How many square feet are in a pallet of sod?
A pallet of sod usually covers 400, 450 or 500 sq ft. Southern farms ship 16 × 24 in slabs (about 150–190 per pallet); northern farms often ship 5 sq ft mini rolls or 10 sq ft big rolls. A pallet weighs about 1,500–3,000 lb, more when wet.
Sod is sold by the pallet, and each farm fixes the square footage per pallet for its product. The most common sizes are 400, 450 and 500 sq ft. Coverage, not piece count, is what you order.
How many square feet are in a pallet of sod?
| Format | Piece size | Area per piece | Typical pallet | Pieces per pallet |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Slabs (common in the South) | 16 × 24 in | 2.66 sq ft | 400, 450 or 500 sq ft | about 150, 170 or 189 |
| Mini hand rolls (common in the North) | 40 × 18 in | 5 sq ft | 400, 450 or 500 sq ft | 80, 90 or 100 |
| Large rolls | 60 × 24 or 80 × 18 in | 10 sq ft | 500, 600 or 700 sq ft | 50, 60 or 70 |
Dimensions and pallet sizes are from Sod Solutions, a turfgrass licensing company. Slab pallets are sold as 400, 450 and 500 sq ft but actually hold 399, 452 or 503 sq ft because of the slab size. Very large rolls for commercial jobs are often handled on spindles or loaded by machine rather than stacked on pallets. Your farm's pallet size is authoritative.
How much does a pallet of sod weigh?
Most pallets weigh about 1,500–3,000 lb (680–1,360 kg). Weight depends on:
- Moisture. Sod Solutions notes weight can rise by about 50% when the sod is wet. Freshly irrigated or rained-on sod is at the top of the range.
- Soil type. Sod grown on heavy clay carries more weight than sod grown on sandy or muck soils.
- Cut thickness. Thicker cuts carry more soil.
- Pallet size. A 500 sq ft pallet is heavier than a 400 sq ft pallet of the same grass.
The pallet itself is typically a light wooden pallet of 30–50 lb; see how much a pallet weighs.
A pallet of wet sod can outweigh a half-ton pickup's rated payload. Check the Tire and Loading Information label on your door jamb, and use a trailer rated for the load or pay for delivery. A forklift or truck-mounted forklift sets pallets on the driveway; plan where it will go so the truck does not cross soft lawn or septic fields.
Rolls vs slabs
- Slabs are flat pieces cut from warm-season grasses such as St. Augustine, zoysia, centipede and bermuda. They are easy to fit into small areas.
- Mini rolls are rolled for easier handling and are common for cool-season grasses such as Kentucky bluegrass and tall fescue.
- Big rolls cover more per piece with fewer seams, but need equipment to install.
Prices are quoted per pallet or per square foot. Compare on a per square foot basis when pallet sizes differ.
How to calculate how much you need
- Measure the lawn area in square feet and subtract beds and paving.
- Add about 5% for trimming around edges and curves.
- Divide by your farm's square feet per pallet and round up, or buy the remainder as loose pieces if the farm sells them.
Pallet deposits and returns
Sod pallets are usually low-grade one-way pallets. Some farms and garden centers charge a refundable pallet deposit, others don't take pallets back. Ask when you order. If there is no return program, the pallets can often be reused or recycled locally. See one-way pallet.
For pallet specifications in this sector, see building materials pallets.
Frequently asked questions
How many pallets of sod do I need?
Divide the lawn area by the square feet per pallet from your farm (often 450 or 500) and add about 5% for cuts and edges. A 2,000 sq ft lawn needs about four 500 sq ft pallets plus a few extra pieces.
Can I carry a pallet of sod in a pickup?
A pallet weighs about 1,500–3,000 lb, so a half-ton pickup may or may not be within its payload. Check the door-jamb payload label, and remember wet sod is much heavier.
How long can sod sit on the pallet?
Farms generally advise installing the same day it is delivered, especially in warm weather, because stacked sod heats up and yellows quickly. Follow your farm's instructions.
Sources and references
Related
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Last reviewed 2026-09-24. 593 words.