How seed, sod, and hydroseeding are priced, plus site prep, materials, and labor, with one published set of reference figures.
Whether you are starting from bare dirt after a renovation or replacing a lawn that has seen better days, the cost of a new lawn depends on three things: the method you choose, the condition of your soil, and whether you do it yourself or hire a professional.
This guide walks through every cost involved, from site preparation and topsoil to materials and labor, so you know what to ask for in a quote before buying a single bag of seed or pallet of sod. LotSite has no price data of its own: every dollar figure below comes from one published source, named and dated where it appears.
$450–$1,800
8 – 14 weeks
The lowest cost of the three, the widest choice of grass varieties, and the easiest to do yourself
Slow establishment, vulnerable to washout and birds, requires consistent watering
$1,100–$3,000
2 – 3 weeks
A finished lawn the day it is laid, erosion control, fewer weeds at the start
The highest cost of the three, heavy to install, fewer grass choices, perishable
$0.08 to $0.20 per square foot
5 – 7 weeks
Faster than hand seeding, holds on slopes, the spray carries mulch and fertilizer with the seed
Requires professional equipment, not offered everywhere, still needs watering
Source: Angi, "How Much Does It Cost to Seed and Reseed a Lawn? [2026 Data]", updated September 23, 2026. Figures are shown as published. They are one company's data, not quotes.
Know your lawn size? Use the sod calculator or seed calculator to work out material quantities →
These figures are from Angi's cost guide How Much Does It Cost to Seed and Reseed a Lawn? [2026 Data] (updated September 23, 2026), which gives a national average of $1,082 to seed or reseed a lawn, says most homeowners pay between $438 and $1,757, and prices the work at $0.10 to $0.20 per square foot.
| Lawn size | Labor and materials (Angi) |
|---|---|
| 500 sq ft | $50–$100 |
| 1,000 sq ft | $100–$200 |
| 2,000 sq ft | $200–$400 |
| 3,000 sq ft | $300–$600 |
| 4,000 sq ft | $400–$800 |
| 5,000 sq ft | $500–$1,000 |
| Grass type | Per pound (Angi) |
|---|---|
| Fescue | $3 |
| Clover | $4 |
| Kentucky bluegrass | $6 |
| Bermuda | $6 |
| Bahia | $10 |
Source: Angi, "How Much Does It Cost to Seed and Reseed a Lawn? [2026 Data]", updated September 23, 2026. Figures are shown as published.
What these numbers are. Angi says its national average is based on 1,201 verified projects reported by its own contractors, and that its cost data comes from surveys of its customers paired with outside research. That makes the figures one company's data. They are not an official statistic and they are not a quote for your job. Prices differ by region, by the condition of the yard and by company, so use them to judge whether a quote is in the usual range, and get two or three local quotes.
The cost of seed or sod is only part of the picture. Most new lawn projects require some level of site preparation, and it can cost more than the materials themselves. The source above prints no figure for these items, and LotSite has none of its own, so ask for each one as a separate line on a quote. Here is what to ask about.
Shows pH and nutrient levels before you start. Your county extension office can tell you what a test costs locally.
Essential for drainage. The price depends on how much soil has to move and whether machinery can reach the yard.
Most new lawns need 4–6 inches of quality topsoil. It is sold by the cubic yard, so the cost follows the area and the depth.
A rented sod cutter or a chemical treatment for the existing grass, priced by the area cleared.
Clearing construction debris, rocks, and roots. Priced by the load and the labor.
A high-phosphorus formula to promote root development, bought by the bag for the area you are seeding or sodding.
The topsoil calculator works out cubic yards for your area and depth, and prices them from a labeled starting assumption you can replace with a local quote.
DIY seeding is the most budget-friendly option. You will need a broadcast spreader, starter fertilizer, and a garden rake, and you can rent a slit seeder for better seed-to-soil contact. Angi puts the labor on a seeding job, the part you save by doing it yourself, at $250 to $350.
DIY sod installation is physically demanding but doable. A pallet of sod covers about 450 sq ft and weighs 2,000–3,000 lbs. You will need a wheelbarrow, a sharp knife, and a rented lawn roller. Budget a full day for every 1,000 sq ft.
Professional installation adds labor on top of materials, quoted by the job or by the square foot. Get two or three local quotes. Professionals bring the equipment and handle grading, which can be worth it for large or complicated yards.
When to hire a pro: If your yard has significant slope, drainage issues, needs more than 2 inches of regrading, or exceeds 5,000 sq ft, professional help usually saves time and prevents costly mistakes.
Enter your address and paint your lawn to measure its area, so you can budget for seed, sod, or hydroseeding.
Then use our sod calculator or seed calculator to work out quantities and a cost from prices you can edit.