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La-Z-Boy is widely recognized as a leader in the furniture industry, especially when it comes to recliners. With nearly a century of experience, the brand has built its reputation on comfort, durability, and thoughtful engineering that goes beyond standard furniture design.
To better understand what truly sets La-Z-Boy recliners apart, we spoke with Mitch Beaulieu, a sales consultant at La-Z-Boy Kanata, who works daily with customers comparing recliners across brands. His firsthand experience fitting recliners to different body types and comfort needs provides valuable insight into why La-Z-Boy continues to stand out.
A common question many shoppers ask is what makes La-Z-Boy recliners different from other recliners on the market. Below, we break down the seven patented La-Z-Boy Only features and explain how they contribute to long-term comfort, safety, and performance.
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La-Z-Boy recliners are built with seven patented features known as the La-Z-Boy Onlys, which are designed to enhance the recliner's movement, support the body, and withstand wear over time. These features are not commonly found together in standard recliners and are engineered to work as a complete system.
Mitch explains that customers often feel the difference immediately. “La-Z-Boy has seven unique features that work together to improve comfort and control. When people sit in a La-Z-Boy and then try another recliner, they usually notice the difference right away.”
Rather than focusing on a single comfort upgrade, La-Z-Boy recliners combine mechanical flexibility with structural strength to create a more supportive seating experience.
La-Z-Boy recliners allow the back to recline independently from the leg rest. This means users can lean back without lifting their feet, which is not possible with many traditional recliners.
This feature is handy for activities like reading, watching TV, or rocking gently without fully reclining. It also allows users to adjust their posture gradually rather than moving into a single fixed position.
Why it matters: Independent movement gives users more control over comfort throughout the day.
Most recliners offer only two footrest positions: fully closed or fully open. La-Z-Boy recliners include a three-position locking footrest, allowing users to choose between multiple leg angles.
Mitch notes that this flexibility makes a noticeable difference during extended use. “People often do not realize how much leg position affects comfort until they try having more than one option.”
Why it matters: More leg positions help reduce pressure and improve circulation.
The double-locking footrest mechanism keeps the footrest firmly in place once extended. This added security prevents shifting or collapsing while reclining.
This feature is particularly beneficial for taller users or those who place more weight on the footrest when changing positions. It also contributes to the overall stability of the recliner during daily use.
Why it matters: Increased safety and long-term reliability for both the user and the chair.
Exclusive to La-Z-Boy rocking recliners, the adjustable leg rest uses a ratcheting system that allows up to 16 different positions. This level of adjustability helps users find a position that supports their head, back, and legs simultaneously.
Mitch points out that this feature is often overlooked but highly valued once experienced.
“It allows people to fine-tune their comfort instead of settling for one or two preset positions.”
Why it matters: Precise adjustment supports relaxation and reduces strain.
La-Z-Boy’s hinged seat and back move together as the recliner opens, eliminating gaps that can form in other recliners. This design provides consistent support along the entire body, including the lower back.
Without gaps, users experience fewer pressure points and more even support when fully reclined, which is especially important for longer periods of sitting.
Why it matters: Continuous support improves lumbar comfort and overall relaxation.
Unlike standard three-sided frames, La-Z-Boy recliners use a four-sided unibody frame. This construction distributes weight and stress more evenly across the chair.
Over time, this reduces wobbling, loosening, and structural fatigue, helping the recliner maintain its shape and stability for years.
Why it matters: Stronger frame construction leads to longer-lasting furniture.
La-Z-Boy recliners allow users to adjust reclining tension using wingnuts located beneath the seat. This controls how much effort is required to recline.
Mitch explains that this feature is invaluable for users with varying strength levels.
“It is great for people with arthritis or limited mobility because the recliner can be adjusted to move more easily.”
Why it matters: Customized resistance makes reclining easier and safer for different users.
Now that you know more about the exclusive features of La-Z-Boy recliners, we hope this guide helps you choose the perfect recliner for your needs!
You can start shopping by visiting one of our local showrooms located in Ottawa, Gatineau or Kingston. You can also schedule a visit online before coming in.
Our design consultants are always eager to lend a helping hand. Take advantage of our interior design services to see how our furniture could fit in your home design. To learn more about La-Z-Boy recliners in general, take a look at our comprehensive recliner buyer’s guide.
5 Best Selling La-Z-Boy Recliners