Custom Furniture at La-Z-Boy vs. Other Furniture Stores: Which is Better for You?
February 20, 2026
Est. Reading Time: 6 Mins
When it comes to buying furniture for your home, personalization can make a significant difference in comfort, function, and long-term satisfaction. Many furniture stores offer some level of customization, but the depth of options and the experience itself can vary widely.
At La-Z-Boy, most furniture is made to order, allowing customers to personalize everything from fabrics and cushion comfort to functional features. But how does La-Z-Boy custom furniture compare to what other furniture stores offer?
In this article, we explain what can be customized at La-Z-Boy, how the custom furniture process works, and how it compares to other furniture retailers in Ottawa, Gatineau, and Kingston. This comparison will help you decide which option best fits your needs, timeline, and expectations.
Key Takeaways:
- La-Z-Boy offers various customization options, including fabrics, wood finishes, cushion types, contrasting welt trim, and much more.
- The custom furniture process at La-Z-Boy is designed to be user-friendly with expert guidance from sales consultants on our floors.
- La-Z-Boy's lead time for custom furniture is typically 8-10 weeks, but other stores may offer faster or slower delivery times, depending on the availability of the item.
- Free 3D room planning is available at La-Z-Boy to help visualize your furniture in your space before purchasing.
- Compare delivery options and white-glove services across different stores to make the best choice.
In This Article...
What Can Be Customized at La-Z-Boy?
At La-Z-Boy, most furniture is made to order, which means customers start with a frame and then customize it to suit their needs. This differs from many furniture stores that primarily sell pre-built pieces with limited cosmetic changes.
Customization at La-Z-Boy includes both design elements and comfort features, allowing furniture to be tailored beyond appearance alone.
Common customization options include:
- Textile options
Choose from more than 800 fabrics and leathers, including iClean performance fabrics, pet-friendly covers, antimicrobial options, eco-friendly materials, and Crypton leathers for added protection against spills. - Contrasting welt trim
Customize the piping on your furniture to add visual detail and contrast. - Accent pillows
Select pillows in complementary or contrasting fabrics rather than matching the main upholstery. - Cushion firmness
Choose the standard ComfortCore technology, or upgrade to our new Comfort Down or Contoured Cushions, which provide zoned support for better long-term comfort. - Mattress options for sofa beds
Select from SupremeComfort, Slumber Air, or firmer mattress upgrades for improved sleep support. - Nailhead trim
Add decorative nailhead accents in cobalt, matte black, or gold. - Wood finishes
Choose from finishes such as brown mahogany, coffee, graphite, or driftwood. - Leg design options
Some stationary furniture allows decorative leg customization for added style. - Recliner options
Customize recliners with power, swivel, rocker, wall, or gliding bases, depending on the model.
Other stores may offer similar customization options, but La-Z-Boy stands out with its extensive fabric selection and ComfortCore cushion technology, which provides zoned support for maximum comfort.
La-Z-Boy Custom Furniture Compared to Other Stores
The table below compares average customization options available at La-Z-Boy versus other furniture stores in the Ottawa area. These averages reflect common offerings across multiple retailers.
|
Feature |
La-Z-Boy |
Other Stores (Average) |
|
Textile Options |
800 plus fabrics and leathers |
300 plus fabrics and leathers |
|
Cushion Firmness |
ComfortCore and firm upgrades |
Basic foam or gel cushions |
|
Recliner Add Ons |
Power, swivel, heat, and massage |
Limited to basic reclining |
|
Wood Finishes |
Multiple custom finishes |
Two to three standard finishes |
This comparison highlights how La-Z-Boy focuses on deeper personalization rather than surface-level changes.
You can learn all about our customization options more in-depth with our Furniture Buyer’s Guide.
Custom Furniture Process at La-Z-Boy
Customizing furniture at La-Z-Boy is a well-guided process. Here's how it works:
- Meet a Consultant: Your journey begins with a visit to the showroom or an online appointment. A personal consultant will help you explore the options and find the perfect frame to start your customization.
- Choose a Frame: After exploring different styles and designs, you'll choose a base frame, whether it's a recliner, sofa, or sectional. This frame will be the foundation for your custom piece.
- Style & Design Customization: This is where the fun begins. You’ll select fabric, pillows, wood finishes, and cushion firmness to make the piece your own.
- 3D Rendering: Use La-Z-Boy’s 3D room planner with the help of a consultant in-store to see your furniture in a virtual layout of your room. This ensures the furniture will fit both in size and style.
- Place Your Order: Once satisfied, your consultant will guide you through placing your order.
- Delivery: After an 8-10 week lead time, you can either pick up your furniture or choose La-Z-Boy's white-glove delivery service, which delivers and sets up your furniture in your home.
*It is important to note that delivery times can vary and may take longer depending on supply and other circumstances. The specified time frame is the average time deliveries take for customers.
Custom Furniture Process Comparison Breakdown
Many other furniture stores offer a more self-guided custom furniture experience.
|
Feature |
La-Z-Boy |
Other Stores (Average) |
|
Design Consultation |
Free, personal consultant |
Free or fee-based, often self-guided |
|
3D Room Planning |
Free, included with consultation |
Rare, or available at an extra cost |
|
Lead Time |
8-10 weeks |
6-12 weeks |
|
Delivery Service |
White glove, optional pickup |
Standard or curbside delivery |
Common pain points at other stores include limited guidance, fewer visualization tools, and less clarity around delivery expectations.
Online Custom Furniture Options
If visiting a showroom is not possible, La-Z-Boy also offers online customization tools that support the custom furniture process from home. These tools are designed to complement in-store and virtual consultations rather than replace them, helping customers feel more confident before placing an order.
Through La-Z-Boy’s online experience, customers can explore hundreds of upholstery options, experiment with different furniture layouts, and visualize how custom pieces may look in their space using the 3D Room Planner. This visual approach helps reduce common mistakes related to size, scale, and style compatibility.
Using online tools alongside consultant guidance allows customers to make more informed decisions, especially when ordering made-to-order furniture. You can access the La-Z-Boy 3D Room Planner directly online to begin visualizing your space before committing to a final design.
FAQs
What's Next?
Now that you understand the advantages of customizing furniture at La-Z-Boy and how it compares to other stores, it’s time to decide which store best suits your needs. If you’re interested in Where to Find Custom Furniture in Ottawa, take a look at this article.
Visit one of our La-Z-Boy stores in Ottawa, Gatineau or Kingston to experience them in person, or you can schedule a visit online before coming in.
Our sales consultants are always eager to lend a helping hand. Take advantage of our interior design services to see how our furniture can fit in your home.
If you want to learn more about La-Z-Boy in general, take a look at this comprehensive furniture buyers guide.
Related Articles:
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Nicholas Carchidi
Content Writer at StyleMeetsComfort.ca
Nick has been the lead content writer for La-Z-Boy Ottawa, Gatineau and Kingston since 2022, specializing in the furniture industry. He collaborates with experts in his field, ensuring that each piece on the La-Z-Boy Learning Centre is accurate and valuable. He provides readers with expert knowledge on all things furniture. If you'd like to learn more about Nick, you can check out his LinkedIn page here.
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