AntoineAsphalt.caSod or Seed: Which Is Better for an Ontario Lawn?
Quick answer
Sod costs more but gives you a finished lawn right away, and it can be laid any time the ground isn't frozen and sod is available, even into late fall. Seed costs far less, about $0.10 to $0.20 per sq ft versus $1.50 to $3.00 installed for sod in Ontario (typical market range, HomeStars sod guide, undated). Seed's best window is short: mid-August through Thanksgiving weekend, according to Mark and Ben Cullen.
How much does sod cost compared with seed?
Typical market range (HomeStars sod guide, undated; accessed October 2026):
| Item | Cost per sq ft |
|---|---|
| Sod, installed (Ontario) | $1.50–$3.00 |
| Soil prep | $0.50–$1.00 |
| Grass seed | $0.10–$0.20 |
The same HomeStars page also lists other Canadian sod figures ($1.70–$3.50 and $1–$2 per sq ft installed), so treat these as rough. HomeStars' Hamilton page shows an average sod job of $1,933 (range $1,600–$2,500), but that data is labelled "costs as of January 2021."
When is the best time to lay sod in Ontario?
Sod can go down until late-fall frost. Mark and Ben Cullen put it this way: "The question is not how late you can lay it, but how late you can buy it." They report sod laid in the third week of September rooted well.
HomeStars says sod is best installed in early fall or spring.
When is the best time to seed a lawn in Ontario?
The Cullens give mid-August through Thanksgiving weekend for Zone 5 areas of Ontario. Hamilton is milder, so treat this as a safe window, not a hard cutoff.
Their method: top-dress with 2 cm of triple mix, then sow about 1 kg of seed per 100 m².
Which should I choose, sod or seed?
| Sod | Seed | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Higher | Much lower |
| Finished look | Right away | Takes time to fill in |
| Best timing | Early fall or spring; possible until late-fall frost | Mid-August to Thanksgiving weekend |
| Early care | Water at least twice a day until established | Follow the seed label |
Choose sod if you want a usable lawn fast. Choose seed if budget matters more than speed and you can work within the late-summer window.
What happens to the old sod?
Old sod has to go somewhere. Halton Region does not take sod or soil in curbside yard waste, so it has to be hauled away. HomeStars lists hauling away debris and sod at $200–$1,000, typical market range (HomeStars Toronto, date not stated).
Sod or seed season picker
Sod
Still possible, if you can buy it.
Seed
In the window through Thanksgiving weekend, then closed.
Based on Mark and Ben Cullen (Harrowsmith) and HomeStars.
- January: Sod: Not while the ground is frozen. Seed: Outside the recommended window.
- February: Sod: Not while the ground is frozen. Seed: Outside the recommended window.
- March: Sod: Not while the ground is frozen. Seed: Outside the recommended window.
- April: Sod: Good time. HomeStars lists spring as a best time. Seed: Outside the mid-August to Thanksgiving window our source recommends.
- May: Sod: Good time. HomeStars lists spring as a best time. Seed: Outside the mid-August to Thanksgiving window our source recommends.
- June: Sod: Possible if sod is available. Our sources don't list summer as a best time, and watering is critical. Seed: Outside the recommended window.
- July: Sod: Possible if sod is available. Our sources don't list summer as a best time, and watering is critical. Seed: Outside the recommended window.
- August: Sod: Possible. Seed: Window opens mid-August.
- September: Sod: Good time. Sod laid in the third week of September rooted well. Seed: In the window.
- October: Sod: Still possible, if you can buy it. Seed: In the window through Thanksgiving weekend, then closed.
- November: Sod: Possible until late-fall frost, if sod is available. Seed: Past the window.
- December: Sod: Not while the ground is frozen. Seed: Outside the recommended window.
Frequently asked questions
Can you lay sod in October or November in Ontario?
Yes, until late-fall frost, as long as you can still buy sod.
Is seed really cheaper than sod?
Yes. HomeStars lists seed at $0.10 to $0.20 per sq ft and installed sod at $1.50 to $3.00 per sq ft in Ontario (typical market range, HomeStars sod guide, undated).
How much grass seed do I need?
The Cullens suggest about 1 kg per 100 m², over 2 cm of triple mix.
Can sod go in during summer heat?
It can, but our sources don't rate summer as a best time. New sod needs watering at least twice a day until established.
Related guides & services
See how we prepare soil and lay new lawns on our sod installation page.
Prices are third-party typical market ranges, not Antoine's prices.
Ask about your project
Contact Antoine Landscape Contractors at (647) 459-7775 or share your project details below.