How Much Is 2 Pallets of Sod? Coverage & Cost

Two pallets of sod typically cover between 900 and 1,200 square feet, depending on the supplier and the size of the individual rolls or slabs. The total cost for two pallets usually ranges from $300 to $700 for the sod itself, plus delivery fees. This article explains how to calculate exact coverage, what affects the price, and how to estimate your total project cost.

Formula

To find out how much sod you need, use the area formula:

Area (sq ft) = Length (ft) × Width (ft)

For a rectangular lawn, measure the length and width in feet, then multiply. If your lawn has multiple sections, calculate each separately and add them together. The calculator above also computes the volume of soil needed if you plan to add a topsoil layer: Volume (yd³) = (Length × Width × Depth in inches) ÷ 324. The 324 comes from converting inches to feet (12) and cubic feet to cubic yards (27): 12 × 27 = 324.

Worked Example

Using the default values from the calculator: a lawn 40 feet long and 25 feet wide.

1. Area = 40 ft × 25 ft = 1,000 sq ft
2. If you want 3 inches of topsoil: Volume = (40 × 25 × 3) ÷ 324 = 3000 ÷ 324 = 9.26 yd³
3. In cubic feet: (40 × 25 × 3) ÷ 12 = 3000 ÷ 12 = 250 ft³

So for a 1,000 sq ft lawn, you need about 1,000 sq ft of sod. Since most pallets cover 450–600 sq ft, you would need roughly two pallets. The calculator rounds up to the nearest whole pallet when you use the pallet coverage input (see below).

How Many Square Feet Does a Pallet of Sod Cover?

There is no universal standard. Most sod farms and home improvement stores sell pallets that cover between 400 and 600 square feet. The exact coverage depends on the type of grass, the size of the rolls or slabs, and the supplier. For example, a pallet of fescue sod might cover 500 sq ft, while a pallet of Bermuda might cover 450 sq ft. Always check the label or ask the supplier for the exact square footage per pallet.

To estimate how many pallets you need for your lawn:

• Measure the length and width of your lawn in feet.
• Multiply to get the area in square feet.
• Divide that number by the coverage per pallet (e.g., 500 sq ft).
• Round up to the nearest whole pallet, since you cannot buy a fraction of a pallet.

For a 1,000 sq ft lawn with 500 sq ft per pallet, you need exactly 2 pallets. If your lawn is 1,200 sq ft, you would need 2.4 pallets, so you must buy 3 pallets.

Cost Factors for Two Pallets of Sod

The price of sod varies widely by region, grass type, and season. On average, sod costs between $0.30 and $0.60 per square foot. Therefore, two pallets (covering about 1,000 sq ft) would cost roughly $300 to $600 for the material alone. However, several factors can change that:

• Grass type: Warm-season grasses like Bermuda and Zoysia are often cheaper in southern states, while cool-season grasses like Fescue and Kentucky Bluegrass may cost more in northern regions.
• Quality and grade: Premium hybrid varieties cost more than standard types.
• Season: Prices can be higher in spring and early summer when demand peaks.
• Delivery fees: Many suppliers charge a flat delivery fee (often $50–$150) or a per-mile charge. Some offer free delivery on large orders.
• Installation: If you hire a professional, labor costs add $0.50 to $1.00 per square foot, meaning installation for two pallets could be $500 to $1,000 extra.

To get an accurate quote, contact local sod farms or garden centers and ask for the price per pallet and the exact coverage. Then multiply the number of pallets needed by the price per pallet, and add delivery.

How to Choose the Right Sod Pallet

Selecting the right sod involves more than just picking the cheapest option. Consider your climate, sun exposure, and how much foot traffic the lawn will get.

