Sod: Coverage, Species & Installation
Order the right amount of sod and pick a species that fits your climate.
Weight
Sold by square foot / pallet, not cubic yard
Density
—
Coverage
1 pallet ≈ 450 sq ft. Order 5–10% extra for cuts and waste.
Calculate sod for your project
Sod gives an instant lawn. It's sold by the square foot, by the piece (roughly 2–2.66 ft² each), or by the pallet (400–500 ft²). Always order 5–10% extra for cuts around beds and edges.
Prep matters more than the sod itself: till 4–6″ deep, add 2–3″ of screened topsoil, level, and roll. Lay sod within 24 hours of delivery, stagger seams like brick, and water immediately.
Water heavily for 2 weeks, then taper to normal irrigation. Don't mow until the sod has rooted (tug test — no lift).
Common uses
- New lawn installation
- Repairing worn or dead patches
- Erosion control on slopes
- Fast turf for events and sales
Types of sod
Kentucky bluegrass
Cool-season. Dense, fine texture. Northern US.
Tall fescue
Cool-season. Drought and shade tolerant. Transition zone.
Bermuda
Warm-season. Tough, sun-loving. Southern US.
Zoysia
Warm-season. Fine texture, dense, some shade tolerance.
St. Augustine
Warm-season. Shade tolerant, coarse. Gulf and Southeast.
Frequently asked
How much sod is on a pallet?
Usually 400–500 sq ft, depending on producer and piece size.
When can I mow new sod?
About 2 weeks — when it resists a gentle tug. Set the mower high on the first cut.
How much does a pallet of sod weigh?
2,000–3,000 lb depending on moisture.