We’ve been selling and servicing La-Z-Boy recliners in Ottawa and Kingston for several decades now. Over the years, we’ve received inquiries from our clients, such as “how to disassemble a La-Z-Boy recliner?”
Whether you need to tighten the chair as it’s gotten loose over time or take it apart to move it to another room or a new home. Or, maybe you’ve recently purchased a new recliner and decided you’d prefer to pick it up from the warehouse rather than waiting for delivery.
Before moving your recliner, we recommend taking it apart.
La-Z-Boy’s locking and removable back feature allows you to take apart and re-install the chair back of your La-Z-Boy recliner.
Read on to get our simple step-by-step instructions and watch this video. Simple steps you can follow yourself at home once you know how.
You will need a slotted screwdriver or flat head screwdriver to complete these tasks.
How to disassemble a La-Z-Boy recliner
Remove the back of the recliner (see figure 1)
- Push the recliner forward so the recliner arms are touching the floor.
- Locate the locking lever on each side of the recliner at the back of the chair.
- Insert your flat screwdriver between the outside back and arm of the chair.
- Carefully pry the back bracket, locking levers up until unlocked.
- Stand behind the unit and pull the chair back to its upright position.
- Gently rock the recliner from side to side in an upward motion, then pull the back up and off.
Instructions are the same for non-power and power units except for some power units where there are wires connected to the back. In these situations, you must disconnect the wires prior to removing the back. (very straightforward and simple)
The brackets on the back of your recliner can get loose over time. While the chair’s back is off, tighten the screws on both brackets to secure it in place.
You can also tighten the exposed screws on the brackets of the body. These are the brackets that keep the back in place.
Tightening these screws keeps your recliner back from wobbling back and forth. After you tighten these screws, you’re ready to put your La-Z-Boy recliner back together.
To reduce the risk of injury, do not use the recliner until the back is reinstalled and locked.
Reinstalling the back onto the recliner (see figure 2)
- Push the recliner forward so the recliner arms are touching the floor.
- Lift the back at a slight angle and align the brackets on the back with the body’s brackets.
- Roll the recliner forward onto the body again.
- Once verified that both brackets are engaged, push the locking levers down with your screwdriver.
- Roll the recliner back to the upright position.
- Test the installation by gently twisting the back from side to side. If one or both sides move out of position, then it’s not installed correctly.
For proper operation, make sure the brackets are locked down. If you are having trouble with any of these steps, please contact our La-Z-Boy service department in Ottawa & Kingston.
Caution* – To prevent damage to connectors and electrical wires when replacing the back on a chair with massage or heat features, it’s important to disconnect all connections before removing the back.
Recline the back and seat and turn the chair forward to reach these connections.
Next Steps:
Now that you know how to take apart and reassemble your recliner, you are free to move it wherever you want safely and with ease. You may need help lifting and moving the unit especially if it’s a 1HR power chair. (a bit heavier due to motor inside the back)
With over 90 years of experience in furniture, there’s a reason La-Z-Boy has the number one selling recliner in North America.
We are here to help answer your recliner questions. You can visit one of our Ottawa Kingston locations or schedule an online or in-person appointment today.
