How to Build a Sod House

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Sod houses were built by prairie settlers in the United States and Canada. Wood was scarce on the prairie, but thickly-thatched sod was abundant. Sod houses were cheap to build, sturdy, warm in the winter and cool in the summer. However, they were subject to insects and mice infestations, and could be severely damaged by weather. Settlers cut and stacked bricks from prairie sod to build sod houses.

Steps

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/69\/Build-a-Sod-House-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Build-a-Sod-House-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/69\/Build-a-Sod-House-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/aid1355111-v4-728px-Build-a-Sod-House-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The roots hold the sod bricks together during construction.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/98\/Build-a-Sod-House-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Build-a-Sod-House-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/98\/Build-a-Sod-House-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/aid1355111-v4-728px-Build-a-Sod-House-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Mark the area where you will build the house so you will know where to place the exterior walls. Leave a space for the door.
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/13\/Build-a-Sod-House-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Build-a-Sod-House-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/13\/Build-a-Sod-House-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/aid1355111-v4-728px-Build-a-Sod-House-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This creates the floor of the house.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/fa\/Build-a-Sod-House-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Build-a-Sod-House-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/fa\/Build-a-Sod-House-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/aid1355111-v4-728px-Build-a-Sod-House-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/91\/Build-a-Sod-House-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Build-a-Sod-House-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/91\/Build-a-Sod-House-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/aid1355111-v4-728px-Build-a-Sod-House-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Cut down to a depth of 4 inches. [1]
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/8a\/Build-a-Sod-House-Step-6-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Build-a-Sod-House-Step-6-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/8a\/Build-a-Sod-House-Step-6-Version-2.jpg\/aid1355111-v4-728px-Build-a-Sod-House-Step-6-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This creates uniform bricks of sod which you can then remove and stack near where you will build the house. [2]
  7. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/41\/Build-a-Sod-House-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Build-a-Sod-House-Step-7-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/41\/Build-a-Sod-House-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/aid1355111-v4-728px-Build-a-Sod-House-Step-7-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Follow the markers for the exterior walls.
  8. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/6b\/Build-a-Sod-House-Step-8-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Build-a-Sod-House-Step-8-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/6b\/Build-a-Sod-House-Step-8-Version-2.jpg\/aid1355111-v4-728px-Build-a-Sod-House-Step-8-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Place the center of the second-row bricks directly over where two first-row bricks meet. You must cut some bricks in half to fit the corners. [3]
  9. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/dc\/Build-a-Sod-House-Step-9-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Build-a-Sod-House-Step-9-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/dc\/Build-a-Sod-House-Step-9-Version-2.jpg\/aid1355111-v4-728px-Build-a-Sod-House-Step-9-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Stagger the bricks so the ends of the bricks on the row below are directly under the centers of the bricks on top. Every few rows, lay the bricks crosswise to the row underneath to help make the walls more sturdy.
  10. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/29\/Build-a-Sod-House-Step-10-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Build-a-Sod-House-Step-10-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/29\/Build-a-Sod-House-Step-10-Version-2.jpg\/aid1355111-v4-728px-Build-a-Sod-House-Step-10-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Place the frames for the windows on the walls and the door frame in the space you left for the door.
  11. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/07\/Build-a-Sod-House-Step-11-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Build-a-Sod-House-Step-11-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/07\/Build-a-Sod-House-Step-11-Version-2.jpg\/aid1355111-v4-728px-Build-a-Sod-House-Step-11-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Leave room between the bricks and the frames and stuff the spaces with grass. If you pack too closely, the sod may settle and cause the frames to shift or the window glass to break. [4]
  12. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/99\/Build-a-Sod-House-Step-12-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Build-a-Sod-House-Step-12-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/99\/Build-a-Sod-House-Step-12-Version-2.jpg\/aid1355111-v4-728px-Build-a-Sod-House-Step-12-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Several styles of roof were used on sod houses, ranging from flat roofs made from a lattice of tree branches, to traditional gabled roofs made from lumber, tar paper and shingles. A quality roof can protect a sod house for many years with little need for maintenance. [5]
  13. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f8\/Build-a-Sod-House-Step-13-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Build-a-Sod-House-Step-13-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f8\/Build-a-Sod-House-Step-13-Version-2.jpg\/aid1355111-v4-728px-Build-a-Sod-House-Step-13-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Place the grass-side up to protect against erosion.
  14. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d0\/Build-a-Sod-House-Step-14-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Build-a-Sod-House-Step-14-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d0\/Build-a-Sod-House-Step-14-Version-2.jpg\/aid1355111-v4-728px-Build-a-Sod-House-Step-14-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
  15. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/9f\/Build-a-Sod-House-Step-15-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Build-a-Sod-House-Step-15-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/9f\/Build-a-Sod-House-Step-15-Version-2.jpg\/aid1355111-v4-728px-Build-a-Sod-House-Step-15-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Suspend a muslin sheet to the roof inside the house to form a sort of ceiling that will catch any dirt or water that falls from the roof.
  16. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2c\/Build-a-Sod-House-Step-16-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Build-a-Sod-House-Step-16-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2c\/Build-a-Sod-House-Step-16-Version-2.jpg\/aid1355111-v4-728px-Build-a-Sod-House-Step-16-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
  17. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e3\/Build-a-Sod-House-Step-17-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Build-a-Sod-House-Step-17-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e3\/Build-a-Sod-House-Step-17-Version-2.jpg\/aid1355111-v4-728px-Build-a-Sod-House-Step-17-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You may also choose to cover the outside of the walls with stucco to protect them from the weather.
    18. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    What is it like to live in a sod house?
    Community Answer
    It is a very rustic way to live. There is no plumbing, water etc.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 9 Helpful 28
  • Question
    Can I use sod from a sod farm?
    Community Answer
    Yes, it is better quality than regular sod.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 9 Helpful 19
  • Question
    How long does it take to build a sod house?
    Antp2103
    Community Answer
    Probably a couple months for it to be fully completed.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 18 Helpful 26
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      Things You'll Need

      • Stakes, flags and string
      • Spades, shovels and rakes
      • Sod-cutting tool
      • Door, window frames
      • Door and window panes
      • Hammer and nails
      • Canvas
      • Muslin
      • Whitewash
      • Mower

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Calculate Wind Load
      How to
      Build a House
      How to
      Build a Sound Proof Room
      How to
      Determine a Building's Construction Type
      The Pros & Cons of West-Facing Homes in Vastu Shastra Architecture
      How to
      Build Your Own Home (US)
      How to
      Level a Site for a Concrete Slab
      How to
      Design and Build Your Own House
      How to
      Build an Underground House
      How to
      Build a Log House
      How to
      Build a Building
      How to
      Build a Straw Bale House
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://dc.lib.unc.edu/cgi-bin/showfile.exe?CISOROOT=/minipage&CISOPTR=3701&CISOMODE=print
      2. ↑ https://nebraskastudies.org/en/1850-1874/the-challenges-of-the-plains/building-a-sod-house/
      3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdsCjtky6ZQ
      4. ↑ http://lilyk.tripod.com/d_Sod.html
      5. ↑ https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/Portals/0/Shaw%20Nature%20Reserve/PDFs/Historical/Sod%20House.pdf

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 83,044 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Deacon Brown

        May 3, 2020

        "I built one via the instructions and my house looks great."
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement