Sofa Buying Guide: Understanding Weight Considerations

Have you ever wondered how much does a sofa weigh?

It’s a valid question, as sofas are large and unwieldy pieces of furniture. If you’ve ever had to move house, you’ll know that sofas aren’t light. 

So, it’s important for anyone moving a sofa to know how much they weigh. That can help you to lift it safely without causing any injuries. 

But how much do most sofas weigh, on average? This article takes a close look at what different types of sofas weigh. You’ll also learn to estimate how much any sofa will weigh. 

Read on to find out everything you could want to know about sofas and how much they weigh! 

If you’re short on time, here’s what you need to know. A sofa can weigh between 250 – 1000 lbs (or more). But the average weight of a sofa is around 350 lbs. 

However, that’s only a rough estimate. Some types of couches (like loveseats) can weigh a lot less. 

You’ll find all the details for the various sofa types below. 

What makes a sofa heavy or light? 

how much does a sofa weigh

Many different factors will affect how much any sofa will weigh. 

A lot of these come down to the design of the sofa. First of all, what kind of sofa do you have? It could be a sofa bed, futon, loveseat, or sectional sofa. (Check out my full list of different types of couch here). 

For example, a sofa bed tends to be heavier due to the metal frame and mattress. 

But you should also take a look at specific design features. For example, does your sofa have reclining seats? 

Any extra compartments or storage space can also have an effect. They could make it heavier or lighter, depending on the style. 

You’ll also need to consider the materials used. For example, a thick wooden frame weighs more than a lightweight or smaller one. 

And the cushions can also have an effect. If the sofa has thick, weighty cushions, it will be heavier than one with thin cushions. Fewer cushions will also mean that the sofa weighs less. 

So as you can see, many factors determine how heavy your sofa is. And as a result, it’s not always easy to guess how much a sofa will weigh. 

But in this article, I’ve done my best to walk you through the average weight of sofas and couches. 

How much does a sofa weigh?

A sofa is one of the heaviest pieces of furniture around. It will probably outweigh your bed, dresser, and even your washing machine.


But the weight varies a lot from sofa to sofa. So, let’s look at the average weights for different types of sofas and couches. 

What is the average weight of a regular sofa?

A regular sofa doesn’t have a sectional design. It’s your average 3, or 4-seater sofa. 

This kind of sofa tends to weigh around 250 – 350 lbs. But the exact weight will depend on the size, build, materials, and design. 

How much does a 2-seater sofa weigh?

A loveseat or 2-seater sofa will weigh around 200 – 250 lbs. That’s helpful to know when estimating whether you can lift it. 

How much does a large sectional sofa weigh?

A sectional sofa is one of the heaviest types of sofa. Each section alone tends to weigh around 200 – 250 lbs. So, you can multiply that to estimate how much your sofa will weigh. 

As a guide, a 4-6 seater sofa will weigh between 1000 and 1500 lbs. 

How much does a sleeper sofa weigh?

A sofa bed or sleeper sofa tends to weigh more than regular sofas. That’s because it has a metal frame built into the sofa design. And it will probably contain a mattress for sleeping on, too. 

So, you can expect a sleeper bed to weigh anywhere from 300 – 500 lbs. The total will depend on the size and design of your sofa bed. 

Average Sofa Weight Chart

average weight of a couch

Here is a chart that shows the average weight of a sofa, depending on its size. This chart can estimate your sofa’s weight before moving it. 

Remember that this chart is only a rough guide, though. So, don’t be surprised if your sofa weighs more or less than the average weight. As mentioned above, there are so many different variables to consider. 

Type of SofaSize (in cubic feet)Average weight (in lbs)
Loveseat 32224
Sleeper sofa/sofa bed50350
3 Seat Sofa45280
4 Seat Sofa50350
4 Seat Sectional1501000
5 Seat Sectional1851250
6 Seat Sectional2201500
Futon30210
Recliner15105

What is the heaviest type of sofa?

how much do sofas weigh

As you can see from the chart above, sectional sofas are by far the heaviest sofas around. 

You can expect each section to weigh about 250 lbs. That’s a good guiding figure for estimating how much your sectional weighs. 

So, a sectional sofa could be seen as the trickiest to move. But that’s forgetting a key point – you can take sectional sofas apart. And that means you can move each part separately.

Not only does that mean it’s much lighter, but it’s also more practical. You won’t need to worry about how to get your sofa around awkward corners or down a stairway. 

So, don’t rule out getting a sectional sofa because of the weight. This type of couch offers versatility and is also pretty comfortable. 

What is the lightest kind of sofa?

how much does a loveseat cost

Looking at the chart above, you can see that a recliner is the lightest option. 

However, not everyone will agree that a recliner is a sofa. This weight refers to a recliner chair, a piece of furniture that can only seat one person. 

So, a loveseat is the lightest option when it comes to sofas and couches. But 3-seat and 4-seat sofas are also comparable for the number of people they can hold. 

As a result, any of these sofas are an option if you want a lightweight piece of furniture. 

How to work out how much a sofa weighs – Quick Tip

A simple tip is to go online and google your sofa type. Check out online stores, as they should have the product specs listed. 

Then, you can find out how much other similar sofas weigh. That’s a quick and easy shortcut to determine how much your sofa will weigh. 

But it’s not foolproof, as you won’t know if there are significant design differences. 

So, if you can find the same sofa model you have, that’s your best bet. That way, you’ll know exactly how much your sofa weighs.

How to Move Your Sofa Safely

how much does a sofa weigh

A time will come when you need to move your sofa. You might be moving home or just want to do a spring clean. 

Either way, knowing how to move your sofa safely is crucial. Sofas are tricky to move because they are such heavy pieces of furniture. 

So, you could injure yourself if you don’t know what you’re doing. Follow these tips to move your sofa without hurting yourself.

  • Make sure you have enough people to lift your sofa carefully. Ask a friend or neighbor to help – don’t try to move the sofa yourself. 
  • Take off any removable parts (including cushions) to reduce the weight. 
  • If possible, take the sofa apart to make it lighter. 
  • Bend your knees when picking up the sofa. 
  • Move it small distances at a time so you don’t exhaust yourself.
  • You could use a hand cart to move the couch if you have one available. 
  • Or, if you can’t move it safely, hire professional movers to do the job for you. 
how much does a sofa weigh

The Wrap Up

Now, you know everything there is to know about sofas and their weight. So, you should be able to size up any sofa and have a good guess at its weight. 

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