How much do bales of carpet weigh?

The weight of a carpet bale depends on the size of the baler you use. The weight can go up to 1500 lb, with the average weight being around 800 pounds. Average bales measure approximately 30 x 48 x 60 inches.

Learn about carpet bales and what can affect their weight. Partner with Baling Wire Direct for US-made baling wire for recycling carpet.

How does bale size affect weight?

The bale weight of carpet is based on size and density. Here is a comparison of common carpet bale categories:

Bale size	Bale dimensions (inches)	Bale weight
Small	24 x 25 x 30	around 120 lb (54 kg)
Medium	30 x 48 x 60	750–825 lb (340–374 kg)
Large	Varies	1,200–1,500 lb (544–680 kg)

About vertical carpet balers

Vertical balers produce lighter bales for low- and medium-volume carpet recycling operations. These machines use vertical hydraulic presses to compress carpet into bales. Their chambers and presses are smaller than in horizontal balers and produce small- to medium-sized bales.

About horizontal carpet balers

Horizontal baler machines handle high volumes and generate larger bales (up to about 2,200 lb) in industrial environments. The high press force of horizontal balers compacts carpet bales, which maximizes density and reduces transportation costs.

Horizontal, automatic two-ram balers create the densest, heaviest bales and are the go-to choice for heavy carpet bales. Automated baling systems apply consistent pressure (e.g., 110,000 lb press force) to produce bales with minimal air gaps.

Does all carpet weigh the same?

Carpets come in a wide range of weights based on materials, construction, and processing. Here’s how these factors influence the weight of carpet bales:

• Carpet composition:Heavy, durable carpets, like polypropylene carpet waste, are denser and heavier than lightweight waste from outdoor carpets or synthetic blends.
• Types of carpet bales: Intact rolls of carpet weigh more than carpet shreds, which are lighter and less compact.
• Adhesives and fillers:Carpet salvage may include backing, adhesives, or padding, adding unexpected weight compared to clean polypropylene carpet waste streams. 
• Contamination: Dirt, moisture, or embedded debris in used carpets increases weight and reduces recycling efficiency.

For accurate recycling and transport, sort carpets by type (e.g., shredded vs. rolled) and remove contaminants before baling.

What gauge baling wire is best for carpet?

The baling wire gauge you should use for baling carpet depends on two factors:

1. Number of wires your baler uses (typically 3 or 4).
2. Bale weight (heavier bales require stronger wire).

The combined load strength of all bale wires must exceed the carpet bale’s weight to prevent breakage. Thinner wire is cheaper, so businesses should go with the thinnest baling wire that can safely support their bales. For example, a 1,200-lb bale made by a 3-wire baler could use an 11 gauge wire since:

3 (# of wires) x 735 (load strength of 11 gauge black annealed stem wire) = 2,205 lb

Always follow your baler manufacturer’s wire recommendations, and contact us for specific wire selection assistance.

Recommended wire gauge by bale weight:

Bale weight	3-wire baler	4-wire baler
Under 500 lb	12 gauge	13 gauge
500-1,000 lb	11 gauge	12 gauge
1,000-1,500 lb	10 gauge	11 gauge
1,500-2,200 lb	9 gauge	10 gauge

What type of baling wire is best for baling carpet?

For most carpet bales, uncoated, bright baling wire and black annealed baling wire are the most cost-effective choices.

Black annealed wire

Black annealed baling wire is often used for high-density bales that require flexibility, or bales that are stored indoors or for a short span of time. We offer black annealed wire in box and stem varieties. The benefits of black annealed wire for baling carpet include:

• High tensile strength: secures dense bales of carpet without snapping.
• Compatibility with automatic balers: feeds smoothly in high-volume machines (use box or stem black annealed wire).
• Elongation properties: stretches up to 25% to accommodate shifting carpet materials as bales settle.

Bright wire

We also offer bright baling wire as single loop and double loop bale ties. Here’s why you should use bright bale ties to bale carpet:

• Economical: uncoated steel wire is the cheapest option.
• Aesthetics: some operations prefer bright baling wire for client-facing applications.
• Indoor use: sufficient for dry environments, where bales of carpet should be kept.

Single loop bale ties can be tied to different lengths to accommodate for different bale sizes. They work with horizontal and vertical manual machines that bale carpets. Double loop bale ties are pre-cut to length. The double loop configuration accelerates the tying process.

Match your baling wire to your baler’s specifications and storage needs. For automatic baling systems, test black annealed options first—their cost-efficiency and flexibility make them a recycler favorite.

High-tensile galvanized wire

Carpet fibers can be expansive after baling, especially if they come in contact with moisture. High-tensile wire offers more load strength than regular wire and withstands extreme outward pressure from expansive materials.

We carry hi-tensile galvanized stem wire for high-throughput auto-balers. Choose between a simple Class 1 or more resilient Class 3 galvanization based on the level of resistance you need.

Choose Baling Wire Direct

We’ve got the wire you need to maintain safe and efficient carpet baling operations for the recycling industry and beyond. We source steel from family-owned mills and use time-tested manufacturing techniques to deliver the best baling wire products on Earth.