Do Sofas Have Weight Limits? | Strong Sofas
Whether you call them sofas or couches, the seating in our homes is one of the most important pieces of furniture we own. It is regularly used whether we’re relaxing, entertaining guests or just taking the load off our feet after a long day.
This is why it’s important to know how much weight a sofa can hold. Many medical professionals place a lot of emphasis on buying the right sofa due to its regular use, as well as the role it can play in preventing back pain and supporting spinal health.
Here at Reinforced Beds we have a large range of heavy-duty sofas that are incredibly strong and durable, without compromising on style.
Below we explain why it’s so important to pick the right sofa, do sofas have weight limits and how you can choose the ideal sofa for your home.
Do sofas have weight limits?
How much can a sofa hold? It’s a common question and one that isn’t frequently spoken about. Since we spend so much time on our sofa, and especially as it’s usually the first place that guests will sit, it’s important to have a sofa that can handle multiple people.
Sofa weight is usually based on a ‘per-seat’ or ‘per individual’ scale, which is usually around 90kg. When we apply this across a larger sofa, your typical three-seat sofa will have a capacity around 340kg.
Obviously, this can change depending on the shape or style of your sofa. If you’re purchasing a sofa that is a recliner or a ‘sofa-bed’, then the weight limit can be much lower at around 80kg per seat.
On the other hand, if you buy a heavy-duty sofa such as those we sell at Reinforced Beds, you can usually find a much higher limit is possible - closer to 190kg per individual/seat.
Buying a heavy-duty sofa also comes with the benefit of being much more durable than your regular sofa. Because it’s used so frequently, it’s important to buy quality upfront and while regular sofas may have a lifespan of 7 - 12 years, a heavy-duty sofa will usually last much longer.
Product: Extreme Taransay Sofa in Linetta Purple
How can I work out the weight limit of my sofa?
While there is no industry benchmark for testing or demonstrating the weight limit of a sofa, you can often find out this crucial information under the wider specifications of the seating.
Some manufacturers may list the weight limit on the tag, while others will require you to give the manufacturer a call. Although some manufacturers may not list the weight limit immediately, they’ll usually be able to provide this information if you contact them directly.
That said, while the information may not be readily available, you can always assume that a regular sofa is able to hold between 90 and 130kg.
At Reinforced Beds, we specialise in heavy-duty furniture, which is why we always list the individual weight limit that our sofas can cater for, leaving you safe in the knowledge that your furniture is right for you.
What can improve a sofa weight limit?
If you’re looking for a higher weight limit on your sofa, there’s several key elements that you can easily look out for when you’re looking to purchase.
The first is the frame. It might be obvious but having a hardwood or metal frame made of higher quality materials is the most important factor for improving the weight limit of a sofa. Many of the sofas at Reinforced Beds are produced to the highest possible quality, making them suited for heavier people or bariatric use.
Secondly is the use of rivets alongside staples. While most types of furniture are built using staples, higher quality pieces will have fasteners integrated into the design that can help divide the load more equally across the frame. Our sofas are fully boarded out on all impact areas to ensure maximum stability and durability.
Finally, high-quality foam will help with the life span of your sofa. The denser the foam, the longer it’ll take for it to break down and lose its natural characteristics.
What happens if I exceed the weight limit of a sofa?
This query is a common follow-up to the question 'do sofas have weight limits?' Naturally, you’ll want to avoid exceeding the weight limit of a sofa as this will likely have long-lasting damage to both the structure and the design.
Some of the common issues that can arise when you exceed the weight limit are as follows:
Broken Fixtures
One of the most immediate issues that can arise when the weight limit is exceeded is the failure of the weak points - especially if you’ve opted for a sofa with a reclining mechanism or sofa-bed feature.
Frame Failure
The most serious problem is that the frame of the sofa could break. If the sofa is made with soft or low-quality wood, this is much more likely to happen. The common area that breaks first is the bottom section of the frame as this typically absorbs the most weight when sat on.
Torn Fabric
Finally, sofa fabrics can easily be torn away from the frame if the weight limit is exceeded. In normal sofas, the areas where coverings are attached to the frame are weak points and may be the first to fail in the event you exceed the weight limit.
Product: Blenheim Chair in Mustard (with Beech Feet)
How can you choose the right sofa for you?
The average person can spend anywhere between 2 - 5 hours on the sofa daily, so ensuring that it suits your sitting position is vital. Being in a cramped or slouched position can lead to spinal problems or back pain.
Eventually, these problems can lead to more chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. This is why you should always choose a sofa that supports you fully, allowing you to relax and also maintain your health.
Some key points to consider are:
Always choose a couch that is straight and doesn’t require you to lean back to sit comfortably. This can cause unnecessary stress on your back and can even cause neck pain in the long term.
Likewise, if your couch allows you to bend your knees at a 90-degree angle this can assist you to avoid slouching.
Opt for deep cushioning wherever possible. You’ll always want as many layers of support as possible but ideally you shouldn’t struggle to get up because you’ve sunk so far. It’s all about finding the balance between hard and soft that suits you.
What is the advantage of a heavy-duty sofa?
The most beneficial aspect of a heavy-duty sofa is the longevity and comfort it can provide for heavier people.
Whether they’re located in a commercial or residential setting, sofas are commonly one of the most used pieces of furniture and it’s vital to ensure you have a durable, long-lasting product with a higher weight limit.
At Reinforced Beds, we’re able to provide a range of heavy-duty sofas that are ideal in both residential or commercial settings. All of our products are made with high-quality, strong wood and extra support at key impact points. If you’re in need of a heavy-duty sofa, feel free to get in contact with us where we can deliver a made-to-measure product specifically for you.
Similarly, we can also provide NHS Patient or Bariatric seating solutions that are robust enough to support individuals with more challenging conditions when it comes to seating, alongside heavy-duty beds and mattresses.
All of our products are available in a range of fabrics, colours and styles, ensuring you can find something to suit your room and make a lasting first impression. Browse the range at Reinforced Beds today.