Resodding typically costs $1-$3 per square foot, or about $2,000-$6,000 for a 2,000-square-foot lawn. The final price depends on sod variety, removal of the old lawn, soil preparation, yard access, and local labor rates.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Installed resodding | $1 per sq ft | $2 per sq ft | $3 per sq ft | Standard sod and basic preparation |
| 2,000-sq-ft lawn | $2,000 | $4,000 | $6,000 | Removal and access can raise the total |
| Sod material only | $0.30 per sq ft | $0.55 per sq ft | $0.90 per sq ft | Variety, order size, and delivery affect price |
| Old turf removal | $0.25 per sq ft | $0.75 per sq ft | $1.50 per sq ft | May include hauling and disposal |
Typical resodding prices by lawn size
For a professionally installed lawn with standard grass, a practical budget is $1-$3 per square foot. A 500-square-foot patch may cost $500-$1,500, while 1,000 square feet may run $1,000-$3,000. A 5,000-square-foot lawn can reach $5,000-$15,000 before major drainage or irrigation work.
Most average-sized projects land near $2 per square foot when the yard is accessible and soil needs only routine preparation. Rates commonly include sod placement and basic grading, but estimates differ on whether they include old-lawn removal, topsoil, delivery, and watering instructions.
Assumptions: U.S. mid-market labor, common turf varieties, accessible yard, and no major irrigation or drainage replacement.
What sod, removal, and soil prep add to the quote
Contractors may price the work as one installed rate or separate material and labor. Compare the written scope line by line: a low per-square-foot quote may exclude disposal, soil amendments, or delivery.
| Quote component | Typical price | What changes the charge | Often included |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sod material | $0.30-$0.90 per sq ft | Grass type and order size | Fresh-cut turf |
| Installation labor | $0.50-$1.25 per sq ft | Yard shape and crew access | Unloading and laying |
| Old lawn removal | $0.25-$1.50 per sq ft | Turf thickness and disposal distance | Cutting and hauling, if listed |
| Soil preparation | $0.20-$1.00 per sq ft | Topsoil depth and grading needs | Raking and light leveling |
| Delivery and disposal | $75-$400 per job | Distance and load size | Sometimes bundled |
Removal and soil correction are the most commonly overlooked line items. Ask whether the contractor will haul away old turf, add topsoil, and leave the grade ready for drainage before comparing totals.
How grass type and grading change the price
Grass selection can shift material costs substantially. Common cool-season blends often fall around $0.30-$0.65 per square foot, while premium or region-specific varieties may cost $0.60-$0.90 or more. Availability and climate suitability matter; a cheaper variety may not establish well in local conditions.
Preparation is another major variable. A yard needing only light raking may add $0.20-$0.40 per square foot, while uneven ground requiring extra topsoil or machine grading can add $0.50-$1.50 per square foot. Slopes, narrow gates, tree roots, and many small lawn sections can slow installation.
Area and soil condition can change the estimate more than the sod’s sticker price. For example, a 2,000-square-foot lawn needing an extra $0.75 per square foot for grading adds $1,500 to the project.
Regional labor rates and delivery distances
Installed pricing in lower-cost rural markets may run 10%-20% below a typical metro estimate, while high-cost coastal cities can be 15%-35% higher. These are planning ranges, not fixed regional tariffs; local sod supply and seasonal demand can outweigh broad location averages.
Delivery distance matters because sod is perishable and often shipped by the pallet or truckload. A nearby supplier may charge $75-$200 for delivery, while a longer route or small, split delivery can reach $200-$400. Small projects may also face a contractor minimum of $300-$800.
Use local quotes for the final budget, especially when delivery is not included per square foot. Check whether the estimate covers the full measured area or adds a small amount for cutting waste.
How long a sod crew needs to finish
A two- or three-person crew may install roughly 1,000-2,000 square feet in a workday when access is clear and preparation is modest. Removing old turf, moving soil by hand, or working around landscaping can extend the job to two or more days.
Labor estimates can be checked against a broad crew billing range of $50-$100 per hour, although contractors commonly quote the whole job rather than an hourly fee. A useful calculation is . Ask how many crew hours are assumed and whether cleanup is included.
Unusual access and preparation—not laying the sod itself—often determine whether the crew finishes in one day.
Three realistic lawn replacement estimates
A small 500-square-foot front lawn with light prep might include $275 for sod at $0.55 per square foot, 6 crew hours at $70 per hour, and $175 for delivery and cleanup. The estimated total is about $870, or $1.74 per square foot.
A 2,000-square-foot yard requiring sod removal and moderate topsoil work could include $1,100 for sod, 24 labor hours at $70, $1,200 for removal and disposal, and $800 for soil preparation and delivery. The total is about $4,780, or $2.39 per square foot.
A 5,000-square-foot property with premium turf, difficult access, and heavier grading might cost $4,000 for sod, $3,500 for labor, $2,500 for removal, and $2,000 for grading and delivery. The estimate is $12,000, or $2.40 per square foot. These examples show why total scope is more useful than comparing sod prices alone.
Ways to lower the resodding bill without cutting corners
Measure the lawn accurately and exclude beds, patios, and areas that will remain planted. Combining separate lawn patches into one scheduled delivery may reduce freight charges, while choosing a locally common grass variety can lower material costs without sacrificing suitability.
Handle simple site clearing or move patio furniture before the crew arrives, but leave grading and soil decisions to the contractor unless the scope is clear. Request two or three itemized quotes that use the same square footage, sod type, removal plan, and soil allowance.
Keep the quote focused on the failing lawn rather than replacing healthy sections or adding unneeded upgrades. Compare repair pricing for isolated bare patches with full resodding; patching can be cheaper when damage is limited and the existing grass can blend with new turf.