Sod Calculator
How much sod you need for a lawn — square feet, pallets, and cost.
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Sod gives you an instant lawn — green today instead of waiting weeks for seed. The catch is timing and water: sod is living grass that must go down on prepped soil and get watered hard for the first two weeks while it roots in.
DifficultyIntermediate
TimeA weekend for an average yard — and sod should go down the day it arrives
SkillsSoil prep and steady watering matter more than skill
Tools you'll need
- Sod cutter or shovel (to remove old grass)
- Steel rake and a landscape rake
- Lawn roller (rent)
- Sharp knife for trimming
- Wheelbarrow
Step by step
- Remove old grass and grade Strip the existing lawn, then grade smooth and away from the house — fix low spots now, because you can't later.
- Prep the soil Loosen the top few inches, work in compost, and lightly firm it so sod meets soil, not air pockets.
- Lay sod the day it arrives Start along a straight edge and lay pieces tight in a brick-stagger pattern with no gaps or overlaps. Sod dries out fast on the pallet.
- Roll and water immediately Roll the sod to press roots into the soil, then water deeply right away.
- Water hard for two weeks Keep sod consistently moist (often daily) for the first 2 weeks while it roots, then taper to deeper, less frequent watering.
Common mistakes
Laying sod on unprepared soil
Grade, loosen, and amend first. Sod on hard or bumpy ground won't root well and shows every dip.
Gaps between pieces
Butt seams tight and stagger them like bricks — gaps dry out and the edges die back.
Underwatering the first weeks
New sod needs frequent, deep water until it roots. Let it dry once and it's gone.
Safety
- Sod rolls are heavy and wet — lift with your legs.
- Watch footing on freshly watered, slick sod.
Frequently asked questions
How much sod do I need?
Enter your lawn size above — the calculator adds 5% for cuts and curves and returns square feet and pallets.
When is the best time to lay sod?
Spring and early fall, in mild weather. Avoid peak summer heat, which stresses sod before it roots.
How often do I water new sod?
Keep it consistently moist — often daily — for the first 2 weeks, then water deeper and less often as it establishes.
Next steps for this project
Topsoil
How much topsoil you need by area and depth — bags or bulk cubic yards.
Grass Seed
Calculate pounds, bags, leftover seed, and cost for a new lawn or overseeding project.
Mulch
How much mulch you need by bed size and depth — bags or bulk cubic yards.
Excavation
Cubic yards of dirt to dig and haul, plus truckloads.