Sod Calculator

Calculate total area (Length x Width) in square feet. Standard sod rolls cover 10 sq ft (2ft x 5ft). Example: 50ft x 30ft lawn = 1,500 sq ft ÷ 10 = 150 rolls. For irregular shapes, break into rectangles and add areas together. Always add 5-10% extra for cutting waste, especially around curves, flower beds, and edges. Measure twice to avoid shortages - fresh sod must be installed within 24 hours of delivery.

Most residential sod comes in rolls of 10 sq ft (2ft wide x 5ft long), though sizes vary by region and supplier. Other common sizes: Mini rolls: 5 sq ft (2ft x 2.5ft), Slabs/squares: 1 sq ft (12" x 12"), Large rolls: 60 sq ft (2ft x 30ft) for commercial. Pallets typically contain 50-70 rolls (500-700 sq ft). Always confirm with your local supplier as roll dimensions affect delivery, handling, and installation planning.

Sod pricing varies by grass type and region: Basic grass (Tall Fescue, Kentucky Bluegrass): $0.30-$0.60/sq ft, Premium grass (Zoysia, Bermuda): $0.50-$1.00/sq ft, St. Augustine, Centipede: $0.40-$0.80/sq ft. Bulk orders get discounts. Additional costs: Delivery $50-$150, soil preparation $0.50-$2.00/sq ft, professional installation $0.60-$1.50/sq ft. Total installed cost typically $1.50-$3.00/sq ft. Buy local for fresher sod and lower delivery costs.

Yes, always order 5-10% extra for waste: 5% for simple rectangular lawns with straight edges, 10% for irregular shapes with curves, islands, and tight corners, 15% if DIY first-timer or complex landscaping. Waste comes from: Trimming rolls to fit edges, cutting around obstacles (trees, paths, sprinklers), damaged pieces during installation, future repairs from pet damage or disease. Unopened pallets may be returnable, but better to have extra than delay installation waiting for more sod.

Best installation times by grass type: Cool-season grasses (Fescue, Bluegrass): Early fall (Sept-Oct) or spring (March-May), mild temperatures 60-75°F ideal. Warm-season grasses (Bermuda, Zoysia, St. Augustine): Late spring to early summer (May-July), soil temp above 65°F. Avoid: Mid-summer heat stress (unless you can water heavily), winter dormancy, frozen ground. Prepare site in advance - sod must be laid within 24 hours of delivery. Water immediately and daily for first 2 weeks.

Proper preparation ensures success: 1) Remove old grass, weeds, rocks using sod cutter or herbicide (allow 2 weeks for chemicals to dissipate). 2) Till soil 4-6 inches deep, break up compacted areas. 3) Add 2-4 inches quality topsoil and compost for nutrients. 4) Level and grade - slope away from buildings (1 inch per 4 feet). 5) Rake smooth, remove debris. 6) Firm with roller (not too compact). 7) Apply starter fertilizer. 8) Water lightly before laying sod - soil should be moist but not muddy. Final grade should be 1 inch below walkways/driveways.

Sod establishment timeline: Week 1-2: Daily watering, roots begin growing into soil, avoid walking on sod. Week 3-4: Reduce watering frequency, roots 1-2 inches deep, light foot traffic OK. Week 4-6: First mowing when grass reaches 3-4 inches, increase gradually to normal height. Week 6-8: Roots 3-4 inches deep, normal traffic and mowing. Full establishment: 6-8 weeks cool-season, 8-12 weeks warm-season. Tug test: Gently lift corner - if it resists, roots are established. Deep watering less frequently encourages deeper roots and drought tolerance.

DIY is possible for small-medium lawns with proper preparation: Good for DIY (under 2,000 sq ft): Simple rectangular shape, relatively flat, healthy soil, 2-3 helpers available. Costs: Sod only, save $0.60-$1.50/sq ft on labor. Consider professional for: Large areas (over 3,000 sq ft), steep slopes requiring terracing, poor soil needing extensive prep, tight timeline (pros work faster), no equipment access (tiller, roller, sod cutter). Professionals provide: Soil testing, grading expertise, equipment, warranty on installation. Middle ground: Hire for prep work, install sod yourself.