 |
Your final price can vary depending on sod type, accessibility, and whether old turf removal is required before installation.
Sod Cost Per Roll
Sod is often sold by the roll for smaller projects or patch repairs. In Ontario, a single roll typically covers 10 square feet and costs between $3.50 and $8.00, depending on the grass variety and supplier.
While buying by the roll can be more cost-effective for minor lawn touch-ups, full-yard projects are generally cheaper per square foot when purchased in bulk. Keep in mind that delivery fees may apply for small orders.
Types of Sod Comparison
Choosing the right sod type is essential for a healthy, long-lasting lawn. Different grass varieties perform better depending on your lawn’s sunlight exposure, soil quality, and maintenance preferences. Below is a comparison of some of the most common sod types used in Ontario:
|
Sod Type |
Appearance & Texture |
Sun & Shade Tolerance |
Maintenance Level |
Typical Cost per sq ft |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Kentucky Bluegrass |
Fine blades, deep green |
Prefers full sun |
Moderate |
$0.35 – $0.60 |
|
Perennial Ryegrass |
Medium texture, bright green |
Full sun to partial shade |
Low to moderate |
$0.40 – $0.70 |
|
Fine Fescue Mix |
Soft, thin blades |
Excellent shade tolerance |
Low |
$0.35 – $0.65 |
|
Tall Fescue |
Coarse texture, rich green |
Sun to partial shade |
Low to moderate |
$0.40 – $0.75 |
|
Bluegrass-Fescue Blend |
Balanced look, versatile |
Sun to partial shade |
Moderate |
$0.38 – $0.70 |
When selecting sod, think about how much direct sunlight your lawn receives, how often you plan to mow and water, and your desired look. A blend is often a safe choice for yards with mixed light conditions.
Factors Affecting Sodding Cost in Ontario
Contact Us
The sod installation experts at Sodding GTA can help you create the lawn you have always wanted with professionally installed sod that fits your budget. Contact us today for a free estimate.
FAQs
On average, Ontario sod installation costs range between $1.50 and $3.00 per square foot, including delivery and installation costs.
Based on the average pricing, 1,000 square feet of sod may cost anywhere from $1,500 to $3,000+ depending on project scope and size.
The best time to install sod in Ontario is during spring (mid-May to early June) or early fall (late August to September), when temperatures are cooler and rainfall helps roots establish quickly.
The following factors affect resodding costs in Ontario:
– Sod type
– Lawn size
– Accessibility
– Landscape layout & obstacles
– Soil quality
Before delivery and installation, the average cost of sod per square foot in Ontario is $0.35 to $0.80.
Professional sod installation is recommended for the best outcome. DIY installations can lead to inadequate drainage and poor root development.
The average cost of sod replacements is $1.80 to $3.50 per square foot for residential properties and $0.75 per square foot for commercial properties.
New sod installation in Ontario costs between $13,000 and $26,000 for average mid-sized yards of 8,712 square feet.