New Lawn Materials List: Sod or Seed, Topsoil, Fertilizer, Water
A new 5,000 ft² lawn takes 525 rolls of sod (11.7 pallets) or 40 lb of tall fescue seed, about 34.0 cubic yards of topsoil if you need to improve the ground, 28 lb of starter fertilizer and a lot of water. This list covers both routes, so you can compare the quantities before you choose.
The materials list
| What to buy | Sod route | Seed route |
|---|---|---|
| Grass | 525 rolls (11.7 pallets) of 2 × 5 ft sod, with 5% for cuts | 40 lb of tall fescue seed at 8 lb per 1,000 ft² |
| Topsoil, if the ground is poor | 34.0 yd³ for a 2 in layer | 34.0 yd³ for a 2 in layer |
| Starter fertilizer | 28 lb (2 bags of 15 lb at 18% nitrogen) | 28 lb (2 bags of 15 lb at 18% nitrogen) |
| Straw or seed mulch | Not needed | A thin cover of straw or seed-starter mulch holds moisture and keeps the seed in place |
| Water, first week | About 3,117 gallons a week for an inch | More is needed to keep the seedbed damp until the seeds sprout |
| Tools | Rake, lawn roller, utility knife, sprinkler | Rake, spreader, lawn roller, sprinkler |
Quantities come from the sod calculator, grass seed calculator, topsoil calculator and lawn fertilizer calculator. The lawn watering calculator works out the water: an inch a week on this lawn is 3,117 gallons.
Materials for other lawn sizes
| Lawn size | Sod rolls | Tall fescue seed | Topsoil (2 in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,000 ft² | 105 (2.3 pallets) | 8 lb | 6.8 yd³ |
| 2,500 ft² | 263 (5.8 pallets) | 20 lb | 17.0 yd³ |
| 5,000 ft² | 525 (11.7 pallets) | 40 lb | 34.0 yd³ |
| 10,000 ft² | 1050 (23.3 pallets) | 80 lb | 67.9 yd³ |
Which route should you take?
- Sod gives you a usable lawn in a few weeks, holds a slope against erosion, and has few weeds at first, but costs several times as much as seed and needs lifting and laying within a day of delivery.
- Seed is much cheaper and gives a wider choice of grasses, but takes a season to fill in, needs careful watering, and is best sown at the right time of year: early fall for cool-season grasses, late spring for warm-season ones.
The sod vs seed guide compares the two in more detail.
Preparing the ground
- Clear the debris, rocks and old weeds, and kill existing turf if you are replacing it.
- Loosen the top 4 to 6 inches of soil, and mix in the topsoil or compost if the ground is compacted or poor.
- Grade it so that water drains away from the house, rake it smooth, and (for sod) leave it about an inch below the edge of walks and drives.
- Spread the starter fertilizer, then lay the sod in staggered rows, pressing the seams tight, or sow the seed evenly and rake it in lightly.
- Roll it, then water straight away. Keep sod or seed moist, not soggy, until it has rooted.
Estimates only. Seed and fertilizer labels vary: follow the rates on yours.
Frequently asked questions
How much sod do I need for 5,000 square feet?
5,250 ft² with 5% for cuts, which is 525 rolls of 2 × 5 ft sod or about 11.7 pallets. Use 10% extra for curved edges.
How much grass seed do I need for 5,000 square feet?
About 40 lb of tall fescue for a new lawn at 8 lb per 1,000 ft², or half that for overseeding. Other grasses need different rates: follow the label.
How much water does a new lawn need?
About an inch a week once established, which is 3,117 gallons on 5,000 ft². New sod or seed needs more frequent, lighter watering at first to stay moist until it roots.
How much topsoil do I need for a new lawn?
A 2 inch layer over 5,000 ft² is about 34.0 cubic yards with 10% extra. Good existing soil may not need any: loosen the top 4 to 6 inches and decide from there.
More guides
Tools & materials for this project
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Estimates only. Quantities depend on your materials, site and supplier. Confirm important numbers before you order, and follow local building codes for anything structural.