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Landscaping Cost Calculator

Updated · Written and checked by · How we check our maths

Quick answer

Landscaping is priced by area and project type. Laying 1,000 sq ft of new sod with 200 sq ft of mulched planting beds and site prep typically costs about $3,600–$4,400 installed. Hardscape such as pavers costs several times more per square foot than planting.

Landscaping estimate

sq ft
sq ft
sq ft
$
$

Estimated project cost

$3,629–$4,435

Lawn, beds and plants
$2,880
Hardscape
$0
Site preparation
$1,152

Estimate only. Access, soil condition and plant choices change the final price.

How this calculator works

Landscapers price softscape (lawn, beds and plants) and hardscape (gravel, pavers, stone) very differently. New sod costs a dollar or two per square foot installed, mulched beds cost more because of edging and soil work, and pavers or natural stone can cost $15–$35 per square foot because of excavation, base material and cutting.

Site preparation is often the hidden cost: removing old turf, grading for drainage and bringing in topsoil can add half again to a lawn job. The calculator adds it as a separate line so a homeowner can see what they are paying for.

For landscaping businesses, the per-square-foot rate and minimum job are hidden owner settings. Customers see a clean estimate range, and the business receives the measurements and choices with every lead.

The formula

Lawn
lawn sq ft × rate per sq ft
Beds and plants
bed sq ft × rate × 2.5 + plants × rate × 25
Hardscape
hardscape sq ft × material price per sq ft
Prep
(lawn + beds) × rate × 60% when turf removal and grading is on

Worked example

1,000 sq ft of sod at $1.60 is $1,600. 200 sq ft of beds is $800 and 12 plants add $480. Turf removal and grading on 1,200 sq ft adds $1,152. The total is about $4,032, shown as a range of roughly $3,600–$4,400.

Tips

  1. 01Plant in spring or autumn; summer installs need more watering and lose more plants.
  2. 02Ask whether the quote includes haul-away of old turf, soil and debris.
  3. 03Put hardscape in first; heavy machinery ruins new lawns and beds.

Frequently asked questions

How much does landscaping cost?

Small front-yard refreshes often cost $1,500–$5,000; full backyard designs with hardscape commonly run $10,000–$40,000 or more.

How much does sod cost per square foot installed?

Usually about $1–$2 per sq ft, more for small areas or if the old lawn must be removed first.

What is the difference between softscape and hardscape?

Softscape is living material such as grass, plants and mulch. Hardscape is non-living: patios, paths, walls and gravel.