How much sod do I need?
Estimate sod in square feet, rolls, and pallets for lawn installation. Enter your lawn dimensions to get started.
Sod calculator
Choosing the Right Sod Type
Sod grass type determines water needs, shade tolerance, foot traffic durability, and appearance. Choose based on your climate, sun exposure, and how you use your lawn.
Bermuda Grass: A warm-season grass that thrives in full sun and heat. Bermuda is extremely durable, recovers quickly from wear, and has a fine, dense texture. Best for high-traffic lawns, sports fields, and sunny southern climates. Goes dormant and browns in winter.
Fescue (Tall / Fine): A cool-season grass that stays green year-round in temperate climates. Tall fescue is drought-tolerant and handles moderate traffic. Fine fescue has a softer texture and grows well in shade. Best for transition zones and northern lawns.
Zoysia Grass: A warm-season grass that forms a very dense, lush lawn. Zoysia is slow-growing, requires less mowing, and tolerates moderate shade and foot traffic. Takes longer to establish but creates a weed-resistant carpet once mature.
St. Augustine Grass: A warm-season grass with broad blades and excellent shade tolerance. St. Augustine thrives in coastal areas and is the most shade-tolerant warm-season grass. Requires more water than Bermuda and is less durable under heavy traffic.
Sod Type Cheat Sheet
Use this reference to select the right sod for your lawn:
| Type | Climate | Sun Needs | Traffic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bermuda | Warm-season (South) | Full sun | Very high |
| Fescue | Cool-season (North / Transition) | Sun to partial shade | Moderate |
| Zoysia | Warm-season (transition zone) | Sun to moderate shade | High |
| St. Augustine | Warm-season (coastal / South) | Shade-tolerant | Moderate |
Sod installation tips
Prepare the soil before laying sod by removing existing grass and weeds, tilling the top 4-6 inches, and adding compost or topsoil. Level the area and water thoroughly. Lay sod in a staggered pattern, pressing edges tightly together with no gaps. Water daily for the first two weeks, then gradually reduce frequency.
Worked example
For example, for a 20×15 ft lawn area:
- Area = 20 × 15 = 300 sq ft
- Sod rolls (10 sq ft each) = 300 ÷ 10 = 30 rolls
- Pallets (50 rolls each) = 30 ÷ 50 = 0.6 → 1 pallet
- Order 330 sq ft (33 rolls) to allow for cutting and shaping
- Install within 24 hours of delivery for best results
Common mistakes
| Mistake | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Installing on unprepared soil | Remove existing grass, till 4 inches deep, level, and lightly compact before laying sod |
| Staggering seams incorrectly | Stagger end joints like brickwork — never let four corners meet |
| Waiting too long to water | Water new sod within 30 minutes of installation; keep damp for the first 2 weeks |