Sod is mature grass harvested with a thin layer of soil attached to the roots, offering an immediate solution for establishing a lawn. It is typically cut into slabs or rolls and delivered stacked on wooden pallets. Determining the precise amount of sod needed is important for managing costs and ensuring complete coverage. Understanding the standard measurements of a sod pallet is the first step in accurately calculating your order.
Standard Pallet Coverage and Dimensions
A standard pallet of sod generally covers an area between 400 and 500 square feet. Pallets for warm-season grasses often fall within this range, though some suppliers of cool-season varieties may offer pallets covering up to 700 square feet. This coverage translates to approximately 44 to 55 square yards of turf per pallet.
Individual pieces of sod are commonly cut into rectangular slabs (16 inches by 24 inches) or mini hand rolls (roughly 40 inches by 18 inches). A pallet covering 450 square feet might contain around 165 of the smaller slabs. The total weight of a pallet is a significant practical consideration, typically ranging from 1,500 to 3,000 pounds. This heavy weight necessitates proper heavy-duty equipment for transport and placement on your property.
Factors Influencing Sod Pallet Quantity
The coverage area of a sod pallet is not a fixed measurement, as several agricultural and logistical variables influence the final quantity. Regional differences are common, with farms using different harvesting equipment that produce varying dimensions of slabs or rolls. A supplier’s maximum pallet weight limit, set for safe transportation, dictates the total square footage that can be stacked.
The thickness of the cut grass and soil layer, typically ranging from one to three inches, also affects the total area that can fit on a pallet. A thicker cut, which is beneficial for root establishment, means fewer square feet can be loaded before reaching the weight limit. The moisture content of the sod at the time of harvest is a substantial factor. Pallets cut shortly after rainfall can weigh up to 50% more than dry sod, directly reducing the number of square feet a delivery truck can carry.
Practical Steps for Calculating and Ordering
To accurately determine your requirement, begin by measuring the area you intend to cover, breaking down irregularly shaped spaces into simple rectangles or squares. Multiply the length by the width for each section to calculate the total square footage. Convert this result into the number of pallets by dividing your total area by the specific square footage covered by your supplier’s pallet.
It is advisable to include a waste buffer in your calculation to account for trimming around curves, edges, and obstacles. Industry practice suggests adding an extra 5 to 10 percent to the total square footage needed, ensuring you have enough material to complete the installation.
Once the sod arrives, begin installation immediately, ideally within 24 hours of delivery, because the rolled or stacked turf will quickly begin to deteriorate. Due to the considerable weight of the pallets, confirm the delivery vehicle has clear, stable access to the desired drop-off location to prevent damage to your driveway or lawn.