What Is the Size of a Grass Sod?

Size

• Although the size of your sod may depend on the place you buy it, most sod comes in strips or rolls for easier installation. For example, some companies cut sod in rolls 24 inches wide by 60 inches long whereas other companies cut the strips into 16-by-24-inch, 18-by-60-inch or 18-by-30-inch rolls for traditional home installation. Larger rolls of sod are also available from sod companies, such as rolls of sod 42 inches wide by 116 feet long.

Thickness

• Most sod pieces come between 1 to 3 inches thick, depending on the variety of grass you choose and the company's cutting methods. Check with your sod company for specific sizes available.

Quantity

• Most companies sell sod both by the piece and by the pallet. While there isn't normally a minimum purchase by the piece, there may be a minimum purchase amount for delivered orders. Check with the sod company for requirements and costs associated with delivery.

Measuring

• Determine how much sod you'll need by breaking up the lawn into measurable rectangles. Multiply the length by the width to determine the total square feet you'll need covered. Add 10 percent to account for bad cuts and discolored sod pieces. Stagger the sod pieces, such as how masons lay brick, so that seams where the sod meets are less noticeable and to limit water runoff. Place the edges of the sod tightly together to limit browning around the edges.

Installation Tips

• Although the sod comes in pieces, you'll sometimes need to cut pieces yourself, such as where two pieces meet. Use full pieces of sod near walkways and perimeters to limit excessive drying, and use a sharp knife or masonry trowel to cut the sod.