• Climate: Cool-season grasses (fescue, bluegrass, ryegrass) thrive in northern climates with cold winters. Warm-season grasses (Bermuda, Zoysia, St. Augustine) do better in the South and tolerate heat and drought.
• Sunlight: Some grasses need full sun (6+ hours), while others tolerate shade. Fescue handles partial shade better than Bermuda.
• Traffic: If you have kids or pets, choose a durable grass like Bermuda or tall fescue that recovers quickly.
• Maintenance: Some grasses require more mowing, watering, and fertilizing. Zoysia grows slowly but is dense, while Bermuda grows fast and needs frequent mowing.

Ask your local extension office or sod supplier for recommendations specific to your area. They can tell you which grass types are proven to perform well in your region.

Common Mistakes When Ordering Sod

Even with careful planning, people often make these errors:

• Underestimating area: Forgetting to include curves, slopes, or irregular shapes. Break the lawn into rectangles and triangles, and add 5–10% for waste and cutting.
• Ignoring pallet coverage: Assuming every pallet is 500 sq ft. Always verify with the supplier.
• Ordering too late: Sod is perishable. It should be installed within 24–48 hours of delivery, especially in hot weather. Order only when you are ready to install.
• Skipping soil prep: Sod needs a smooth, level base with good soil. If you skip tilling and raking, the sod may not root properly.
• Not watering enough: New sod needs daily watering for the first two weeks. Underwatering is the #1 cause of sod failure.

To avoid these, measure carefully, confirm coverage with the supplier, and prepare the soil before the sod arrives.

Alternatives to Buying Two Pallets of Sod

If the cost or logistics of two pallets seem too much, consider these alternatives:

• Seed: Grass seed is much cheaper, but it takes 2–4 weeks to establish and requires consistent watering. It is a good option for small areas or if you have time to wait.
• Hydroseeding: A slurry of seed, mulch, and fertilizer sprayed over the soil. It costs more than seed but less than sod, and establishes in a few weeks.
• Plug or sprig planting: For warm-season grasses, planting plugs or sprigs is cheaper but takes a full season to fill in.
• Artificial turf: No watering or mowing, but the upfront cost is much higher (typically $5–$10 per sq ft installed).

Each option has trade-offs in cost, time, and maintenance. Sod gives instant results, but seed or plugs can save money if you are patient.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a pallet of sod cost?

On average, a pallet of sod costs between $150 and $350, depending on grass type, quality, and location. The price per square foot usually ranges from $0.30 to $0.60. For two pallets, expect to pay $300 to $700 for the sod itself.

How many rolls of sod are on a pallet?

There is no fixed number. A pallet might have 50 to 100 rolls, depending on the size of each roll. Common roll sizes are 2 ft × 5 ft (10 sq ft) or 1.5 ft × 6 ft (9 sq ft). Always check the label for total square footage, not just the number of rolls.

Can I install two pallets of sod myself?

Yes, if you are physically able and have help. Two pallets weigh about 2,000 to 3,000 pounds total, so you will need a truck or trailer for delivery and at least one other person to help unload and lay the sod. Plan to install the entire pallet the same day it arrives.

How long can sod sit on a pallet before installation?

Sod is a living product. It should be installed within 24 hours of delivery, and within 48 hours at most if kept cool and moist. In hot weather, the roots can dry out quickly, so do not let it sit in the sun. Water the pallet lightly if you must delay.

What is the difference between a pallet and a roll of sod?

A pallet is a wooden platform that holds many rolls or slabs of sod. A roll is a single strip of grass with soil attached, typically 9 to 10 square feet. You buy sod by the pallet, not by the roll, unless you only need a small patch.

Related

• Pallet of Sod Calculator: Coverage and Pallet Count
• How Much Extra Sod Should I Order?
• Lawn Seed Per Square Foot: Rates and Calculator

in l | Lawn length | ft | 40 | 0 | 100000
in w | Lawn width | ft | 25 | 0 | 100000
in d | Depth | in | 3 | 0 | 120
out yd | Volume | yd³ | l * w * d / 324 | 2
out ft3 | Volume | ft³ | l * w * d / 12 | 1