Calculate Exact Sod Coverage for Your Lawn Project
Installing a lush, beautiful sod lawn can transform your yard. But ordering the right amount is crucial - get too little, and you'll have unsightly gaps or bare spots. Order too much, and you've wasted money on sod you don't need.
Figuring out the exact sod coverage takes a bit of planning and math. But our guide will walk you through the key steps so you can determine precisely how many pallets you need based on your yard's square footage.
Measure Your Lawn Area
First, you need accurate measurements of just the lawn portion of your yard. Use an online satellite map or lawn measurement app to calculate the square footage if the shape is simple. For large, oddly shaped areas, you may need physical measuring tools like a laser distance measurer combined with mapping out sections.
Don't just go by the total property size - you likely have landscaping beds, patios, sidewalks and other non-grass areas you'll want to subtract. Spend time on this step to get a close estimate within 25 square feet of the real amount.
Understand Sod Sizes
Sod comes in two main forms - rectangular pieces cut in uniform blocks or rolls of varying widths. The standard block size is 16 inches by 24 inches, though some farms cut 18 inch x 24 inch pieces.
Rolls start as narrow as 12 inches, ranging up to 48 inches wide. Length varies by source, but is typically under 100 feet per roll. Wider sod rolls cover more square footage, yet pieces may work better for small, irregular spots.
Calculate Blocks or Rolls Per Pallet
Sod pallets are commonly 4 feet by 4 feet. With 16 inch x 24 inch blocks, around 170 pieces will fit per pallet. The larger 18 inch blocks will be approximately 150 per pallet. Roll quantities depend on the width - figure 50 to 100 square feet covered per roll.
Determine Square Feet Per Pallet
Multiply pallet block quantity by the individual block square footage to get total coverage:
- 16" x 24" blocks: ~170 blocks x 3 sq ft per block = ~450 sq ft per pallet
- 18" x 24" blocks: ~150 blocks x 3.75 sq ft per block = over 500 sq ft
For rolls, calculate linear length x width to estimate square footage per pallet load.
Account for Waste and Overage
During installation, cuts, seam gaps, and damage inevitably waste 5-10% of sod. Aim high with overage on your order - it's far cheaper than an unexpected shortfall mid-project.
For small yards, add 10% extra. For larger orders, 5% overage should suffice. You want full, seamless coverage, so round up substantially on your square footage.
Compare Grass Species and Sod Grades
Grass species and quality levels also impact coverage and cost. Evaluate climate needs, durability, and shade tolerance when choosing between bentgrass, Bermuda, fescue, ryegrass, St. Augustine, zoysia, or other varieties.
Sod is available in premium, mid-grade and economy quality. The lower tiers have more flaws but cost less per pallet. Higher grades contain fewer weeds and fill in faster.
Understand Delivery Fees
For bulk wholesale orders, delivery is often free. On smaller retail pallets, fees ranging from $50 to $200 per pallet or load apply. Factor in potential fuel surcharges or rush delivery fees too.
Schedule delivery for the day of install or as close as possible. Store pallets in a shady area and roll out within 36 hours of arrival.
Compare Pricing Per Square Foot
Cost per square foot varies based on grass type, quality, order volume discounts, and supplier. Prices typically range:
- Bentgrass: $2 - $4 per sq ft
- Bermuda: $1 - $2 per sq ft
- Fescue: $0.80 - $1.50 per sq ft
- St. Augustine: $1 - $1.80 per sq ft
- Zoysia: $2.50 - $4 per sq ft
Buying direct from farms or negotiating bulk orders provide the best value.
Installation and Preparation Costs
With professional install, expect to pay $1 to $2 per square foot for materials, removal, grading, delivery, and labor. DIY may require rental equipment like sod cutters and tillers if your soil needs significant preparation.
Complex projects or steep slopes may incur added fees. Simple, flat installs on properly graded soil hit the low end of the price range.
Add up the expenses - sod order, overage, delivery, installation, equipment rentals. Having an accurate total cost estimate lets you budget and plan accordingly.
Padding by 5-10% protects you from price hikes or ancillary fees. With good measurements and smart planning, your new sod lawn can be a reality!