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Fresh sod rolls being laid on prepared soil in an Okanagan backyard

Sod Calculator

Enter your yard dimensions to find out how many rolls of sod you need. Add multiple sections for L-shaped or irregular yards.

Section 1

How Big Is a Roll of Sod?

A standard sod roll in Canada measures 2 feet wide by 5 feet long, giving you 10 square feet of coverage per roll. Some suppliers offer different sizes, but 10 sq ft per roll is the industry standard across the Okanagan Valley.

How Much Sod Do I Need?

To figure out how much sod you need:

  1. Measure your yard โ€” multiply the length by the width to get total square footage.
  2. Add 10% for waste โ€” you will need to cut pieces around edges, garden beds, and walkways. Our calculator adds 10% automatically.
  3. Divide by 10 โ€” each roll covers 10 sq ft, so divide your total area (with waste) by 10 to get the number of rolls.

For irregular or L-shaped yards, break the area into rectangular sections and add them together. Use the "Add another section" button above to handle this easily.

Sod Installation Tips for the Okanagan

The Okanagan's semi-arid climate means new sod needs extra attention during establishment:

  • Water immediately โ€” soak new sod within 30 minutes of laying it. In Okanagan summers, the soil dries out fast.
  • Water deeply for 2-3 weeks โ€” keep the sod and top inch of soil consistently moist. Water 2-3 times daily in hot weather.
  • Best time to lay sod โ€” early spring (April-May) or early fall (September) are ideal in the Okanagan. Avoid mid-summer heat if possible.
  • Prep the soil first โ€” remove old grass, grade the surface, and add a thin layer of topsoil or compost before laying sod.
  • Stagger the seams โ€” lay rolls in a brick-like pattern so seams do not line up.

Not sure about installation? Cool Runnings handles sod installation across Kelowna, West Kelowna, Vernon, Lake Country, and the rest of the Okanagan. Call Ramoy at (250) 307-9220 for a free estimate.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many square feet is a standard roll of sod?
A standard sod roll in BC measures 2 feet wide by 5 feet long, giving you 10 square feet of coverage per roll. This is the industry standard across the Okanagan Valley and most Canadian suppliers.
How much extra sod should I order?
For rectangular yards, add about 10% extra to account for cutting and waste. For yards with curves, garden beds, or irregular shapes, order 15-20% extra. It is always better to have a few extra rolls than to run short mid-project.
When is the best time to lay sod in the Okanagan?
The best times are spring (late April through June) and fall (September to early October). These windows give sod the moderate temperatures and moisture it needs to root before summer heat or winter frost. Avoid laying sod in the peak of summer unless you can commit to heavy watering.
How much does sod cost in Kelowna?
Sod in the Okanagan area typically costs $0.75-$1.10 per square foot delivered for Kentucky Bluegrass, which is the most common variety in the region. Picking up directly from the sod farm is less. Prices vary by supplier, quantity, and season. Contact local sod farms for current pricing.
Can I lay sod myself or should I hire a pro?
DIY sod installation is possible for small, flat areas. However, proper soil preparation โ€” grading, removing old grass, adding topsoil, and compacting โ€” is critical for long-term results and is where most DIY projects fall short. For larger areas or sloped yards, hiring a professional ensures proper drainage and a level finish.
How long does new sod take to root?
New sod begins rooting within 2-3 weeks with proper watering. You can test by gently tugging a corner โ€” if it resists, roots are taking hold. Full establishment takes about 6 weeks, after which you can resume normal mowing and foot traffic.

Ready to Transform Your Property?

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๐Ÿ“ž Call (250) 307-9220