Sod is pre-grown grass harvested with a thin layer of soil and roots, providing an immediate lawn for landscaping projects. Understanding the size of this material is important for accurate purchasing, estimating the total cost, and planning the installation process. The dimensions of individual pieces and bulk units determine the logistical effort required for a successful project.
Standard Measurements of Sod Rolls and Slabs
Sod is typically sold in two primary forms for residential use: small rolls and flat slabs. The most common size for a residential sod roll is 2 feet wide by 5 feet long, covering an area of 10 square feet. These dimensions are designed for easy manual handling by homeowners during installation. Some suppliers may offer smaller units, such as mini-rolls that cover about 5 square feet.
Sod is also frequently sold in flat, rectangular slabs, especially in warmer climates. Common slab sizes are around 16 inches by 24 inches or 18 inches by 24 inches, covering roughly 2.66 square feet per piece.
The thickness of the sod layer is another important dimension, typically ranging from 0.5 to 1.5 inches. This measurement depends on the grass species and the harvesting equipment used. The thickness includes the dense root structure and the thin layer of soil, which is a significant factor in proper grading. A thicker sod layer suggests a more established root system but also contributes to greater overall weight.
Calculating Coverage: Pallet Quantities and Area
Sod is sold by the square foot but is often delivered and purchased in bulk units stacked on wooden pallets. A standard pallet of sod typically covers a total area between 400 and 500 square feet. To accurately determine the quantity needed, first measure the total area of the space. Then, divide the total square footage by the square footage covered by one pallet to estimate the number of pallets required. For example, a 2,000 square foot area divided by a 500 square foot pallet size equals four pallets.
It is generally recommended to account for material loss by adding a buffer of 5 to 10 percent to the final calculation. This extra sod allows for the necessary cutting and shaping around curves, obstacles, and borders, minimizing the risk of running short during the installation process.
For larger projects, some sod farms offer commercial-grade “big rolls” that can cover 500 to 700 square feet per roll. These large rolls are primarily installed using specialized equipment.
Weight and Handling Based on Size
The size and moisture content of sod pieces directly influence their weight, which impacts transportation and labor requirements. A standard 10 square foot residential roll generally weighs between 35 and 50 pounds, particularly when freshly cut and moist. This weight makes each roll manageable for a single person to lift and place during installation.
The cumulative weight of the sod is most evident in the bulk purchasing unit, the pallet. A full pallet of sod can weigh anywhere from 1,500 to 3,000 pounds. This variation largely depends on the thickness of the soil layer and the water retained within the material.
This substantial weight requires planning for delivery access, as the pallet must be moved with heavy-duty equipment like a forklift or skid steer. Homeowners planning to pick up sod themselves must ensure their vehicle is rated to handle the considerable payload of a full or half pallet. Understanding these weight specifications is important for safety and logistics, ensuring the correct equipment is available for moving the sod from the delivery point to the installation site.