Key Takeaways
- Sod is typically sold in rolls that are 2 feet wide and 5 feet long, covering 10 square feet each
- One pallet of sod covers approximately 450 to 500 square feet depending on the grower
- Measure the total lawn area and add 5 to 10 percent for cuts and waste along edges
- Sod must be installed within 24 hours of delivery for best results
- Order sod for the full area at once to avoid color and texture differences between sections
Sod is pre-grown grass that is harvested in rolls or squares and laid on prepared soil to establish an instant lawn.
Pallet is a shipping unit for sod, typically containing 50 rolls that cover 450 to 500 square feet depending on roll dimensions.
Sod gives you an instant lawn, which is appealing when you do not want to wait months for seed to germinate and fill in. But ordering sod is different from ordering seed. You cannot return unused rolls, and sod that sits on the pallet for more than a day starts to deteriorate. Getting the quantity right the first time is important.
Here is how to measure and order accurately.
Measure the total area
Measure the length and width of the area to be sodded. For a rectangle, multiply the two numbers. For an irregular shape, break it into rectangles and triangles, calculate each and add them together.
A front yard that is 40 feet wide and 30 feet deep with a curved edge:
Use the bounding rectangle (40 x 30 = 1,200 square feet) and subtract areas that will not be sodded, like a walkway, driveway or planting bed.
A walkway that is 3 feet wide and 20 feet long:
1,200 - 60 = 1,140 square feet of sod needed
Add waste for edges and curves
Straight edges and square corners produce minimal waste. Curved edges, diagonal borders and irregular shapes require more cuts, which means more waste.
For a simple rectangular lawn, add 5 percent. For a lawn with curves and angles, add 10 percent. For a complex layout with many small sections or diagonal edges, add 15 percent.
The 1,140 square foot lawn with 10 percent waste:
1,140 x 1.10 = 1,254 square feet to order
Always round up to the nearest whole roll or pallet.
Roll sizes and pallet counts
The most common roll size is 2 feet by 5 feet, covering 10 square feet. A pallet typically holds 50 rolls, covering 450 to 500 square feet. Some growers use larger rolls (4 feet by 8 feet, covering 32 square feet) and smaller pallets.
For the 1,254 square foot lawn:
1,254 / 10 = 125.4 rolls
Round up to 126 rolls, which is about 2.5 pallets. You would order 3 pallets to have enough.
Sod varieties
The right grass species depends on your climate, sun exposure and how much traffic the lawn gets. Common cool-season grasses include Kentucky bluegrass, tall fescue and perennial ryegrass. Warm-season options include Bermuda, St. Augustine and zoysia.
Your local sod grower will recommend the variety that grows best in your area. Buying from a local grower also means the sod was grown in similar soil and climate conditions, which improves establishment.
Preparing the soil
Sod needs a smooth, firm base to root into. The process is:
- Remove existing vegetation, rocks and debris
- Grade the soil to slope away from structures for drainage
- Add 2 to 4 inches of topsoil if the existing soil is poor
- Rake smooth and compact lightly with a roller
The topsoil calculator can determine how much topsoil you need for the base preparation if the existing soil needs improvement.
Installation timing
Sod is a perishable product. It should be laid within 24 hours of delivery, and within 12 hours in hot weather. Have the soil prepared before the delivery truck arrives, not after.
Start laying sod along the longest straight edge, typically a sidewalk or driveway. Stagger the joints between rows, like brickwork. Cut pieces to fit around obstacles with a sharp knife. Press the edges together tightly to prevent gaps.
Watering after installation
Newly laid sod needs frequent watering for the first two weeks. Water lightly but often, three to four times per day for 10 to 15 minutes each. The goal is keeping the sod and the top inch of soil consistently moist without creating standing water.
After two weeks, reduce frequency but increase depth. Water deeply once every two to three days to encourage roots to grow downward into the soil.
The sod calculator determines the total square footage, roll count and pallet count for your lawn dimensions.
Editorial note: This article is reviewed for accuracy and updated regularly. All calculations use standard industry formulas. For the latest roll dimensions and pricing, consult your local sod supplier directly.
Frequently asked questions
How many square feet of sod are on a pallet?
A standard pallet of sod contains about 450 to 500 square feet, depending on the roll dimensions used by the grower. The most common rolls are 2 feet by 5 feet (10 square feet each), with 50 rolls per pallet.
How much does a pallet of sod cost?
Prices vary by region, grass type and season. A pallet of standard warm-season sod typically costs $150 to $300. Premium varieties or specialty grasses may cost more. Delivery is often an additional fee.
Can I install sod myself?
Yes. Sod installation is a straightforward DIY project. The key is having the soil properly prepared before the sod arrives, working quickly to lay it all within a day, and watering it consistently for the first two weeks.
How long before sod is fully established?
Sod begins to root within 1 to 2 weeks with proper watering. Full establishment, where the roots have grown deep enough to survive regular mowing and normal irrigation, takes about 6 to 8 weeks.