When shopping for furniture, you may want to know its weight so you can prepare for moving the heavy item. A couch is no different. But there are so many different couch sizes, so how much does each type weigh? We’ve done the research to bring you the answer.
The average weights of various couch sizes are as follows:
- Recliner: 105 pounds
- Futon: 210 pounds
- Loveseat: 224 pounds
- 3-seat couch: 280 pounds
- 4-seat couch: 350 pounds
- 4-piece sectional: 1,050 pounds
- 5-piece sectional: 1,295 pounds
- 6-piece sectional: 1,540 pounds
You may wonder if the weight and value of your couch are really worth the effort to move to a new home. This post will answer more of your questions, including whether or not there is a weight limit on couches and the best methods for moving a couch. So be sure to keep reading to find out more.
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How Much A Couch Weighs By Size
Let’s take a closer look at the various couch weights.
Recliner
The average recliner is 105 pounds and takes up 15 cubic feet of space. This equates to seven pounds of weight per cubic foot. The weight of the recliner can vary based on the density of the materials used and the type of fabric.
Futon
The average futon is 210 pounds and takes up 30 cubic feet of space. This is seven pounds of weight per cubic foot. The weight of the futon varies based on the density of the materials used and the type of fabric.
Loveseat
The average loveseat is 224 pounds and takes up 32 cubic feet of space. The loveseat weighs an average of seven pounds per cubic foot of space. The weight will vary based upon the density of materials used and the weight of the fabric.
3-Seat Couch
The most typical sofa is a 3-seat couch, which weighs 280 pounds, 45 cubic feet, and is only 6.22 pounds per cubic foot of space. This is notably less than the other kinds of couches, which weigh seven pounds per cubic foot.
4-Seat Couch
An average 4-seat couch is 350 pounds and takes up 50 cubic feet of space. This is seven pounds per cubic foot of space. The weight of the couch can vary based upon the material density and fabric type.
4-Piece Sectional
The average 4-piece sectional couch weighs 1,050 pounds and takes up 150 cubic feet of space. This equals seven pounds per cubic foot of space. The density of the materials and the type of fabric used can cause the couch to weigh more or less.
5-Piece Sectional
The average 5-piece sectional couch weighs 1,295 pounds and takes up 185 cubic feet of space. This is seven pounds per cubic foot of space. The weight varies based upon the density of the material and the type of fabric used.
6-Piece Sectional
The average 6-piece sectional weighs 1,540 pounds and takes up 220 cubic feet of space. This equals seven pounds per cubic foot of space. The weight varies based upon the density of the material and the type of fabric used.
Should You Move Your Couch Or Buy A New One?
Moving sales are common because people want to minimize the amount of things that they transfer to their new homes. There are several considerations to make when deciding whether or not to bring your furniture with you or just sell it.
The lifespan of a typical couch is 7 to 15 years. That’s a big range that varies based on how often the couch is used and how much weight it supports on a regular basis. If your couch is antique or sentimental, then you may decide it is worth bringing it with you. When the fabric is fraying or the colors are fading, that is usually a sign that your sofa is at the end of its life.
Read more: How Long Does A Couch Typically Last?
The weight and dimensions are also a consideration before deciding to move your sofa with you. If you sell or give away your couch, then a buyer will likely do most of the heavy lifting. If you decide to bring the couch, then you will need a plan and some friends to help you. For help measuring your couch, check out our post, “How To Measure A Sectional Couch [Detailed Guide].”
How Do You Move A Couch On Your Own?
You may wish to disassemble any furniture, such as taking the legs off the couch. This might be necessary to fit the large pieces of furniture through the doorway or window. Getting a sofa through the door is the part that requires the most planning, and hopefully a helping hand. There may be only one way to maneuver the furniture through narrow openings or around corners. The strength of you and your friend will be needed in this case.
With that being said, you should not try to lift and move a large piece of furniture without assistance. However, it is possible to move large furniture without help by using furniture sliders, dollies, and ramps. Sliders can glide the sofa to the door; the floor can handle the bulk of the weight while you turn the couch on its side to fit through the door.
Click here to see these furniture sliders on Amazon.
If there is a large staircase, the best method is to move down slowly, one stair at a time. This will require moments of withstanding the heavy weight, so a proper lifting technique is important. Once you get past the stairs, you can strap a dolly to each side of the couch. This will allow it to move easily to your moving truck.
Click here to see this furniture dolly on Amazon.
How Do You Lift Heavy Furniture Safely?
There is a proper technique for lifting and moving heavy things. This is to prevent you from putting too much pressure on your back and injuring yourself. The primary goal is to always keep your back straight. It is common for people to bend their back when picking something light off the ground, such as a piece of paper.
When lifting heavy things, you should bend your knees and keep your back straight. Continue to keep your back straight as you straighten your legs and come to the standing position. When you set the couch back down, bend your knees and keep your back straight.
Is There A Weight Limit On Couches?
The weight capacity that a couch can withstand is usually listed per seat. The typical per seat weight limit is between 200 and 300 pounds, with the average being 250. A three-seat couch will have a total capacity of 750 pounds, but that is spread evenly with 250 pounds per seat.
If someone in your household weighs more than 250 pounds, you may consider buying a sofa that has a high weight capacity. This will ensure the couch can have a lifespan of 7 to 15 years.
If you love your couch, but your cushions are starting to sag and wear down, you’re probably seeking ways to preserve or renew it. Lucky for you, you can simply replace the cushions. Check out the Top 30 Online Stores To Buy Foam For Couch Cushions.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire Movers For A Couch?
The moving cost for a couch depends on the size and weight of the couch. You can expect to pay $200-$350 to hire movers for a couch. A typical three-seat couch or loveseat will be closer to $200. A larger and heavier sectional couch will be closer to $350. While this might be an expensive amount to pay for an old couch, the delivery fee for a couch from a furniture store could be as low as $60 and no more than $120 in most circumstances.
In Closing
Couches are heavy pieces of furniture that require careful planning to move without getting hurt. A common three-seat couch is 280 pounds. Larger sectional couches can weigh up to 1,500 pounds. If you’re planning to move without hiring assistance, then be sure to lift with your knees and not your back. Get some furniture sliders and dollies to make moving easier. Offer free food and drinks to entice your friends to help you with your move!
You can hire movers for your couch and that will cost up to $350 for a large couch. You should consider all of these costs in determining whether you should take your couch to your new home. The lifespan of a couch is 7 to 15 years. If your couch is fading, sinking, or fraying, then it may be time to get a new one. The delivery fee of a couch to your new home will be less costly than paying movers to load your old couch, deliver, and unload into your new home.