How Much Does a Recliner Weigh? All You Need to Know

Ian Mutuli
Updated on
Ian Mutuli

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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Recliner chairs are the perfect oasis for relaxing and unwinding after a long day. But when shopping for recliners, weight is not always the most important aspect to consider. However, it is important to have a general idea about your desired recliner’s weight beforehand. Bulky recliners can make relocating difficult, while lightweight recliners are perfect if you want something easy to handle. So how much does a recliner weigh?

Recliners vary in weight just as they vary in types, sizes, and shapes. For instance, power recliners have a working mechanism making them heavier than manual recliners. Let us have an in-depth understanding of a recliner’s weight, including the factors that affect it.

How Much Does a Recliner Weigh?

An average recliner weighs between 50 to 60 pounds, but a recliner sofa can weigh up to 350 pounds or more. This is because a recliner sofa is 2 to 4 times the size of an average single-seat recliner. Conversely, a Lazy Boy recliner weighs at least 60 pounds, while power recliners weigh about 70 pounds or more.

Factors Affecting a Recliner’s Weight

1. Materials Used

Your recliner’s frame material largely affects its weight. The frame is what makes a recliner stand upright. Some recliners come in hardwood, while others come in metallic frames.

Recliner's frame

Image Source: bestsuppliers.en.made-in-china.com

Typically, metal is heavier than hardwood because it comprises multiple parts welded together. Conversely, hardwood is lighter, making the recliners made from hardwood frames lighter. However, a light metal frame can weigh less or the same as a hardwood frame.

Additionally, the type of metal used can also affect the weight of a recliner. For instance, a frame made from aluminum is lighter than a frame made from steel. Also, solid metal frames are heavy compared to hollow or tubular metal frames. Solid metals are heavy and durable, common amongst manufacturers of high-end recliners, whereas tubular metals are flexible and light and are common amongst budget models.

Furthermore, recliners come in various upholstery materials, including linen, leather, polyester, cotton, and more. Even though the upholstery material used is negligent to the recliner’s weight, leather recliners tend to be denser and thicker, hence heavier, compared to other fabrics.

2. Size of the Recliner

Recliner’s size is another factor that affects its weight. The bigger the recliner, the heavier it is. Bigger recliners use bigger frames and more fabric, meaning they will be heavier than smaller recliners. You should also consider how thick the backrest and the arms are because more materials mean more weight.

Another way to compare recliner sizes is by looking at the distance from the floor to the cushion. For example, a recliner seat 14 inches off the ground requires less material than one 16 inches off the ground. Plus, the more users a recliner accommodates, the more it weighs.

3. Features Available

A basic recliner does not weigh as much as a recliner that provides different functions. It will add to its weight if your recliner has massage functions, an adjustable headrest, lumbar support, or a footrest. Also, some recliners come with in-built reading light, cup holders in the armrest to store and cool your drinks, or food trays you can pull out when you want to eat. All additional features add to your recliner’s weight.

How Heavy is a Recliner Sofa?

Averagely, a two-seater or loveseat weighs 230 pounds, while a three-seater reclining sofa is 350 pounds. Similarly, four and five-seat reclining sofas can weigh up to 500 pounds or more.

Recliner sofa

Image Source: nitori.com.sg

The cushioning on your recliner couch is also a determining factor for its weight. More cushions add an extra weight which can become a nuisance when transporting your recliners, but you can opt for cushions that are not stitched to the couch so you can easily remove them before moving the frame.

Additionally, miscellaneous construction features also add weight to your recliner sofa. And if you are looking for a lightweight sofa, consider a manual recliner instead of a power recliner. Manual recliners don’t have electrical systems supporting additional features that add considerable weight.

How Much Does a Power Recliner Weigh?

Power recliners are heavy-duty, easy to operate, and long-lasting than manual recliners. They can also withstand heavy loads. However, their sturdy nature comes with added weight. Most power recliners’ weight can range between 70 and 200 pounds, depending on the functionalities and model.

How Much Does a Lazy Boy Recliner Weigh?

Lazy Boy recliners feature some of the sturdiest and hence pretty heavy recliners. Regardless, they also create some lightweight yet best recliners available. A manual Lazy Boy recliner weighs between 60 and 90 pounds, while a Lazy Boy power is likely to weigh over 100 pounds.

Why is Knowing Your Recliner’s Weight Useful?

Knowing your recliner’s weight is handy when considering moving it and how much support your floor has. If you have a too heavy recliner, moving it alone can be difficult. It can also threaten back, muscle, or joint injury. Therefore, you’ll need the help of friends or family members to move it easily.

Recliner chair

Image Source: furniture-fair.net

Additionally, this information is helpful if you plan to disassemble your recliner and take it with you when you travel. This lets you ensure you have the suitable equipment to move it safely.

Another reason you should think about the weight of your recliner chair involves the strength of your home’s framework. Naturally, the weight of a recliner will rarely fall through an upper-level floor, but this is still something to consider.

Suppose you live in an above basement of an old house with thin wood floors. With time, a house suffers its share of wear and tear, and a heavy reclining chair can further damage any parts of the house that may not be as strong and stable as they were before. As a general rule, ensure the space where you intend to put your reclining chair is strong enough to support the weight of both the seat and the people using it.

Finally, transporting your recliners requires the knowledge of how much they weigh. Depending on the type of vehicle or transportation means you have, and the recliner might be too heavy. 

How Much Weight Can a Recliner Hold?

A recliner’s weight capacity depends on the specific recliner. Recliners built with a hardwood base, four-sided frame, and mesh layer between the cushion and springs are strong and very durable; hence can accommodate more weight. Most recliners are designed to hold between 200 and 350 pounds. But some models, such as big man recliners, can hold up to 500 pounds. Therefore, checking the manufacturer’s specifications before purchasing to know your recliner’s weight limit is best.

Frequently Asked Questions on Recliners’ Weight

1. How much does a rocker recliner weigh?

A standard rocker recliner’s weight can vary based on the materials used in its construction and its size. Generally, a standard rocker recliner ranges between 60 and 90 pounds. But some more heavily built or larger models may weigh even more.

2. Are reclining sofas heavy?

Most reclining sofas are heavier, but not all models are equal. Some are made from lighter materials, making them less sturdy, while others have thicker frames and built-in features like massage systems, increasing their weight. The number of cushions also determines how heavy your reclining sofa is.

3. How much does a lightweight couch weigh?

A lightweight recliner couch can weigh 100 pounds or less. However, a recliner loveseat cannot be this light—the more cushions, the heavier the recliner couch. Therefore, a three-seater recliner is likely to double or triple this weight.

Final Take

How much does a recliner weigh

Image Source: furnishingtips.com

Recliner weight capacity depends on what type of recliner you choose. Stronger materials, more features, and larger sizes result in more weight. Also, it is important to note that the bulkier the recliner, the harder it is to move. Therefore, if you want a recliner that can handle frequent moves, go for the lightweight options. But if you use or move your recliner less often, you can go for the heavier one.

Regardless of the recliner’s weight, what matters most are the provisions you are after. Do you want a customized lift recliner having everything within your reach or a small stylish recliner for a home theater?

Ian Mutuli

About the author

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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