If you can no longer stand the bare and yellow patches on your lawn, it may be time to install new turf. Laying sods is the best way to get immediate results. Before ordering sod, know how many square feet are on a pallet of sod.
Sod Calculator
How Many Square Feet are on a Pallet of Sod?
The answer then to the question, how many square feet are on a pallet of sod depends on the sod farm or grower. Sod farms or growers typically quote by the pallet. It is, therefore, important that you know about pallet sizing because not all pallet sizes from different Sod Farms and growers are the same. The difference in pallet size largely depends on the weight and height of the stacked pallet. Most pallets, though, are between 400 to 700 square feet and can weigh about 1,500 to 3,000 pounds. The weight increases by 50% when the sods are wet.
The Sod Calculator
A sod calculator is a handy tool that calculates the total area you need to lay sod based on the measurements you provide.
The sod calculator typically has imperial units (inches, feet, or yards) and metric units (centimeters or meters).
The sod calculator uses different formulas to calculate the total area of sod depending on the shape of your entire yard or each section of your yard you need to lay sod.
A sod calculator is easy to use. You just need to enter the dimensions of your space, and the calculator will tell you how many square feet of sod you need for your lawn.
A sod calculator will give you this information:
- Total area for sod installation ( in square feet).
- The number of slabs you need.
- The number of sob pallets you need.
- Weight of the sod
- Number of slabs with 10% allowance
- Number of pallets with 10% allowance
- Weight of the sod with 10% allowance
- You can get all this information by simply entering the dimensions of your lawn space.
- A sod calculator, as with all calculators, is more accurate than manual calculation.
How to Measure your Yard
After deciding your lawn needs new turf and deciding to go with sod, the next thing you will need to do is measure the area you want to install sod with tape to determine how much sod to order.
Measure your lawn to determine how many square feet of sod you need to order. Overestimating or underestimating the actual amount of sod you need can cause a lot of headaches.
Here Is How To Measure Your Yard.
1. Draw a diagram of your yard on paper.
2. Divide the area of your yard into smaller areas (rectangles or triangles).
3. Measure the sides of each section and log them onto your diagram.
4. Convert the measurements of each section into square feet.
5. Add the square footage of all sections of your lawn to get the total amount of square footage you need.
Most sod growers have a sod calculator to help you compute the total square footage you need for your lawn. All that is required is to enter the dimensions of sections or the entire area onto the sod calculator.
The calculator will then determine the total square footage you need and the number of sod pallets you need. (if the grower you choose sells sod in pallets). Of course, you will need to know how many square feet are on a pallet of sod.
In ordering sod, it is best to order 10% more than what you need. This will allow you to have some extra square footage of sod to cover measurement errors.
Here is a guide on calculating how much sod you need, depending on the shape of your lawn or the shape of each section of your lawn. Measurements should all be in feet.
Rectangle
Measure the width and length of the space in feet.
Multiply the width and length or enter the measurements into the sod calculator to get the square footage.
To do it manually: Length x Width = Total Square feet
For example: 40 feet x 10 feet = 400 square feet
Triangle
Measure the height of the two sides of the space at right angle (900 angle) and its base.
Enter the height of side A and side B and base into the sod calculator.
You can also do it manually: Base x Height ÷ 2 = Total square footage
Example: 40 feet x 10 feet ÷ 2 = 200 square feet.
Circle
Measure the diameter (the longest possible in the section) in feet and enter the measurement into the sod calculator.
You can also do it manually: Radius x Radius x 3.14 = Total square footage
Example: 5 feet x 5 feet x 3.14 = 78. 5 square feet
Irregular-Shaped Space
Divide the space into smaller rectangular-shaped areas.
Add all the lengths of the rectangles.
Add all the widths of the rectangles.
Enter the total lengths and total widths of all the rectangles into the sod calculator to get the total square footage of the irregular-shaped space.
Take The Right Measurements.
Sods come in large rectangular or square rolls, and some come on a pallet, in which case you need to know how many square feet are on a pallet of sod. Sod needs to be sized and cut into the right shape so they will perfectly fit nicely into your lawn.
It is easy to measure your yard if it is a perfect rectangle. If it is not, you will need to divide the area of your yard into smaller sections and measure each section.
If you do not take the right measurements, some sections of the sod may be overlapping, or there may be some gaps. The right measurements will also tell you how much sod to order.
When you have determined the actual total square footage of sod you need, add between 5%-10% more. This is so you have extra square feet of sod for wastage and cutting.
