Installing a lawn may seem a straightforward process, using standard materials such as soil and sod. However, this is not always the case. So, what determines the sod cost? Here, you will find out about factors of sodding cost in Ontario.
Indeed, the type of materials used and the way Sod is installed can differ drastically, significantly affecting its long-term outcomes. Moreover, it is essential to determine what is included in the sod installation cost from your contractor.
Cost of Sod Installation Per Square Foot in Ontario
The cost of sod in Ontario varies based on a variety of factors, including location, labour rates, complexity of the installation, the type of sod, and the size of the lawn. Each of these factors combined can add up to a different final overall cost. For example, sodding a large yard of over 3,000 sq ft that has hills and hard to reach areas will typically cost of sod more than a small 1,000 sq ft yard with an even surface. The following chart includes the average sod plus installation cost per square foot:
Average Sod Installation Cost Per Square Foot
| Average Cost of Sod | $1.75 to $3.00/sq ft |
| Average Low-End Cost | $0.75 to $1.50/sq ft |
| Average High-End Cost | $3.50 to $4.00+/sq ft |
*These are average costs for research and educational purposes. For accurate quote contact Niko’s Gardening.
Main Factors Determining the Cost of Sod
Like in any other type of service, there are many options available in sodding. Varying degrees of work quality as well as follow-up service availability. Sodding estimates (which should be free!) are normally provided on a sod installation cost in Ontario per square foot basis. It is important to identify what is included in your Sodding estimate:
- Quality of pre-sodding weed control
- Type and amount of soil used
- Scope of ground preparations done (is grading included?)
- Type of fertilizer applied (if at all)
- Follow up Service and support
1. Quality of Pre-Sodding Weed Control
The use of Pesticides in Toronto, the GTA, and rest of Ontario is forbidden for several years now. This is quite a challenge – as lawn installation should ideally be done on a clean, weed-free ground.
Even before the pesticide ban, the team at Niko’s was looking for safe and harmless ways to do weed control. We’ve developed an effective, powerful, and completely safe Vinegar based weed control spray. Before each sodding job in Toronto, Markham, Richmond hill, and rest of the GTA – we always make sure to treat all weeds. This is an obvious part of our work, and is an option we provide to all of our sodding service clients. Ensuring effective but 100% safe weed control can help manage the overall cost of your lawn installation.
2. Type and Amount of Soil Used is Part of Determining Sodding Costs
When Sodding in Toronto and the GTA area, there are generally two types of soils available:
- Top Soil – Screened blend of top soil and sand, contains between 4 and 10% organic matter. Primary use is for grading as it compacts well.
- Triple Mix-A dark rich, multi purpose planting soil, containing between 15 and 19% organic matter. This soil has a smooth uniform texture and a porosity rate of 28%. Contains composted pine mulch, screened top soil, leaf compost and sand.
The long-term health, strength, and vigor of your newly installed lawn depends on the foundation upon which it is placed. Triple Mix soil is the best choice by far, and will result in rapid developed of a strong root system. As a standard, we place a minimum of 1″ inch layer of Triple Mix soil on top of the existing soil.
By using Triple Mix in all of our sodding projects we provide the best value for our customer’s money. Well-prepared soil ensures that your new lawn thrives, which can significantly reduce ongoing lawn maintenance and unexpected sod costs in the future.
- Make sure the best type of soil is used for your sodding project
3. Scope of Ground Preparations Done
After all weeds are killed and removed by a sod cutter a fresh layer of soil (we use Triple Mix) is applied.
Proper grading and leveling should be done at this point, assuring straight surface on one hand, and considering drainage directions on the other.
This part is quite important, and should be done right, and with proper attention – after all, after the new lawn is installed – it will be very difficult to alter the grading of the surface. Including grading in your sodding estimate helps you understand the full cost of your project and avoid hidden sod costs later.
- Make sure that basic grading is included in the estimate of sodding your lawn!
4. Types of Sod
The type of sod you choose plays a major role in overall cost of sod in Ontario and lawn performance. Kentucky Bluegrass sod, for example, is one of the most popular options in Ontario due to its lush appearance and excellent cold tolerance. However, it can has slightly more expensive cost than other varieties because it requires more maintenance and higher-quality soil preparation to thrive. Choosing the right sod type ensures lasting beauty and durability for your lawn. Read related article Top Sodding Results – With Zander Sod
| Type of Sod / Grass Variety | Approx. Price (or Equivalent) in Ontario* |
| Kentucky Bluegrass | ≈ $1.05 CAD per sq ft (≈ $0.095 per lb equivalent) |
| Premium Bluegrass Blend | C$5.70 to C$7.10 per roll / 9 sq ft |
| Kentucky Bluegrass Roll (King-sod model) | ≈ $4.60 per 10 sq ft roll |
| Generic Grass / Bluegrass Blend | C$5.60 per roll (9 sq ft roll) |
* These figures are rough market prices and do not strictly reflect “per pound” in many cases, because sod is almost always sold by area or roll rather than by weight.
5. Type of Fertilizer applied
Applying a high-quality fertilizer when installing a new lawn, accelerated the root-development process of the sod. While not practiced by all sodding service providers, this is quite important: remember, the sod used in your garden had an extensive root system before it was cut out off the farm for you, and is in great distress (that’s why you must water your lawn several times a day on the first weeks of installation). A good fertilizer alleviates some of the stress, providing your yard with a prompt vigor, and rapid grass growth right away. It can help reduce long-term maintenance costs.
- Make sure a high-quality fertilizer is included in the estimate of sodding your lawn.
6. Follow-up Service and Support
When re-sodding a yard, the lawn installation is only the first step. While getting it done right has a direct effect on the quality and beauty of your future lawn, it is also very important to know:
How To Save Money on Sod Installation Cost
There are a few ways you can save on upfront and long-term cost of sod in Ontario. Here are some amazing sod installation money-saving tips:
- Choose the Optimal Time of Year: The spring and early fall seasons, between April and May as well as late-August to mid-September, are the best times to install sod. Sodding during these times provides the best conditions for success.
- Only Sod Certain Areas: Instead of sodding your entire lawn, you may opt to only sod certain areas such as the front yard. This improves curb appeal while lowering long-term maintenance costs as well as upfront installation costs.
- Hire a Professional Landscaper: While many believe DIY sod installation is less expensive, equipment rentals and the possibility of re-sodding improper installation can increase cost of sod in Ontario. Hiring a professional is the best way to guarantee successful and long-lasting results.
Needless to say, there are many things that could go wrong, or at least cause a great deal of stress – having someone who was directly involved in the initial creation of the lawn – available for sodding support and advice is invaluable.
Niko’s team always makes itself available to it’s customers – we are glad to calculate overall project cost, provide sodding support and arrive to inspect your new lawn when needed. Our service area includes Toronto, Markham, Richmond hill, North York, Etobicoke, or anywhere else in the GTA. If we installed your lawn, we will be there to help you keep it healthy and green just like on the day the sodding was complete! Make sure your sodding provider is known for its post-service support and follow-up.
Contact us NOW to get your free sodding estimate!
FAQs about Sod Cost
On average, it costs between $1,500 and $3,000 to install 1,000 square feet of sod in Ontario. Before installation, the cost of sod alone ranges from $310 to $820 for a 1,000 sq ft yard.
In Ontario, the average cost of sod per square foot is $0.30 to $0.85. This is before delivery and installation costs.
The following factors influence sod replacement costs in Ontario:
– Type of sod
– Location
– Square footage
– Complexity of the installation
– Labour rates
– Number of sod rolls
– Accessibility
– DIY vs. professional installation
Yes, hiring a professional to install or replace your sod is worth the investment. Professional installations have a higher success rate than DIT installations, which leads to decreased maintenance and resodding expenses.
Lawn replacements cost on average between $1.50 and $3.50 per square foot. If the average lawn size varies from 1,000 to 10,000 sq ft, this means you could pay anywhere from $1,500 to $35,000 for a lawn replacement in Ontario.
For a 1,000 sq ft yard, you can expect to spend between $300 and $800 on the sod alone. After installation expenses, costs range from $1,700 to $3,500.
