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Sods, sprigs, or plugs are small turf used for landscaping projects. Sod can be purchased in bulk at a fraction of the cost per square foot compared to installing sod by hand. Sod is typically packaged in pallets which contain anywhere from 12-16 bags per pallet, and each bag contains around 1/2 – 1 cubic yard of material. The material needed depends on the size of your desired lawn area.
A pallet of sod is typically made up of 16 squares, which can be cut into smaller pieces. The number of squares per pallet depends on the size of the sod. For example, if you have a 4′ x 8′ area that needs to be covered with sod, you would need two squares from each side or eight total squares from one pallet.
Factors that Affect the Square Footage of a Pallet of Sod
Many factors can determine how much square footage you will get on a pallet of sod. These factors include:
- The size and shape of the pallets themselves
The first factor is the size of the pallets themselves. If you have a large yard, you will need more than one pallet to cover it. If you have a small yard, then one pallet may be enough.
- The size and shape of the sod rolls
The next factor that affects how much square footage is on a pallet of sod is how thick the sod is cut. This can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer and year to year, depending on weather conditions and other factors.
- How tightly the sod rolls are packed together on the pallets?
- The weight of each roll (which can vary depending on how much moisture is in them).
- The condition of the sod when it was harvested and transported to your location (this can also affect how much moisture is in them)
Another factor that affects how much square footage is on a pallet of sod is how much dirt there is between each piece of turf when it’s laid out for installation. Sometimes there will be more dirt between pieces than at other times because different crews will lay out their turf differently so they don’t run over any grass with their equipment while moving around on site.
Other factors can have an impact on how much space each roll takes up, including
- the thickness of the sod
- the moisture content of the soil,
- the number of roots on each roll
Understanding Square Footage Measurement
Square footage is often used as a unit of measurement for lawns and outdoor areas. For example, when calculating the cost of a new lawn installation or estimating how much space you need for a patio, you can use square footage as your unit of measurement.
The easiest way to calculate square feet is to multiply length times width. For example, if you have an area 10 feet wide by 15 feet long, your square footage is 150 square feet.
Regarding sod and lawns, there are two different ways to measure: square feet and pallets. There’s no standard way to measure sod, so you must know what kind of measurement system your vendor uses before buying any sod or grass seed.
What Are A Square Feet?
The term “square foot” defines a square’s area, a flat surface with four equal sides. This can also be called “footprint,” which is the same thing.
However, when it comes to sod, it’s not so easy to measure the square footage. Instead, we use an estimated number based on how many pallets of sod fit into an acre.
This is because there are six rows of sod per pallet (18 inches apart), about 108 square feet per row, and about 1,728 square feet per pallet.
If you want 12 pallets (1/4 acre), your project needs 288 square feet per row and 5,184 square feet total.
Calculating the Square Footage of a Pallet of Sod
The first step is to measure the length, Width of a pallet of sod. This will give you the dimensions of the pallet.
If you want a calculator for your Lawn Square Footage, you may be guided by visiting our blog post.
Once you have these measurements, you can calculate the square footage of a pallet of sod:
Length x Width = Area
There are several ways to calculate the square footage of a pallet of sod.
The most common way to measure sod is by counting the squares that will fit on your lawn. The easiest way to find out how many squares are in a pallet is by using an online calculator, such as the one provided by Home Depot.
To determine how many squares you need for your lawn, you’ll need to measure its total Area and divide it by 100 square feet. For example, if your lawn is 200 x 200 feet and you want to lay down 1-inch thick turf, you’ll need four 2 x 3-foot pieces (200 / 100 = 2) for each side of the lawn:
2 x 3′ x 200′ x 4 = 8,000 sqft
The average pallet size is 48 x 40 inches or 1200 x 1000 mm.
Use This Calculator
If you’re trying to figure out how much space a pallet covers, you can also use this calculator:
Length x Width = Area (mm2)
1200 x 1000 = 1,200,000 mm2
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Calculating Square Footage of Sod
| Common Mistake | Correct Method |
| Forgetting to Account for Slopes or Irregular Shapes | Measure the length and width of each section separately, then calculate the total square footage by adding up the individual measurements. For irregular shapes, divide the area into smaller sections with regular shapes and measure each section separately. |
| Failing to Convert Measurements to Feet | Ensure that all measurements are in feet before calculating square footage. Convert inches to feet by dividing the number of inches by 12, and convert yards to feet by multiplying the number of yards by 3. |
| Not Accounting for Overlap | To ensure full coverage, sod pieces should be laid in a staggered pattern with overlapping edges. Account for this overlap when calculating the number of pieces needed. |
| Ignoring Sod Density | Different sod types have varying densities, which affects the number of pieces needed per square foot. Be sure to check the density of the sod you’re purchasing and adjust your calculations accordingly. |
| Underestimating the Amount Needed | It’s better to purchase slightly more sod than you think you need, as it’s difficult to estimate exactly how much will be needed. Round up your calculations to ensure enough sod to cover your desired area. |
FAQs
How do I know how many pieces of sod are in a pallet?
A: The number of pieces of sod in a pallet can vary depending on the density of the sod and the supplier you’re purchasing from. It’s best to ask your supplier how many pieces are in a pallet.
How do I account for overlap when calculating the amount of sod needed?
A: To account for overlap, add 5-10% to the total square footage of the area you want to cover with sod.
How do I calculate the sod needed for a sloped area?
A: For sloped areas, measure the length and width of each section separately, then calculate the total square footage by adding up the individual measurements. You may need to adjust your calculations to account for the slope.
Can I estimate the amount of sod needed based on the size of my lawn?
A: While the size of your lawn can provide a rough estimate of the amount of sod needed, it’s best to measure the area to be covered for the most accurate calculation.
How much does a pallet of sod weigh?
A: The weight of a pallet of sod can vary depending on the density of the sod and the supplier you’re purchasing from. It’s best to ask your supplier how much a pallet weighs.
Conclusion
Accurately calculating the square footage of sod is crucial for any landscaping project. To determine the number of pallets needed, measure the area to be covered and factor in any slopes or irregular shapes. Avoid common mistakes such as forgetting to account for overlap or ignoring sod density. Accurate calculations ensure you purchase the correct amount of sod, saving time, money, and effort. Remember to consider measuring accurately to ensure a beautiful and successful landscaping project.
