“How much turf is on a pallet?” is one of the most common questions we get from customers across South-East Queensland.
Unlike bricks or pavers, turf is a living product. How much turf can safely go on a pallet depends on the turf variety, soil depth, moisture levels, and how it will be transported.
This guide explains how much turf can come on a pallet, why it varies between turf types, and what to think about when ordering turf from our West Turf farms at Wivenhoe Pocket.
It’s not one-size-fits-all
The short answer is that each turf variety has a maximum square metre limit per pallet.
This limit is not based on price or policy. It is based on what the harvester can physically stack and what can be safely transported without damaging the turf or overloading vehicles.
Different turf varieties have different root structures, soil requirements and weights. Because of this, the amount of turf per pallet changes depending on the variety you choose.
Turf pallet size by variety
Below is our guide to the maximum square metres per pallet for turf varieties we supply:
| Turf Variety | Maximum sqm per pallet |
|---|---|
| Sir Walter | 50 sqm |
| Soft Leaf Buffalo | 50 sqm |
| Zoysia | 50 sqm |
| Aussiblue | 60 sqm |
| Wintergreen | 75 sqm |
These figures are the upper limit of what we can be safely harvest and stack per pallet under ideal conditions.
Why pallet sizes can vary
Several practical factors influence how much turf is harvested per pallet on the day.
Soil depth in each slab
Buffalo and Zoysia are thicker plants than Wintergreen couch and need a little more soil at harvest to support the roots and keep slabs manageable.
Soil depth matters. Too much soil makes slabs very heavy, which is hard on vehicles and installers. We aim for “just right” slabs, not too thick and not too thin.
Ground moisture levels
Wet soil weighs more. After rain, turf slabs can be significantly heavier. In these conditions, pallet sizes may be reduced to keep handling and transport safe.
The size of your order
If you only need 20 square metres, there is no benefit in harvesting 50 square metres just to make a “full” pallet. At West Turf, we harvest to suit your order, not a fixed pallet size.
Vehicle capacity for farm pick-up
If you are collecting turf from the farm, your vehicle or trailer must be able to carry the weight safely.
For example, 50sqm of Wintergreen couch will weigh around 1,000kg. If your trailer is rated to carry 450 kg, that equates to roughly 23 square metres, not a “full” pallet.
Ordering more turf than your vehicle can carry creates a safety risk.
Pallets on our truck
When delivering turf, pallets sizes are also influenced by truck weight limits and delivery run efficiency. This ensures turf arrives in good condition and transport stays safe and compliant.
Slabs not rolls
Different turf farms use different harvesting equipment. At West Turf, we use modern Trebro turf harvesters that produce consistent turf slabs (not rolls), stacked neatly for stability and easy handling.
West Turf standard slab size
600mm wide x 1200mm long
West Turf standard slab thickness
-
Sir Walter, Soft Leaf Buffalo, Zoysia and AussiblueTotal slab thickness: approx. 50mm
(soil around 30mm) -
Wintergreen
Total slab thickness: approx. 35mm(soil around 20mm)
West Turf slab thickness by the tape measure:
Sir Walter
Slab thickness: 50mm
Soil: 30mm
Soft Leaf Buffalo
Slab thickness: 50mm
Soil: 30mm
Zoysia
Slab thickness: 50mm
Soil: 30mm
Aussiblue
Slab thickness: 50mm
Soil: 30mm
Wintergreen
Slab thickness: 35mm
Soil: 20mm
Getting turf levels right at the prep stage
When preparing your soil, allow a slight drop below surrounding hard surfaces such as driveways, paths and patios.
Decide whether you want:
- Turf flush with hard surfaces, or
- Turf slightly above with leaf showing.
Use the slab thickness measurements above to set your final soil height.
Lightly compact the soil with a water-filled roller. This helps reduce sinking after the turf is laid and the lawn settles.
No pallets to return or dispose of
At West Turf, pick-ups and deliveries are completed using a pallet-less system.
That means when you order a “pallet” of turf, there is no physical pallet loaded with your turf at pick-up or left behind once your turf has been laid after delivery. There is nothing to return and nothing to dispose of, which makes the process simpler for homeowners and landscapers.
Key things to remember when ordering “a pallet of turf”
Before placing your turf order, keep these points in mind.
- Pallet sizes vary depending on turf variety
- Heavier and thicker turf varieties mean fewer square metres per pallet
- Wet soil increases pallet weight
- Always match your order to your vehicle’s carrying capacity
- Order the square metres you need, not a full pallet by default
If you are unsure how much turf your vehicle can safely carry, or how much you need for your project, it is always worth asking before you order.
The Bottom Line
There is no standard “one pallet size” when it comes to West Turf grass.
The amount of turf on a pallet depends on the turf variety, soil depth, moisture levels, transport requirements and your specific order size. Understanding these factors helps ensure your turf is harvested, transported and laid safely and efficiently.
If you ever have questions about turf quantities, pallet weights or pick up requirements, our team is always happy to help you plan your order properly.
