Understanding Sod Coverage How Many Square Feet Does One Pallet Cover : Maximize Your Lawn with the Right Amount of Sod

Sod is an efficient and instant solution for creating lush green lawns, but before you buy, it’s important to know exactly how much area a pallet of sod can cover. For most varieties in the United States, a standard pallet of sod typically covers about 450 to 500 square feet. However, the exact coverage can vary based on the type of grass, local suppliers, pallet stacking methods, and dimensions of the sod rolls or slabs. Always check with your supplier for precise details.

The usual breakdown is as follows:

1. Mini-roll pallets: Usually cover around 400-450 square feet.
2. Slab pallets: Commonly cover about 450-500 square feet.
3. Large-roll pallets: These are commercial-scale rolls that can cover 500-700 square feet (less common for residential projects).

To calculate how many pallets you’ll need, measure your yard’s total square footage (length × width for rectangular areas, or break into sections for irregular shapes) and divide by the coverage per pallet. It’s wise to order an extra 5-10% to allow for cutting and shaping around curves, paths, and garden borders.

As a designer, I encourage planning your lawn layout much like a room—consider traffic patterns, shape, and function. If you’re tackling a larger landscape project, using digital tools like advanced floor planning for landscapes and gardens allows you to visualize sod coverage, border elements, and pathways before you order materials, ensuring your investment and effort create harmonious, functional outdoor spaces.

Tips 1:

Account for slopes and irregular edges when measuring total area—sod stretches less than you think, and precise planning prevents last-minute shortages or overages. Mark your yard with stakes and string to outline exact sod areas ahead of buying.

FAQ

Q: How big is a pallet of sod?

A: Most sod pallets measure about 4 feet by 4 feet, stacked with rolls or slabs that total 450-500 square feet. Measurements vary by region and supplier.

Q: How many pallets do I need for 2,000 square feet?

A: For 2,000 square feet, divide by the coverage per pallet (e.g., 500 sq. ft.), so you’ll need about 4 pallets (2,000 ÷ 500 = 4).

Q: Does the type of grass affect pallet coverage?

A: Yes, certain grasses may be cut differently or stacked with more or less overlap, resulting in slightly different coverage per pallet. Always verify with your local supplier.

Q: What’s the difference between sod rolls and sod slabs?

A: Sod rolls are continuous strips (easier for large, open lawns), whereas slabs are flat, rectangular pieces (better for smaller or irregular areas). Both usually come on pallets covering a similar area.

Q: Can I use leftover sod for patching?

A: Absolutely. Keep leftover healthy pieces moist and use them to repair damaged spots or fill gaps that may appear after installation.