Guide to Bulk Purchasing Sod Staples for Large-Scale Projects

Bulk purchasing sod staples offers substantial advantages for landscaping construction projects, primarily through enhanced cost efficiency and quality assurance.

By ordering in large quantities, you can significantly lower the per-unit cost, allowing for more budget-friendly landscape projects. Suppliers are also more likely to prioritize and carefully manage large orders, which helps maintain uniform production standards. Additionally, bulk buying reduces the need for frequent reordering, cutting down on administrative costs and logistical complexities.

Factors to Consider When Placing a Bulk Order

Material

The most common materials for sod staples are galvanized steel, galvanized resin-coated steel, and stainless steel. Each material offers distinct advantages. When choosing between these options, the primary factor you need to consider is the type of environment the sod staples are expected to perform in.

Galvanized

Galvanized sod staples are coated with a layer of zinc, which protects them against corrosion and makes them well-suited for environments with moderate exposure to moisture. Instead of the steel corroding over time, the galvanized layer wears down. They’re recommended when securing landscape fabrics, erosion control clothes, and other ground coverings.

Galvanized Resin-Coated

In addition to having the zinc layer, this material type is coated with a layer of resin, which adds extra protection against chemicals and extreme weather conditions. The added resin makes the material a good choice for areas with high humidity, frequent rainfall, or chemical exposures, such as agricultural lands treated with fertilizers and pesticides.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steels are the best option for corrosion resistance because their high chromium content makes them inherently rust-resistant without additional coatings. They’re best used for highly corrosive environments, especially coastal areas with salt spray, or for applications requiring long-term fastening where frequently changing staples isn’t feasible.

Size

Sod staples are available in many crown widths and leg lengths. Both dimensions are critical in how well the staple will function, so you want to select the right size.

Crown Width

This refers to the horizontal span across the top of the staple. A wider crown provides greater surface area. For lighter materials, such as landscape fabric or drip lines, you can get away with a smaller crown width. However, for heavier materials like thick erosion control mats or artificial turf, you want to go for a bigger width, like 1/2 inch.

Leg Length

The leg length is the vertical part of the staple that drives into the ground. Longer legs offer deeper soil penetration and are ideal for soft or uneven terrain. When selecting a leg length, consider the soil type and the thickness of the material being secured. Longer legs (1 to 1.5 inches) are recommended for loose, sandy soils. Shorter lengths are OK for compact or clay-heavy soils as long as the material isn’t subjected to high wind or water flow. Thicker materials also require longer staples.

Staple Type

Next is the staple type. You’ll choose between three types: fine, flat wire, and medium wire staples. The type needed is dependent on the material you’re securing and the soil the staples are being installed in.

Fine

Fine wires are made from thinner gauge wire, making them more flexible and easier to handle. Use these for lightweight materials like thin landscape fabrics or delicate nettings, but not heavy-duty applications or areas with high foot traffic or mechanical stress.

Flat

As the name suggests, flat wire staples have a wider and flatter crown, which increases the contact area with the material being secured, providing better holding power and reducing the risk of tearing. Use these for securing heavier, thicker fabrics, especially erosion control mats and artificial turf. They are more difficult to use in hard or compact soils compared to fine.

Medium

Medium wire staples are made from mid-range gauge wire and are a good “middle ground” between fine and flat. You can use medium wire staples for medium to heavy fabrics and in different soil types, as they provide good strength without being as heavy or noticeable as flat staples.

Quantity

Measure the perimeter of the area and divide it by the staple spacing, which will give you the number of staples you need along the edges. For general landscape fabrics (in moderate conditions), staples are typically placed every three to four feet along the edges and seams. In areas with high winds or on sloped landscapes, staples are used every one to two feet for added stability.

So, if you have a 120-foot perimeter and have decided to use three-foot spacing, you’ll need 40 staples.

For larger areas or materials that need extra hold (like erosion control mats), additional staples might be necessary in the fabric’s interior, not just the edges. Determine an appropriate grid pattern, such as every three to five feet vertically and horizontally, to calculate the number of interior staples required.

If your project involves overlapping material sections, place a staple every one to two feet along the seams and overlaps.

Always order 5 to 10% over what you need to account for potential waste, misfires, or installation mistakes.

Timeline

Lastly, how soon do you need the staples? Lead times can vary based on part availability, the quantity/volume of the order, and your location. If new parts need to be manufactured or special coatings are required, lead times will increase.

Seasonal fluctuations will also influence lead times—sod staples are generally in higher demand during spring and summer, so plan accordingly and consider placing orders in off-peak seasons when you can.

Storing Sod Staples

If you’ve already ordered your staples and received them early, you’ll want to ensure you store them properly before you start your project.

Keep the staples in their original packaging in a dry environment (even if the staples are galvanized or coated). If possible, try to store them in a place that has consistent temperature control because some extreme fluctuations can affect coatings and treatments.

If your sod staples are going to be in storage for a long time, regularly check them for any signs of damage or corrosion and use a first-in, first-out system to ensure older stock is used before newer.

Place an Order Today

King Steel Fasteners is a leading supplier of sod staples. We can ship to anywhere in the United States and strive to offer fast lead times. Please contact a product specialist for assistance in determining the quantity and type of staples you need for your project, or visit our website to place a bulk order.