A sod house is a type of dwelling made from blocks of sod, which is a layer of soil held together by grass roots. These structures were commonly built by settlers in the Great Plains of the United States during the 19th century, where timber was scarce. Sod houses provided insulation and protection from harsh weather conditions, making them practical for early pioneers. The construction of a sod house involved cutting thick strips of sod and stacking them to form walls. The roofs were often made from wooden beams covered with more sod or grass. Many homesteaders lived in these homes until they could afford to build more permanent structures.