How Much Does an Area Rug Weigh? (Examples)

Area rugs provide a wide array of benefits to your home. Not only can they help tie the room together, but they can also help protect hardwood floors and even change the entire look of the room. When searching for the perfect area rug, the weight of the carpet is an important aspect to know. So, just how much does an area rug weigh?

The answer to this question isn’t an easy one, since several factors influence its weight. Size and material used are the two main features that affect its weight. For example, a 5’x8′ tufted wool area rug weighs about 24 pounds, while a 5’x8′ lightweight rug made from plastic weighs a little over 4 pounds.

How much does an area rug weigh?

Since rug weights vary greatly, it can be difficult to determine its weight without knowing. The good news, however, is that manufacturers list the weight of the rug in its description. But the weight of the rug isn’t the only thing you should consider when looking for area rugs.

The density of the rug, for example, is an important factor that directly affects the quality and weight of the rug. The rug’s density is the number of yarn hairs the rug has per square inch.

A rug with a higher density will generally look new for much longer than one with a lower density. You can check the rug’s density by carefully folding the rug backwards to see how tight the ropes of the yarn are.

What are some examples of area rug weight?

Keep in mind that several factors, including the size and material the rug is made from, affect the weight of the area rug. With that said, however, there are some examples of the most common area rug weight based on size.

• 3’x5′ area rugs typically weigh about 3 to 10 pounds. Here’s a 3×5 rug on Amazon that weighs 4.5 pounds.
• 5’x8′ area rugs will probably weigh 10 to 40 pounds or so. Here’s a 5×8 area rug that weighs 22.9 pounds.
• 8’x10′ area rugs might weigh anywhere from 15 to 60 pounds. Check out this 8×10 area rug that weighs 25.5 pounds.
• 9’x12′ area rugs weigh about 35 to 90 pounds. Here’s a 55.5 pound 9×12 rug.
• 12’x15′ area rugs can weigh 50 to over 100 pounds. Here’s a 12×15 rug that weighs 83 pounds.

Area rug weights vary wildly due to many different factors, so above are just ball-park ranges after doing a little research.

What is an area rug’s face weight?

Face weight is the weight of the carpet pile per square yard. This weight is measured in ounces, and it is the weight of the carpet fibers only, and does not include the rug’s backing material.

The total weight of the rug is the combined weight of both the rug’s carpet fibers and the backing material. Face weight comes in handy when comparing seemingly identical rugs. A rug with a higher face weight means it has more yarn, making it denser.

Keep in mind that just because a rug has a higher face weight doesn’t necessarily mean that it is a better quality rug, nor does it mean it will last longer. While face weight is an important factor to consider and can mean a higher quality, some materials are designed to be both lightweight and durable. That is why it is important to account for all aspects of the area rug when making your decision.

Does the material affect an area rug’s weight?

The material used to make the rug has a direct effect on how much it weighs. Some materials are heavier than others. Polypropylene, viscose, polyester, and nylon are thinner and lighter materials, while wool, cotton, jute, and sisal are typically heavier.

Heavier rugs are usually more durable, last longer, and don’t move as easily when placed on the floor. But since they are heavier, you cannot simply pick them up and move them to another area.

Lighter rugs are usually easier to clean since you can usually move them yourself. Since they are made from lighter material, however, they can move around the floor easily, making them a tripping hazard, and they usually don’t last as long.

How can I calculate the weight of an area rug?

Calculating the weight of an area rug can be difficult if you only have access to the full-sized rug. If, however, you have a sample piece of the rug, which is usually a square foot of the material, then the process becomes much easier.

In this instance, you would simply need to weigh the square foot sample of the rug, making sure to weigh it in ounces. Then multiply that weight by three. This will give you the number of ounces per square yard of the rug. Divide that number by 16 to see how much the rug weighs in pounds (16 ounces equals 1 pound.)

Area rug weight can vary widely.

The weight of an area rug varies greatly from one size to the next, one material to the next, and even one manufacturer to the next. When choosing a rug, take into consideration all aspects of that rug.

Don’t just pick a rug based on it’s appearance and design. Look at its material, size, weight, and cost, and use that information to help narrow down your area rug search. In addition, consider what the rug will be used for.

If it is in a high traffic area, avoid plush rugs or rugs with a thick pile height as these can be difficult to clean and can start to mat overtime. Instead, select a rug made from flat-weave or wool since both are durable and can withstand heavy foot traffic.