Ordering the right amount of sod saves you a second delivery charge and keeps extra sod from sitting unused. Here is the simple method we recommend.
Step 1: Break the lawn into simple shapes
Sketch the area and divide it into rectangles, triangles and circles. Measure each shape in feet.
- Rectangle: length × width
- Triangle: (base × height) ÷ 2
- Circle: 3.14 × radius × radius
Step 2: Add the shapes together
Add every area to get your total square footage. Subtract large features you will not sod, such as patios or beds.
Step 3: Convert to rolls
Standard Kentucky Bluegrass rolls are 2 ft × 5 ft, which covers 10 square feet. Divide your total square footage by 10 to get the number of rolls.
Step 4: Add a waste allowance
Curves, edges and cuts around obstacles use extra sod. Add about 5% for simple rectangular lawns and closer to 10% for curved beds or many obstacles. Round up to the next whole roll.
Example
A 40 ft × 25 ft backyard is 1,000 sq ft. That is 100 rolls, plus a 5% allowance — 105 rolls.
Plan the day
Sod is a living product and should be laid the day it arrives. Have the soil graded and ready before delivery, and plan enough hands to finish the same day.