Common Problems with La-Z-Boy Furniture and How to Solve Them

1. Is La-Z-Boy Furniture Stylish?

One of the most common perceptions is that La-Z-Boy furniture leans traditional and lacks modern appeal. This reputation largely comes from the brand’s long history with classic recliners, which can sometimes overshadow the broader design evolution that has taken place over the years.

Marianne Kola, a sales consultant at La-Z-Boy Hunt Club, explains that style concerns often stem from unfamiliarity with customization options. Many frames can look dramatically different depending on fabric or leather choice, leg style, and wood finish, allowing the same piece to shift from traditional to transitional or even modern.

Solution: La-Z-Boy offers extensive customization, including hundreds of fabrics and leathers, multiple leg styles, and finish options. When paired thoughtfully, these choices allow customers to achieve a look that aligns with contemporary interiors rather than feeling locked into a traditional aesthetic.

From fabric and wood finishes to nailhead trim, you can personalize pieces to create a unique style that suits your home. For more ideas, see our article on the Furniture Styles Available at La-Z-Boy.

2. Can La-Z-Boy Furniture Fit in Small Spaces?

La-Z-Boy furniture is designed with comfort as a priority, which often results in deeper seats and more generous proportions. For smaller homes, condos, or apartments, this can raise concerns about whether the furniture will overwhelm the space.

Marianne notes that this issue is usually less about incompatibility and more about proper planning. Many customers are surprised to learn that La-Z-Boy offers apartment-sized sofas, petite-scale recliners, and wall recliners designed specifically to maximize comfort without sacrificing floor space.

Solution: Measuring your room carefully and working with a design consultant helps ensure the right-scale furniture is selected. With proper layout planning, even compact spaces can comfortably accommodate La-Z-Boy furniture without feeling crowded.

For a more detailed overview, check out our article on What to Expect from Our Interior Design Services.

3. Does Fabric Pilling Happen on Upholstered Furniture?

Fabric pilling is a frequent concern and affects nearly all upholstered furniture, not just La-Z-Boy. Pills form when loose surface fibres rub together through everyday use, especially in high-contact areas like seats and armrests.

Marianne reassures customers that pilling is not a defect and does not reflect poor fabric quality. In many cases, pilling is most noticeable early on and naturally reduces over time as excess fibres are removed.

Solution: Using a fabric pill shaver periodically helps maintain a clean appearance. With regular use and light maintenance, pilling typically becomes less noticeable and does not impact the fabric’s durability.

For more tips on maintaining fabric upholstery, take a look at our article on All Things Fabric Pilling.

4. Why Do La-Z-Boy Recliners Make Noise?

Some customers notice a clunking or clicking sound when using a manual recliner. This sound comes from the metal pawl-and-ratchet mechanism, which is designed to safely lock and release reclining positions.

According to Marianne, this noise is normal and is often more noticeable on hard flooring, where sound travels more easily. It is generally not a sign of a defect or malfunction.

Solution: Placing a rug under the recliner can help absorb sound. For those who prefer a quieter experience, power recliners operate smoothly with motorized mechanisms and eliminate most mechanical noise.

For more information on managing recliner noise, see our article Why Does My Recliner Make a Clunking Noise?

5. Why Is La-Z-Boy Furniture So Expensive?

Price is one of the most common concerns shoppers raise. Compared to mass-produced furniture, La-Z-Boy pricing reflects higher-quality materials, North American manufacturing, and extensive customization options.

Marianne explains that many customers reassess value once they consider how often furniture is used daily and how long it is expected to last. Furniture that supports long-term comfort and durability often reduces the need for frequent replacement.

Solution: Viewing La-Z-Boy furniture as a long-term investment rather than a short-term purchase helps justify the cost, particularly for high-use items like sofas and recliners that are central to everyday living.

To understand what goes into our pricing, check out our article Why is La-Z-Boy Furniture So Expensive?

6. How Do You Maintain La-Z-Boy Leather Furniture?

Leather furniture requires routine care to maintain its appearance over time. Exposure to sunlight, dry air, and body oils can contribute to fading, drying, or surface wear.

Marianne advises that leather behaves much like skin and benefits from consistent maintenance. Without proper care, leather can lose moisture and flexibility faster than expected.

Solution: Regular dusting, gentle cleaning with distilled water and mild soap, and periodic conditioning help preserve the leather’s softness and appearance. Preventive care plays a key role in extending the life of leather furniture.

For more guidance, see our article on Fixing and Maintaining Leather Furniture.

7. Where Is La-Z-Boy Furniture Made?

Some shoppers assume La-Z-Boy furniture is fully imported due to the brand’s global presence. In reality, most furniture sold in Ottawa Gatineau and Kingston is manufactured in North America, primarily in the United States.

Local manufacturing allows for stricter quality control, more consistent craftsmanship, and better access to service and replacement parts when needed.

Solution: Choosing North American-made furniture offers peace of mind in terms of quality, reliability, and long-term support, especially when service is required years down the line.

For more details on our manufacturing process, see our article Where is La-Z-Boy Furniture Made?

8. What to Do If Issues Arise with Your La-Z-Boy Furniture

Even well-made furniture may require service over time due to normal wear or mechanical adjustments. Unlike many retailers, La-Z-Boy Ottawa, Gatineau and Kingston operate an in-house service department staffed with trained technicians.

This approach allows many issues to be resolved directly in the customer’s home, minimizing downtime and avoiding lengthy third-party repair processes.

Solution: La-Z-Boy’s extended service plans and local service teams provide continued support beyond standard warranties, ensuring customers have reliable assistance throughout the life of their furniture.

If you want to learn more about What to Expect from La-Z-Boy’s Service Department, take a look at this article.

What's Next?

Now that you’re familiar with some common issues and solutions associated with La-Z-Boy furniture, you’re equipped to make a more confident decision. La-Z-Boy is dedicated to quality and comfort, with an established history of crafting furniture that stands the test of time.

If you’re ready to explore our collection, visit one of our Ottawa, Gatineau or Kingston showrooms, or book an appointment online. Our knowledgeable sales consultants and design experts are always available to guide you through the options and answer any questions you may have.

If you’re interested in learning more about La-Z-Boy furniture in general, check our comprehensive Living Room Furniture Buyer’s Guide.

Related links:

Repair or replace damaged furniture: How to decide

Are La-Z-Boy Recliners guaranteed for life?

Is La-Z-Boy’s furniture protection plan worth it?