Sod is pre-grown turfgrass harvested with a thin layer of soil and roots attached, offering a fast way to establish a mature lawn. This material is typically delivered stacked on wooden pallets, but the exact quantity of grass on each pallet is not a fixed number. Understanding the total square footage and the number of individual pieces helps ensure you order the precise amount needed for your lawn transformation.
Standard Pallet Coverage and Piece Count
The total area a standard pallet of sod covers is the most consistent measurement, typically falling within a range of 400 to 500 square feet. Many suppliers in the United States target a standard coverage of 450 square feet per pallet, balancing the maximum transportable weight with delivery efficiency. The actual number of individual pieces on that pallet is variable because it depends entirely on the size of the piece harvested by the sod farm.
For instance, if the sod is cut into small slabs measuring approximately 16 inches by 24 inches, each piece covers about 2.67 square feet. A pallet containing 450 square feet of this smaller-sized sod would require around 168 individual pieces. Alternatively, some farms harvest sod in larger hand rolls that cover 10 square feet apiece, which would mean that same 450 square feet pallet holds only 45 rolls. The total square footage remains the same, but the physical piece count changes significantly depending on the supplier’s cutting equipment and chosen roll size.
Dimensions of a Single Sod Roll
Sod is harvested in two primary forms: the smaller, flat slab or the rolled piece, with dimensions varying by farm practice. A very common slab size, particularly in warmer climates, is 16 inches wide by 24 inches long, providing 2.67 square feet of coverage per piece. The small size makes these slabs easier for a single person to lift and maneuver during installation.
In other cases, sod is harvested into hand rolls that are longer and cover a larger area, such as a roll measuring 2 feet wide by 5 feet long for a total of 10 square feet. This format is popular for quick installation over large, open areas. A third, less common option is the “big roll,” which can be 42 inches wide and hundreds of feet long, covering hundreds of square feet. These big rolls require specialized machinery to unroll and install and are measured by their total area.
Regional and Turf Type Variations
The standard pallet size and the dimensions of the individual pieces are not universal and are influenced by regional farming practices and the type of turf being grown. In the cooler northern regions, sod farms often grow grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass and Fescue, which may be harvested in mini hand rolls or larger rolls. Conversely, in southern states, where warm-season grasses such as Bermuda, St. Augustine, or Zoysia thrive, sod is more frequently cut into smaller slabs.
These regional differences relate to the physical properties of the grass or the local soil composition. For instance, sod harvested from heavy clay soil or a grass type with a dense root structure may be cut into smaller pieces to reduce the weight for easier handling. Furthermore, some states have regulations that mandate a minimum square footage for a pallet of sod, which can slightly alter the final coverage from one state to another.
Calculating Your Project Needs
Accurately calculating the amount of sod needed for a project begins with measuring the area to be covered in square feet. For a rectangular or square space, simply multiply the length by the width to determine the total area. Irregularly shaped areas should be broken down into simpler geometric shapes, like rectangles and triangles, with the area of each shape calculated and then added together.
Once the total square footage is determined, factor in an allowance for waste. This waste accounts for the material lost when cutting pieces to fit curves, edges, and obstacles. Adding a waste factor of 5% to 10% to the total calculated area is standard practice. Simple, square lawns may only require a 5% addition, while complex areas with many curves or angles should use the higher 10% figure to ensure enough material is available to finish the job.