How to Take Apart a Lazy Boy Recliner: A Detailed Guide

Learn how to take apart your La-Z-Boy recliner and reinstall its back with our detailed guide!
By
Robert Bernal
Robert Bernal
Research Writer
Robert is a professional writer who creates incredible science fiction short stories. When not writing about the alien invasions, he focuses on some more trivial topics maki read more
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Reviewed By
William Barnett
William Barnett
Expert Consultant
William is a top sales manager in one of the local furniture stores, which sells recliners among others. Like nobody else, he knows what specs to look for to fulfil each cli read more
Last updated: August 30, 2023
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Lazy Boy has been manufacturing furniture since the 1920s. The recliner design we associate with modern Lazy Boys has been around since the 1930s, but today there are several different styles and lots of available fabric patterns.

The newer chairs still have the same underlying design. There is a hardwood framework that is covered with padding and upholstery. However, this does lead to a bulky piece of furniture that can be tricky to move without disassembly.

Whether you’re moving home, decorating or simply changing your room layout, you will want to know how to take apart a Lazy Boy recliner. In this article, we’ll explore the subject in more detail, so you can feel confident taking apart and reassembling your La Z Boy.

How to disassemble a La-Z-Boy recliner

How to Take Apart a Lazy Boy Recliner: A Detailed GuideBefore you get started with how to take apart a Lazy Boy electric recliner or basic recliner, you will need to gather your toolkit.

Since there you may need to disconnect the connectors and electrical wires and remove the back, you will need a good adjustable wrench set like the WorkPro and a screwdriver.

If you are dissembling your recliner to reupholster the Lazy Boy, you will also need a decent cutter, like the Fiskar.

The first step to disassemble your recliner is to locate the release levers on the back of your chair. You should be able to find these by putting your fingers into the gap between the recliner back and base. Rotate each lever upwards. Then grasp the back cushion and pull it upward to release it from the chair base. Set the cushion aside.

Now you should turn the chair base upside down so you can access the framework. Look for the metal brackets that hold the arms to the seat cushions. These can be found near the front of the chair. Remove the screws with a flat blade screwdriver and a counterclockwise motion. Be sure to keep these screws safely aside.

Pull each bracket towards the chair center away from the arms. Then turn the chair upright again and lift the front seat cushion, pushing it high as it will go. This will allow you to access the bolts attached to the rear of the seat cushion. You can then use your adjustable wrench to remove the bolts. The seat cushion can then be removed from the base.

Then you can remove the arms. You should be able to access the bolts on the base of the chair, turning them counterclockwise. Then pull the arm straight up to remove it. Repeat for the other arm.

You now have the recliner into its component parts. This will make it easier to move it around. You can also make adjustments with the back of the recliner off. The brackets can loosen over time, so tighten the screws that are exposed to keep the brackets in place.

Just be sure to keep all screws and bolts safe as these are vital when you’re ready to reassemble the recliner.

How to reinstall the back

How to Take Apart a Lazy Boy Recliner: A Detailed GuideOnce you know how to disassemble a La Z Boy recliner, you’ll need to know how to put it all back in place. Fortunately, this is quite simple.

When you have the arms in place, you will need to push the recliner forward so the arms touch the floor. Lift the back at an angle, so you can align the brackets with the brackets on the body of the recliner.

Roll the recliner forward, so it is on the body again, so you can verify the brackets on either side are engaged. You can then push the locking levers down using your screwdriver. Put the recliner back into its upright position.

Be sure to test the installation by twisting the back side to side gently. If either position moves out of position, the installation is not correct and you will need to recheck it and make sure the brackets are locked down.

Just be sure not to use the recliner until you reinstall the back and it is locked into place, or you could put yourself at risk of injury.

You can use the same principles whether you want to take apart a standard recliner or if you want to learn how to take apart a Lazy Boy loveseat recliner.

Final thoughts

A Lazy Boy can be a fantastic piece of furniture. You can sit up to watch television or recline to relax or nap. Some models even have a massage feature, so you can relieve the stresses of the day.

However, these recliners can be bulky and heavy. So, if you need to move your recliner to another part of your home, you’re moving or decorating, you will need to know how to take apart a Lazy Boy recliner.

If you follow these steps, you can not only disassemble, but also reassemble your recliner with confidence. This will allow you to more easily move your recliner as required, without causing damage to yourself or your Lazy Boy. Then you can go back to enjoying your recliner.

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