What weight capacity do I actually need in a home weight bench?

For most lifters, a 600-800 lb capacity is plenty, because the rating includes your bodyweight plus the loaded barbell. Specialist communities on r/homegym and r/GarageGym repeatedly note that capacity ratings on budget benches are conservative marketing numbers and that real-world stability matters more. If you bench above 315 lb or weigh 250+, look at benches in the 1,000 lb+ class with a 3-post (tripod) design for added stability.