How Many Square Feet are in a Pallet of Sod
When you opt for sod instead of planting grass seeds, one of the initial steps is determining how much sod you’ll need and the coverage area of a pallet. This practice is vital for accurate budgeting and ensuring the success of your lawn transformation.
Sod, often referred to as turf, is pre-grown grass harvested as a layer of grass attached to soil held together by its roots. Each piece of sod resembles a ready-made section of a lush, mature lawn, ready to be installed in your yard. It’s a fast and effective way to achieve a green, vibrant lawn.
Knowing how many square feet are in a pallet of sod is more than just an interesting detail—it’s an essential part of your planning. This allows you to estimate how much sod you’ll need based on your lawn’s dimensions, helping you order precisely the right amount. It reduces waste, saves money, and ensures efficiency.
Keep reading to learn about sod coverage and how to calculate the total number of pallets required for your project.
Understanding Sod Pallet Coverage
When planning to install sod, it’s essential to understand the standard measurements to determine the quantity needed for your project accurately.
Dimensions of a Sod Piece
Each sod piece is generally 16 inches wide and 24 inches long, providing a coverage area of approximately 2.75 square feet.
When sod is purchased, it is delivered stacked on pallets. These pieces are designed for easy handling and installation. They typically range from 16 to 24 inches in length, 5 to 24 inches in width, and have a thickness of about 1 to 2 inches. However, these dimensions can vary, which may affect the total coverage area of a pallet.
Total Coverage per Pallet
The coverage area of a pallet of sod can vary depending on the dimensions of the sod pieces and how they are arranged. On average, a single pallet typically covers about 450 square feet.
Number of Pieces per Pallet
A pallet covering 450square feet typically holds around 165 pieces of green sod. However, the exact number of pieces per pallet can vary depending on the farm and the size of the sod pieces they produce. Farms that cut smaller pieces will have more rolls or slabs per pallet, but the square footage remains consistent. For example, sod pieces measuring 16 inches by 24 inches result in roughly 165 pieces per pallet.
For the sake of visualization, let’s take a look at how many pallets of sod it would take to cover some famous places & spaces. To completely resurface one of the courts used for the U.S. Open Tennis Championship, expect to lay just under four pallets to cover the 1,704 square feet.
If Moscow’s Red Square were interested in “going green”, it would take just over 1,778 pallets of sod—that’s 800,000 square feet. Do you want to give New York City’s Central Park a new grassy lawn that covers it from end to end and from side to side? That’ll take 86,667 sod pallets (or more, if considering the 10% variance).
Variations in Sod Pallet Sizes
Regional Differences
Sod pallets typically cover areas of 400, 450, or 500 square feet, though it’s possible to find larger pallets that cover up to 700 square feet.
As mentioned, the standard dimensions of a sod piece are generally 16 inches by 24 inches, but this can vary significantly. There is no universal standard for sod sizes, as each farm may cut its product differently using varying equipment.
To get accurate information on the dimensions of the sod pieces included in your pallet, it’s best to consult with the local sod farm or distributor you plan to buy from. Keep in mind that these sizes may also fluctuate throughout the year as new suppliers provide fresh sod.
In addition, it’s essential to consider the farm’s harvesting and stacking techniques, which can vary regionally.
The three main types of sod packaging are slabs, mini hand rolls, and large rolls, each offering different coverage depending on the area and requiring different equipment to install (rolls must be unrolled with special equipment).
- Most common in the southern U.S., slabs typically cover 399, 452, or 503 square feet. Usually 16 x 24 inches, these are widely used for grass types such as Bermuda, Zoysia, St. Augustine, and Centipede.
- Mini Hand Rolls, primarily popular in the northern U.S., cover 400, 450, and 500 square feet per pallet. Each roll measures about 40 x 18 inches. They are particularly common in cooler regions and are often used for grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass and Fescue.
- Large Rolls are also most common in the northern U.S. These rolls are typically 103 x 42, coverage is about 360 square feet, and they are frequently used for grass types like Kentucky Bluegrass and Tall Fescue. Special equipment is needed to unroll these, as they weigh approximately 1,700 to 2,200 lbs.
Grass Variety Impact
The type of grass grown and harvested also affects both the size of sod pieces and the overall coverage of pallets. Grasses like Bermuda or Zoysia, which grow with finer blades and less dense root systems, are often cut into smaller, thinner pieces. In contrast, hardier grasses like St. Augustine or Kentucky Bluegrass tend to produce thicker, more robust sod sections.
These factors can influence the total coverage area per pallet. For example, finer grasses may require more pieces per pallet to ensure stability.
Calculating Sod Requirements for Your Lawn
Measuring Your Lawn Area
To calculate sod requirements for your lawn, start by determining the length and width of the area where you plan to lay sod. Multiply these two measurements to get the total square footage. To get an accurate estimate of how much sod you’ll need, enter this square footage into a sod calculator.
If your yard is not a perfect rectangle, divide it into smaller shapes like squares or rectangles, then add the individual areas for the total square footage.
Alternatively, you can use tools like Google Maps or Google Earth to measure your lawn virtually, giving you a rough estimate of the space you need to cover.
