Sod is a layer of pre-grown grass, including the roots and a thin layer of soil, harvested and cut into slabs or rolls for transport and immediate installation. This product is typically sold on wooden pallets to organize and protect the perishable material. Palletization allows for mechanical handling and easy quantity counting, making it the industry standard for transporting the large volume of turf required for a lawn project. Knowing the square footage covered by a single pallet is the first step in planning a successful turf installation.
Standard Coverage Area of a Sod Pallet
The standard unit of sod measurement, a full pallet, is designed to cover a consistent area to simplify ordering and logistics. Across the turf industry, a standard pallet of sod generally covers a range of 400 to 500 square feet. A common figure used by many distributors is 450 square feet per pallet.
This consistency is achieved through standardized stacking practices on the pallet base, which typically measures 4 feet by 4 feet. Sod farms calculate the number of rolls or slabs to be stacked to meet this target square footage while maintaining a stable height and weight for shipping. The specific dimensions of the individual pieces of sod are adjusted so the total area of the stacked material falls reliably within the 400 to 500 square foot range.
Adhering to this standard coverage allows customers to easily calculate the necessary quantity by dividing their total project area by the pallet’s square footage. For example, a 2,000 square foot area would require four to five full pallets. The goal of the standardized pallet is to provide a predictable unit of coverage for residential and commercial projects.
Factors Influencing Pallet Coverage
While the 400 to 500 square foot range represents the industry standard, the exact coverage can fluctuate based on regional differences in harvesting methods and the dimensions of the turf pieces themselves. In the Southern United States, sod is frequently cut into uniform slabs. Conversely, regions with cooler climates, particularly the Northern U.S., commonly use mini hand rolls, with pallets generally covering 400, 450, or 500 square feet.
The specific type of grass being harvested can also influence the coverage number. Some sod varieties, such as Kentucky Bluegrass, may have a denser root system or be cut with a slightly thicker layer of soil, which can impact the stacking stability and overall pallet dimensions. In contrast, large-roll sod, which is less common for residential projects, is sometimes stacked on pallets that cover a significantly larger area, reaching up to 700 square feet.
Logistical Considerations for Pallet Delivery
Understanding the physical reality of a sod pallet is important when planning for delivery and installation. A full pallet of sod is extremely heavy, with its weight fluctuating significantly based on the moisture content in the soil and grass. A pallet can weigh between 1,500 and 3,000 pounds, with the higher end of the range occurring after recent rainfall.
Because of this substantial weight, specialized equipment is required to move the pallets from the delivery truck to the installation site. Most sod providers use a truck-mounted forklift or a similar piece of machinery to offload the pallets. Customers must ensure their delivery site is accessible and prepared for the heavy machinery, meaning clear pathways and a stable, level area for temporary storage.
It is crucial to have a plan for where the pallet will be dropped, as the machinery’s reach is limited, and the sod must be installed quickly after delivery. The high weight also necessitates careful planning for the installation crew, as individual pieces of sod can weigh between 15 and 25 pounds each, depending on how wet they are.