Ordering sod without surprises
Sod is sold by the square foot but delivered in rolls and pallets, and the pallet is where orders go wrong — farms load anywhere from 400 to 500 sq ft per pallet, so “three pallets” means different lawns in different towns. Order in square feet, let the farm do the pallet conversion, and confirm the roll size if you’re hand-carrying (a pallet weighs 1,500–3,000 lbs; have it dropped where you’ll work).
Sod is perishable: it should go from truck to soil the same day, onto moist prepared ground, with staggered seams like brickwork and edges butted tight. Then water daily for two weeks. If the numbers above look expensive, remember they buy an instant lawn — the seed calculator prices out the patient alternative.
Frequently asked questions
How much extra sod should I order?
Add 5% for a simple rectangle and 10% for curves, slopes, or lots of edges — cuts and trimming waste more than people expect, and a short order means a visible seam of mismatched later-delivered sod. The calculator’s waste setting handles this.
How big is a roll or pallet of sod?
The common roll is 2 ft × 5 ft = 10 sq ft and weighs 25–50 lbs depending on moisture. Pallets vary by farm — 450 sq ft is typical, but 400–500 sq ft are all common, so confirm with your supplier before converting your order.
What does sod cost?
Typically $0.30–$0.85 per sq ft for the sod itself depending on species and region (Bermuda and fescue at the low end, Zoysia and St. Augustine higher), plus delivery. Professional installation roughly doubles the total. Adjust the price field to your local quote.
When can I lay sod?
Sod is far more forgiving than seed — any time the ground isn’t frozen works. Best results still track the growing season: early fall or spring for cool-season sod, late spring through summer for warm-season. It needs daily watering for the first couple of weeks regardless.