The rule of thumb is to add 5% to the total amount of sod you need if your lawn is primarily square lines and 10% if your space has curves and angles.
Things you Need to Know Before Ordering Sod.
While you can get instant results from laying sods, it is also the most costly way to start a lawn. This is why you need to pay extra attention when ordering sod.
Every homeowner dreams of a lush green lawn, and choosing the right type of sod will help you in achieving that dream.
Growing your lawn from seeds, plugs, sprigs, or stolons is more affordable. It will, however, take you a long time to achieve your lush green garden. Sod, on the other hand, will give you an instant lawn.
Sod will also immediately reduce erosion, resist the invasion of weeds, and handle foot traffic better.
You should also know how to choose, order, and install sod correctly so you can save on money and time in the long term. You will also need to prepare your lawn and meticulously inspect the sod before ordering it to ensure you create a lush green lawn.
Choose The Right Grass Species.
Choose the cultivar and grass species that will thrive in your area. More often, the Sod Farms in your area sell sod that will indeed thrive in your area or one that will adapt well to the climate of your area.
If you live in an area with a warm climate, choose Sr. Augustine grass or Bermuda grass.
Prepare Your Lawn.
Prepare the soil before installing. Get rid of all the debris and level the area you will be laying new sod. Make sure the soil is about 1 inch below driveways and sidewalks.
Level the soil with a lawnmower and irrigate it before laying new sod. You can also apply a herbicide about two weeks before laying the new sod to get rid of any weeds.
Properly Install Your Sod.
Make sure not to overlap or leave any gaps when laying the sod. Weeds are prone to grow on those gaps.
Properly Water Your New Lawn.
Make sure to keep your sod moist before and after laying them. Sod tends to dry quickly.
Water the new sod three times a day for the first week to allow root growth and development. Wait until the sod has grown and developed roots before moving or at least after the third week of installation.
Square Feet per Pallet of Sod
Different growers have cut their sod in different sizes. They, too, have different numbers of square footage on each pallet of sod.
This can be challenging if you are comparing prices per pallet of sod from different growers.
Pre-Cut Triangles
Sod is sold in pre-cut rectangles rolled and stacked on a pallet. The size of the pre-cut rectangles depends on the machine the Sod Farm used in harvesting the grass.
The pre-cut rectangles can be 4 inches wide for slabs and from 16 inches to 24 inches for rolls. The lengths can range from 3 1/2 inches to 5 inches long.
Comparing Prices
So, when comparing prices or ordering, you need to know how many square feet are on a pallet of sod so you know how big an area each pallet of sod can cover.
One grower, for example, can have 171 sod pieces in one 4 feet x 4 feet wooden pallet.
One pallet of sod can cover 450 square feet.
Some growers cut their sod into 10 square feet or 2 feet x 5 feet per piece and stock 60 pieces to a pellet to cover 600 square feet of space.
Common Facts about Sod Pallets
When ordering sod for your lawn, make sure you know:
The price per square foot of sod.
Number of square feet on a pallet of sod.
Zoysia, Bermuda, St. Augustine, Zoysia, and Centipede are the most common grass types in the southern United States.
Most of the sods of these grasses come in 16 x 24- inch rectangular slabs and can each cover about 2.66 square feet of lawn space.
The most common pallet sizes range between 400 square feet, 450 square feet, or 500 square feet per pallet.
Sod Calculators
Most Sod farms or growers also have sod calculators so you can estimate the number of sod pieces or sod pallets you need for your project.
If you want to save time and money, measure accurately (measure twice to double-check).
When to Order
When you are done with all your measurements, get in touch with a reputable garden center or Sod Farm. Determine how they sell their sod. Some growers sell sod in rolls and some in pallets.
Determine how many square feet each roll has and also how many square feet are on a pallet of sod. With all the information you need, you are now ready to order your sod.
It’s vital to install the sod within 2 hours, or at least within 24 hours after delivery. This means your lawn should be ready a few days before the delivery time of your sod.
Opt for a morning delivery time to give you enough time to lay your sod within the day.
It’s recommended to place your order at least two days before your preferred delivery date. This is to allow the Sod Farm or grower to prepare and schedule your order.
How to Install Sod
Sod installation is not rocket science. However, if you do not do it often, you are likely to miss out on some important points that can affect the final appearance of your lawn.
Here are some crucial points you need to remember when installing sod.
Sod thrives well in little amounts of shade and full sun. Air movement is also an essential factor. If you opt for Bluegrass, make sure it gets at least four hours of sun per day.
