Sod is pre-grown grass harvested in sections, where roots and a thin layer of soil are held together by the dense root structure. Knowing the dimensions of a sod roll is fundamental for planning a landscaping project, as it impacts ordering quantity, budget, and logistics. Calculating needs based on correct square footage prevents expensive waste or delays caused by under-ordering.
The Standard Dimensions of a Sod Roll
The size of a sod roll sold to homeowners, often called a small roll, is consistent across the industry. A common standard dimension covers 9 square feet (one square yard). This coverage is typically achieved with a piece measuring 1.5 feet wide by 6 feet long, or sometimes 2 feet wide by 4.5 feet long. Some suppliers offer a slightly larger roll covering 10 square feet, often measuring 2 feet wide by 5 feet long.
The thickness of the sod layer, including the grass and attached soil, usually ranges between 1/2 inch to 1 inch. This thickness depends on the grass variety and harvesting equipment. The weight of an individual roll varies depending on its moisture content. A freshly cut, moist 9-square-foot roll typically weighs 30 to 50 pounds, which is manageable for manual installation.
Understanding Variation in Sod Packaging
While the small roll is the standard for residential projects, sod is available in alternative forms.
Slabs and Pads
Sod is sometimes sold as rectangular slabs or pads, particularly in the southern United States. These slabs are stacked onto pallets rather than rolled. They often measure 16 inches by 24 inches, providing about 2.66 square feet of coverage per piece. This flat format is favored for certain warm-season grasses and for filling smaller, irregular spaces.
Big Rolls
For commercial projects, such as golf courses or sports fields, sod is packaged in “big rolls” or “jumbo rolls.” These rolls require specialized machinery, like a skid steer or forklift, for installation. Big rolls can be several feet wide, such as 42 inches wide by 65 feet long, covering hundreds of square feet per roll, with some reaching up to 336 square feet. Using big rolls allows for faster installation and results in fewer seams across large areas.
Calculating Your Sod Needs
Accurately determining your total area is the foundation of a successful sod order.
Measuring the Area
Start by measuring the space to be covered in square feet. For simple rectangular areas, multiply the length by the width to get the total square footage. For irregularly shaped areas, divide the space into smaller, manageable rectangles. Calculate the area of each section and then sum them up.
Calculating Rolls and Waste
Once the total square footage is calculated, divide this number by the coverage of the standard roll size (commonly 9 or 10 square feet). This division yields the minimum number of rolls required. This calculation does not account for necessary trimming or shaping around obstacles. To avoid running short during installation, incorporate a waste factor into your order.
For simple, open spaces, adding 5% to the total square footage is generally sufficient. For areas with many curves, obstacles, or irregular borders, increase the waste factor to 10%. This ensures you have enough material to complete the job without interruption.