Sod Installation Cost in Kansas City [2025 Data]

Installing sod is a shortcut to a healthy, green, lush lawn, but the convenience of instant results costs more than starting a lawn from seed. In Kansas City, installing sod costs between $1,252 and $2,939, with most homeowners paying an average of $2,068. Take a look at how much you can expect to pay for sod installation in Kansas City and what affects the total cost. 

Sod Installation Cost Factors 

Various factors determine how much you’ll pay for sod installation in Kansas City, MO, from the size of your lawn to the type of grass you choose. We break down some of the most common contributing factors so you can budget for this landscaping project. 

Size

Since sod prices are based on your lawn’s square footage, your yard size plays a hefty role in the cost of the project. For small patches, you might be able to spend less than $1,000 in total sod installation costs. However, if you’re looking to sod a quarter of an acre or more, that price is substantially higher. 

Here’s a breakdown of sod installation costs by yard size:

When buying by the yard, divide your square-foot measurements by nine to determine how much you need. For example, if your yard is 350 square feet, divide 350 by 9 for a total of 38.9 yards, and round that up to 39 yards of sod. Because most material is nonrefundable, be as accurate as possible while measuring and doing the math. A sod calculator can help you figure out exactly how much you need.

Sod Delivery

If a landscape pro is installing your sod, delivery charges will normally be included in your total project cost. If you’re tackling this project as a DIY, sod delivery will cost you between $65 and $350, depending on how far the delivery truck has to travel, how much sod you ordered, and more. 

Types of Sod Grass

Kansas City’s humid continental climate, with its hot summers and cold, snowy winters, means that not all types of sod grass will flourish. Fescue, bluegrass, and ryegrass are hardy types of grass that are popular choices in Kansas City due to their ability to withstand all the weather conditions that the four distinct seasons bring.

No matter which type of sod grass you choose, be sure to follow all instructions to ensure its longevity, including how long to water sod, how long to keep off of it after installation, and when you can mow it for the first time.

Here’s a breakdown of sod installation costs based on the type of grass:

New Lawn vs. Existing Lawn

The starting point you’re working with will factor into your overall price for this project. If you're just installing sod on a new lawn, the cost will be cheaper than removing an existing lawn and resodding it, as this process involves additional materials and labor. You may be able to sod over an existing lawn—check with your sod installation pro to see if that’s an option.

Soil Testing

The cost to test your soil is around $60 on average, but costs can range anywhere from $20 to $100. A professional soil test can help determine how to amend it and help your new grass grow thick and healthy. This test will also help you decide what type of grass grows best in your lawn’s soil conditions.

Prep and Removal

Sod can’t just be installed on your lawn as is. You’ll need to do some prep work first. In most cases, your old grass will need to be removed and the soil prepped before installation. You may also need to clear your yard of obstacles like rocks, vegetation, and debris, level the land for an even installation, and add topsoil to give the sod the best chance of thriving. Here are some common prep steps and how much you’ll pay. 

Sod Installation Pro Costs

Landscape Pro Costs

Hiring a Kansas City landscaper to install your sod will cost an average of $45 to $85 an hour in labor costs. A qualified landscaper with experience installing sod will give you professional results, answer your sod installation questions, like when is the best time to lay sod in Kansas City, and give your sod the best chance of thriving.

Permit Costs

Most sod installation projects in Kansas City don’t require a permit unless you’re doing significant regrading or installing irrigation or drainage. Check before getting started so you can be sure you’re covered if you do need a permit. 

Does Sod Installation Increase Home Value?

Like many major landscaping projects, sod installation offers a high return on investment (ROI), often recouping up to 100% of initial costs. An established, healthy, and lush lawn improves your home’s curb appeal and is an attractive feature for prospective buyers when it comes time to sell.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We survey real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

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