How to Disassemble a La-Z-Boy Recliner in 3 Easy Steps

Est. Reading Time: 7 Mins

For decades, La-Z-Boy recliners have provided comfort and quality to households across Ottawa and Kingston. Given the need for occasional maintenance, transport, or rearranging, our clients frequently ask, “How do I disassemble my La-Z-Boy recliner?” With the help of La-Z-Boy’s removable and locking back, disassembling and reassembling your recliner is straightforward and only requires a flathead screwdriver.

Follow this step-by-step guide to safely disassemble and reassemble your La-Z-Boy recliner. 

Key Takeaways:

• Simple Tool Requirements: Disassembling and reassembling only requires a flathead screwdriver, making this process accessible with minimal tools needed.
• Power Recliners Tip: For power recliners, take special care to disconnect all electrical cables before starting to prevent damage and ensure a smooth process.
• Maintenance Opportunities: While disassembled, use the chance to tighten loose screws, which will help prevent wobbling and maintain your recliner’s long-term stability.
• Safety First: Always verify that the brackets are fully locked when reassembling, ensuring the recliner is secure and safe for future use.

In This Article…

1. Tools You Need
2. Step 1: Preparing Your Recliner for Disassembly
3. Step 2: Removing the Back of Your Recliner
4. Step 3: Reinstalling the Back
5. FAQs

Tools You Need

The only tool needed to disassemble and reassemble your La-Z-Boy recliner is a flathead screwdriver. This tool is used to release the backrest from the locking levers on each side of the chair, and then re-secure it after you’re done.

Expert Tip: "A slotted or flathead screwdriver works best for this job, as it allows you to easily lift the locking levers without damaging the upholstery or frame," says Jason Nernburg, our delivery team supervisor.

Step 1: Preparing Your Recliner for Disassembly

Preparing the recliner properly is essential to ensure safe and effective disassembly. Before you begin, follow these preparatory steps:

Carefully push your recliner forward so that the backrest is accessible and the arms are touching the floor. This angled position will give you easy access to the locking levers at the base of the backrest.

Make sure you have enough space around the recliner. This will allow you to move the recliner as needed and keep it steady while working on the locking mechanisms.

Power Recliner Note: If you’re working with a power recliner, there may be electrical connections to disconnect. Avoid any accidental strain on the wires by tilting the recliner carefully. Ensure the power is off before starting.

Step 2: Removing the Back of Your Recliner

Now that the recliner is in position, here’s how to remove the back of the recliner effectively:

On each side of the recliner, near the base where the backrest meets the body, you’ll find the locking levers. These are what keep the back securely attached to the main frame.

Slide your flathead screwdriver into the space between the outside back and the arm, aligning it with the lever.

Gently pry the levers up using the screwdriver until you hear a click or feel the lever release. This unlocks the brackets holding the backrest in place.

Stand behind the recliner and pull the backrest up and away from the chair. A gentle rocking motion can help if the backrest feels tight. Continue lifting until the backrest detaches fully.

Power Recliner Caution: If your recliner has massage, heat, or other power features, carefully disconnect any attached wires before lifting the backrest off. This will prevent strain on the connectors and avoid accidental disconnections.

While the backrest is removed, take this opportunity to tighten the screws on the brackets. Over time, these screws can loosen, causing the backrest to wobble. Tightening them now ensures stability when reassembled.

Expert Insight: "Taking a moment to tighten all accessible screws while the back is off will keep your recliner sturdy and wobble-free," advises Jason.

Reattaching the backrest securely is crucial for safe use. Follow these steps to reinstall the back and make sure it’s stable:

Hold the backrest at a slight angle and align the metal brackets on the back with the body’s brackets. Check that the sides are correctly positioned to prevent misalignment.

Gently push the backrest down onto the frame, ensuring both brackets engage securely. The backrest should slide smoothly without forcing it.

Use the flathead screwdriver to press the locking levers back down until they click into place. This locks the backrest onto the recliner, securing it for use.

Once locked, carefully twist and rock the backrest to confirm it’s securely attached. If the backrest shifts or feels loose, double-check that both levers are fully engaged.

Expert Tip: “After reinstallation, test the backrest’s stability with gentle movements. If it wiggles, the brackets may need further adjustment,” suggests Jason.

What's Next?

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. With over 90 years of experience in furniture, there’s a reason La-Z-Boy has the number one-selling recliner in North America. 

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