As different lawn shapes require different calculation methods, here’s an overview of measuring and calculating the area for each type of space.
• Rectangular or Square Areas
Simply measure the length and width of the feet. Once you have these measurements, multiply them to determine the total square footage. This method works perfectly for most lawns and provides a straightforward calculation for areas with straight edges.
• Circular Areas
When dealing with circular areas, you’ll need to measure the radius, the distance from the circle’s center to the edge. Once you have the radius, calculate the area using the formula π × radius². This will give you the total square footage of the circular space you plan to cover with sod.
• Triangular Areas
To calculate the area of a triangular space, measure the base and the height (the perpendicular distance from the base to the top). Then, determine the area using the formula 0.5 × base × height.
Using a Sod Calculator
To simplify your sod purchasing, we offer a convenient tool called the Grasstimator, a sod calculator that helps you estimate how much grass you’ll need.
However, it’s always a good idea to order 5-10% more sod than the exact calculation. This extra amount accounts for potential measurement errors and any waste or damage that might occur during the installation process.
Transportation and Weight Considerations
Sod delivery, crucial for installing a new lawn, involves transporting pre-grown grass on pallets to your location. These trucks are designed to keep the sod in good condition until it’s placed in a designated area on your property for installation.
When transporting sod, it’s essential to have the right vehicle or trailer to accommodate the weight and size of the sod pallets.
Weight of a Sod Pallet
A single piece of sod typically weighs between 15 and 20 pounds, although its weight can increase depending on its moisture level. The wetter the soil and the larger the piece, the heavier the sod will be. As it dries, it becomes lighter. The thickness of the sod also plays a significant role in its weight—thicker sod tends to be heavier.
As the square footage can vary, checking the specifics when placing your order is essential. On average, sod pallets weigh between 2,800 and 3,000 pounds.
Vehicle Requirements for Transport
The vehicle must have a load capacity that matches the weight of the sod being transported, so ensure the vehicle’s weight capacity is not exceeded and it can handle heavy loads.
Also, the vehicle bed should be flat and free of debris to prevent damage to the sod.
Each of The Grass Outlet pallets covers 450 sq ft and measures approximately 4 ft tall, 5 ft wide, and 5 ft deep. If you plan to pick your grass up, you will need to bring a truck or trailer. Make sure to check your payload and towload before scheduling your pick-up.
Measure your truck/trailer’s space capacity and confirm you have about 5 to 6 ft of clearance in each direction. This will help ensure ease of machine loading.
The Grass Outlet has a 72-hour cancelation/reschedule policy, making it crucial to plan ahead.
Tips for Sod Installation
Using sod is an excellent way to achieve a lush, green lawn quickly. Although it involves a bit of physical work, the transformation of your yard can be completed within days. Here are some crucial steps for preparing your soil and successfully laying sod to create the lawn you desire.
Soil Preparation
Before laying sod, it’s crucial to prepare the soil for optimal growth. Start by testing your soil’s pH and nutrient levels. Ideally, a soil test in spring or fall will guide you on necessary amendments like starter fertilizers or lime. Adding a two-inch layer of compost can further enrich the soil, improving drainage and nutrient levels. Till the compost into the soil for even distribution to create a solid foundation for your sod.
Laying the Sod
To ensure a well-established lawn, lay sod in a staggered, brick-like pattern. Start along a straight edge and roll out the sod carefully, eliminating air pockets. For the second row, cut the first piece of sod in half to stagger the seams. Fit each piece tightly against the adjacent one to avoid gaps, which can lead to drying out or root rot. Use a sharp knife for a snug fit, keeping pieces as wide as possible when working around curves. Fix any uneven areas by adjusting the sod or adding soil to low spots. Go over the new lawn several times with a sod roller to remove air pockets and ensure good root-to-soil contract.
Post-Installation Care
After installation, watering is essential to help the sod settle and root—water thoroughly immediately after laying the sod and follow a regular watering schedule. Begin with daily watering for the first seven to ten days, then reduce to every other day. After three weeks, water twice a week, ensuring the sod gets about an inch of water each session.
Mow the grass once it reaches three to three and a half inches, cutit down to two to three inches, depending on the variety, as this slightly higher cut supports strong root establishment and minimizes stress on the sod. As a general recommendation, aim to trim no more than a third of the grass’s length (one-third rule of mowing) and ensure your mower blade is clean and sharp to achieve a clean cut.
Apply a starter fertilizer after three to four weeks to replenish nutrients and promote healthy growth.
Regular maintenance will ensure your new lawn thrives.
Conclusion
To successfully install sod, it’s essential to understand the coverage of a standard sod pallet, which typically ranges from 400 to 500 square feet, depending on the type of sod and region. Don’t forget to account for extra sod to accommodate cutting around curves and obstacles. Use our available resources, including the sod calculator, to ensure you’re well-prepared for a successful installation.
For personalized advice and to make your sod purchase as smooth as possible, reach out to The Grass Outlet. Our experts are ready to assist you with tailored recommendations and help you choose the right sod for your lawn.