Although you do not need to add topsoil when installing sod, it will give your grass some benefits. Topsoil increases the holding capacity of soil for water and nutrients. So, if you add topsoil, you will not have to water and fertilize your lawn as often.
Should you decide to add topsoil, mixing 2 inches of top to your soil will give good results. Topsoil should be mixed with your existing soil because even a thin layer of topsoil atop your ground can prevent your grass from deep rooting.
If you need to cut or trim sod, you can use an old steak knife or any sharp knife.
Install sods within about 3 hours upon delivery or within 24 hours. The shorter the time sod remains in the pallet or rolled up, the better. During the summer, unroll the sod as soon as it is delivered. In the spring, you can wait 3 to 4 days before unrolling it.
Here Is How To Install Sod:
1. Prepare the Area
Clear the area you are going to install sod of all debris. Pick up racks and sticks that are bigger than 2 inches. You can opt to press smaller rocks into the soil.
Remove weeds and old grass. You can also leave smaller weeds and old grass (smaller than a golf ball).
Rake and level the soil. If you have done final raking on the soil and it rains, you do not have to rake the soil again. Rake again only if you need to repair a washout caused by the rain.
2. Prepare the Soil
If your lawn is next to sidewalks and driveways, the soil should be 1/2 inch lower than them. This will allow water to drain well into your lawn.
The soil should also be lower than the existing grass of your neighbor so the sod will be about the same height as the grass of your neighbor.
If the soil is dry the temperature in your area is above 850, dampen the soil 24 hours before laying the sod.
This is to ensure that the soil is slightly damp when you lay the sod. Damp soil is cooler and will allow your new turf to develop roots faster.
3. Unrolling Sod
Choose the best spot on your property where you can unroll the sod. The spot should be the closest to your lawn, so you do not have to carry the sod for long distances.
Start laying sod at the back portion of your lawn working to the front, if working on your entire lawn.
If you are only laying sod in a portion of your lawn, start in the front portion working to the back.
Start laying sod in a straight line. Place a roll of sod on the second row and make it unroll in the right direction – a few inches away from the first row.
Slide both rows together so avoid overlaps or gaps. Work on the ends, too, so there will be no long seams.
If you are laying sod on a steep hill, install the sod sideways on the hill instead of up and down.
Avoid rolling the sod during installation. This will make the soil compact and root growth will be complicated.
If it rains while you are installing the soil and have to stop for a while, avoid covering the sod. The sod will be better off if you allow it to breathe.
4. Watering the New Sod
Begin watering new sod when there is no risk of a muddy mess in areas of your lawn.
Water your lawn for about 30 minutes or with about 1/2 inch of water. Check the bottom portion of the sod after a few hours to check if it is moist.
5. Applying Fertilizer
Use 12-12-12 Fertilizer. Apply about 8 pounds of Fertilizer for every 1,000 square feet of your lawn. Lightly spread the Fertilizer into the soil.
On average, one person can install about 500 square feet of sod in an hour.
How to Take Care of New Sod
Here are some things you need to remember to ensure your new sod grows healthy and lush.
Make sure to water new sod in the mornings during the first week. Water for 30 minutes or until it gets about 1/2 inch of water.
Water your lawn every other week on the second week.
On the third week, water your new sod every two weeks.
Refrain from stepping on your new turf for the first few weeks.
Start mowing as your grass is about 3 inches (mow to 2 inches) or 4 inches (mow to 2 inches).
Laying new sod on your law can be a Do-it-Yourself. Just make sure to follow the correct procedures. The most important thing is to quickly plant new sod as soon as they arrive in your home.
When you let your sod remain stacked on pallets, it will overheat, dry out, and die.
Final Thoughts on How Many Square Feet are on a Pallet of Sod, and our Sod Calculator
Preparation is the most critical factor of any successful home improvement project, including landscaping.
For sod installation to be successful, knowing how much square footage of sod you need is essential.
Although you can order more, should you run short of sod, it can delay your installation schedule.
It is not wise to guess the total square footage and the number of sod pallets you need. You are ordering more or less than required can be a headache.
Most Sod Farms and growers use a sod calculator to accurately calculate the total amount of square footage you need for your lawn. You can easily find a sod calculator online.
You should also know the square footage of each piece of sod and how many square feet are on a pallet of sod. This information will make ordering sod for your new turf a lot easier.
Remember, different Sod Farms or growers have different amounts of square feet per pallet and their sod measurements are often different to each other. It pays to check on these seemingly small but important details.
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