Sod Installation Cost in Seattle [2025 Data]

Normal Range: $1,441 - $3,697

The average cost to install sod in Seattle, Washington is $2,553. Depending on sod type, yard size, and prep, most spend between $1,441 and $3,697.

How we get this data
Contractor Installing Sod
Photo: welcomia / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Contractor Installing Sod
Photo: welcomia / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Highlights
  • Installing sod can give your Seattle home a lush, green lawn without having to wait for the seed to grow.

  • Sod installation costs depend on the size of your yard, the type of grass you choose, and how much prep your yard needs.

  • A qualified Seattle sod installation pro can give you professional results and a healthy, thriving lawn.

Installing sod is a handy shortcut to a great-looking lawn, but it’s important to budget accurately for this project. Installing sod in Seattle costs an average of $2,553, with most homeowners paying between $1,441 and $3,697 for sod installation. We explore some of the factors that influence how much you’ll pay for sod installation in Seattle. 

Sod Installation Cost Factors 

The cost to install sod in Seattle, WA, depends on various factors, including yard size, grass type, whether you’re installing a new lawn or replacing your current one, and more. Take a look at some of the things that affect the cost of sod installation. 

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: 

Yard Size (Sq. Ft.)Average Sod Installation Cost (New Lawn)Average Sod Installation Cost (Resod Existing Yard)
500$625–$1,600$1,250–$2,850
1,000$1,250–$3,200$2,500–$5,700
1,500$1,875–$4,800$3,750–$8,550
2,000$2,500–$6,400$5,000–$11,400
3,000$3,750–$9,600$7,500–$17,100
4,000$5,000–$12,800$10,000–$22,800
5,000$6,250–$16,000$12,500–$28,500

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.

You can also use a sod calculator to figure out exactly how much sod you need to order. A pallet of sod covers 400 to 500 square feet, so you can also determine how many pallets you need. 

Sod Delivery

When you hire a sod installation pro, sod delivery costs will be included in your total project price. If you’re installing your own sod, expect to pay between $65 and $400 to have the sod delivered, depending on how much you order and how far the delivery truck needs to travel. 

Types of Sod Grass

You’ll need to choose the right kind of sod grass to have a thriving lawn in Seattle. Cool-season grasses like ryegrass, bluegrass, or fescue are well-suited to Seattle’s cool, wet winters and warm, dry summers.

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

Type of GrassAverage Cost per Sq. Ft. (Labor and Materials)ProsCons
Fescue$1.35–$2.65Stays green in cool weather, good for high-traffic areasTurns brown in high heat, prone to disease in wet conditions
Kentucky Bluegrass$1.35–$2.40Extremely hardy in cold temperatures, holds up to high trafficNot shade, heat, or drought tolerant, high-maintenance
Perennial ryegrass$1.35–$2.65Low-maintenance, hardy in moderate conditionsMay appear patchy, doesn’t thrive in shade

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.

Pro Tip

Spring is the best time for sod installation, but it can be done in the fall. You want the temperatures appropriate for grass growth, and you'll need to water constantly during the early stages of installation.

Christian Lazo
Owner, Lazo Landscaping & Contracting

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

You can’t just install sod on your lawn as-is. You’ll need to prep the site first to ensure the sod takes root. For new sod installation, you may need to clear and level the yard first. On existing lawns, old grass and weeds need to be cleared, and for most installations, new or existing, the soil will need to be treated with amendments and fertilizer or herbicide treatments.

ServiceAverage Cost
Old grass and weed removal$1–$3 per sq. ft.
Land clearing10% of project cost
Soil prep costs$45–$200
Fertilizer and herbicide treatment$0.02–$0.08 per sq. ft.
Topsoil$12–$55 per cubic yard
Land leveling$1–$3 per sq. ft.

Sod Installation Pro Costs

Landscape Pro Costs

Hiring a local landscaping pro in Seattle, WA, to install your sod costs an average of $60 to $110 per hour in labor costs. A qualified professional who specializes in sod installation will properly prep your lawn, install the sod, answer your sod installation questions, and let you know what steps to take to keep your new sod healthy. 

Permit Costs

If your sod installation project includes excavation or regrading, you may need to obtain a permit from the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections before beginning work. Permit fees depend on the scope of the project, so confirm any permit requirements and fees before you start.

Does Sod Installation Increase Home Value?

Sod is a great investment in your home’s curb appeal, offering a return on investment (ROI) of up to 100%. Sod not only gives you a great-looking lawn, but it can also prevent erosion, improve drainage, and make your home more competitive when it comes time to sell. An established, lush lawn is a big plus for prospective homebuyers and can set your home apart from similar properties on the market.

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. 

Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.

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