From Pallets to Lawn: How Many Square Feet Are in a Pallet of Sod?

A lush, green lawn can completely transform the look and feel of your outdoor space—but planning for it starts with the basics. Whether you’re planning a backyard makeover or simply patching bare spots, one of the most important questions to answer is: How many square feet are in a pallet of sod?

This number may seem like a small detail, but it directly affects how much sod you need, how much you'll spend, and how efficiently you can complete your project. Understanding sod quantities and coverage is essential to creating a healthy, attractive lawn.

In this article, we’ll break down what sod is, how it’s sold, what a pallet includes, and how you can calculate the right amount for your lawn—with tips from Bethel Farms, your trusted source for grass for sale and sod delivery.

What Is Sod?

Sod, also called turfgrass, is pre-grown grass harvested with a thin layer of soil and severed roots. Grown in large fields at sod farms and carefully monitored as it matures, it’s cut into uniform pieces—typically slabs or rolls—and stacked onto pallets for easy transport. Once installed on prepared soil, the sod will re-establish its root system and become a seamless part of your lawn.

Unlike seeding a lawn, sod provides instant greenery and uniform coverage. It's largely used in residential lawns, sports fields, and commercial landscaping. With proper maintenance, it establishes quickly and becomes a seamless part of your landscape.

Why Choose Sod?

Choosing sod over grass seed can save time and simplify the process of establishing a lawn. Sod offers immediate results and a range of practical benefits that make it an attractive option for homeowners and landscapers alike.

• Instant Lawn - Sod eliminates the long wait required with seed. You’ll enjoy a fully green, finished-looking lawn immediately after installation—though it still needs time to establish before it can handle regular traffic.

• Even Growth and Coverage - Because sod is grown and harvested under ideal conditions, it delivers uniform density, color, and growth without the patchiness common with seeding.

• Less Erosion and Fewer Weeds - Sod provides immediate soil coverage, helping to stabilize the ground and suppress weed growth from the start—reducing the need for herbicides as it becomes established.

• Family-Friendly - Sod offers a soft, natural surface that’s durable and safe for pets, children, and outdoor activities. It's a great choice for high-traffic areas like backyards and play zones.

• Improved Air Quality - Like all plants, sod absorbs carbon dioxide and produces oxygen, helping improve the air around your home.

Overall, installing sod on your lawn offers both immediate and long-term benefits, contributing to both the environment and your overall quality of life.

What Is a Sod Pallet?

When ordering sod—especially in large quantities—it’s typically delivered stacked on wooden pallets. These pallets help organize, protect, and transport the sod efficiently.

A sod pallet usually contains a set number of sod pieces, which may be in the form of slabs (flat rectangles) or rolls (long strips). The dimensions of individual sod pieces vary slightly by farm, but most range from 16 to 24 inches long, 5 to 24 inches wide, and about 1 to 2 inches thick.

How Many Square Feet Per Pallet of Sod?

Here’s the big question: How many square feet are in a pallet of sod?

At Bethel Farms, each sod pallet is carefully measured and sold to cover approximately 400 square feet, no matter which grass variety you choose. This standard size makes it easier for customers to plan their project accurately.

Visualizing 400 Square Feet

To help you picture it:

• A pallet of sod covers an area about 20 feet by 20 feet.

• This is roughly the size of a two-car garage.

Of course, if your project includes winding paths, curved borders, or narrow strips, you may need to make adjustments or include some extra sod for cutting and fitting.

How to Calculate How Many Pallets You Need

To estimate how many pallets you need for your project:

1. Measure Your Lawn Area

Use a measuring tape, wheel, or app to get the length and width of the area to be sodded. Multiply to get the total square footage.

2. Divide by 400

Because each pallet covers 400 square feet, divide your total area by 400.
For example:

• A 2,000 sq ft yard ÷ 400 = 5 pallets

3. Add Extra

It's best to have a little more sod than not enough to account for trimming, minor damage, or measurement errors. Aim for about 5-10% extra to ensure full coverage without delays

Why Sod Coverage Matters

Understanding how many square feet are in a pallet of sod is more than just trivia—it’s essential for planning a smooth, cost-effective installation. Knowing this figure helps you calculate how much sod your lawn needs, reducing waste, avoiding delays, and preventing gaps for a seamless finish.

Precise measurements are key, but it’s okay to have slightly more sod than needed to account for trimming, minor damage, or measurement errors. If you’re unsure how much to order, Bethel Farms can help you calculate the right amount based on your lawn dimensions.

Post-Installation Maintenance Tips

Installing sod is just the beginning—consistent care is key to helping it establish strong roots. Start by watering immediately after installation, keeping the sod moist—but not soggy—for the first 10 to 14 days. During this period, avoid walking on the lawn to prevent uneven settling or root disturbance.

Once the grass reaches about 3 to 4 inches tall—usually within 2 to 3 weeks after installation—it’s ready for its first mow. Be sure to use a sharp mower blade and cut no more than one-third of the grass height to avoid stressing the new turf. After the first week, you can apply fertilizer to support healthy growth, then follow a regular feeding schedule based on your grass type and climate.

Keep an eye out for signs of stress, disease, or pests. Early detection makes treatment easier and helps ensure your sod develops into a healthy, long-lasting lawn.

Start Your Lawn Transformation with Bethel Farms

Creating a beautiful lawn starts with smart planning. By understanding how many square feet are in a pallet of sod, you can calculate your needs, reduce waste, and install with confidence.

At Bethel Farms, we make the process simple. We offer high-quality grass for sale in a variety of warm-season sod types, all sold in 400-square-foot pallets. Whether you’re looking for a lush lawn makeover or a patch repair, we have the right sod and expert support to help you succeed.

Ready to bring your lawn to life? Explore sod for sale at Bethel Farms today and take the first step toward your dream lawn—green, healthy, and built to last.