Sod Calculator
Calculate how much sod you need for your lawn project. Enter your area dimensions and choose roll or pallet size to get an instant estimate with 5% waste included. Optionally enter a price to estimate total cost.
How to Calculate Sod
Calculating sod is straightforward:
- Measure your area in feet (length x width) to get total square footage.
- Add 5% for waste: Extra sod is needed for trimming edges, curves, and irregular shapes.
- Choose roll or pallet: Standard rolls cover 10 sq ft, large rolls cover 15 sq ft, and pallets cover ~500 sq ft.
- Divide total area by sod size and round up to get the number of rolls or pallets needed.
Sod Installation Guide
- Soil preparation: Remove old grass, till soil 4-6 inches deep, add topsoil or compost if needed, and grade for drainage away from structures.
- Lay sod immediately: Install sod within 24 hours of delivery. Start along the longest straight edge (sidewalk, driveway). Stagger seams like bricks.
- Roll and water: Roll the sod with a lawn roller to ensure root contact. Water thoroughly immediately after installation.
- First mowing: Wait 2-3 weeks until roots are established. Tug gently on the sod — if it resists, it's ready to mow.
Watering Schedule for New Sod
- Week 1-2: Water 2-3 times daily, keeping soil moist to 3-4 inches deep
- Week 3-4: Reduce to once daily, deeper watering to encourage root growth
- Week 5-6: Water every other day, transitioning to a regular lawn schedule
- After 6 weeks: Water 1-1.5 inches per week (including rainfall), deep and infrequent
Sod vs. Seed Comparison
- Sod: Instant lawn, ready to use in 2-3 weeks. Costs $0.30-$0.80/sq ft. Best for slopes, high-traffic areas, and immediate results.
- Seed: Takes 2-3 months for full coverage. Costs $0.05-$0.15/sq ft. More variety options and lower cost, but requires more patience and care.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much sod comes on a pallet?
A standard pallet of sod covers 450-500 square feet, depending on the grower and sod type. Most pallets contain 50-75 rolls of sod. Always confirm the exact coverage with your supplier before ordering.
How much does sod cost per square foot?
Sod typically costs $0.30 to $0.80 per square foot for the material alone. Premium grass varieties like Bermuda or Zoysia cost more. Professional installation adds $0.50 to $1.00 per square foot. A full pallet runs $150 to $400.
When is the best time to install sod?
The best time to install sod depends on the grass type. Cool-season grasses (fescue, bluegrass) do best in early fall or early spring. Warm-season grasses (Bermuda, Zoysia, St. Augustine) should be installed in late spring or early summer when they are actively growing.
Can I lay sod over existing grass?
No, laying sod over existing grass is not recommended. The old grass will decompose and create an uneven, spongy lawn with poor root contact. Always remove existing grass, till the soil, and level before installing new sod.
How long does sod take to root?
Sod typically takes 2-3 weeks to establish initial roots and 4-6 weeks for full rooting. During this period, keep the sod consistently moist and avoid heavy foot traffic. You can check progress by gently tugging on the sod.