How to Take Apart Your La-Z-Boy Reclining Sofa in 3 Easy Steps

Est. Reading Time: 7 Mins

Moving or rearranging a La-Z-Boy reclining sofa or loveseat can be challenging due to its size, especially when navigating through narrow pathways or doorways. 

According to La-Z-Boy warehouse expert Jason Nurnberg, the backs of reclining sofas and loveseats are shipped separately and assembled upon delivery. But if you’re moving or rearranging furniture, disassembling your sofa or loveseat is key to safe and convenient transport. 

Follow these step-by-step instructions to safely take apart and reassemble your La-Z-Boy reclining sofa or loveseat, ensuring it remains in top condition.

Key Takeaways:

• Disassemble with Ease: By following these steps, you can quickly and safely disassemble your La-Z-Boy sofa.
• Essential Tools: A flathead screwdriver or a T-30 drill bit is all you need for disassembly.
• Power Furniture Precaution: Disconnect all power wires to avoid damaging connections.
• Modular Furniture Advantage: Disassemble each part, including the back and seats, for easier movement.
• Careful Reassembly: Ensure each part is securely reattached to avoid wobbling or damage.

In This Article…

1. Before You Begin: Preparing for Disassembly
2. Disconnecting Power for Electric Recliners
3. Removing the Top Half of Your Sofa
4. Optional: Separating Seats from the Base Rail
5. Disassembly Tips for Stationary Sofas
6. FAQs

Before You Begin: Preparing for Disassembly

Before starting, keep in mind that La-Z-Boy reclining sofas and loveseats share similar disassembly steps, with slight differences pointed out throughout the guide. Here’s how to prepare for disassembly:

For this process, you’ll need a flathead screwdriver or slotted screwdriver to unlock levers and a T-30 drill bit if you choose to unscrew the rail holding the seats.

Some steps involve flipping and lifting parts of the furniture, so it’s best to have an extra set of hands to keep everything balanced and avoid strain.

Disconnecting Power for Electric Recliners

If your La-Z-Boy sofa or loveseat has power reclining features, disconnecting the power is essential to avoid damaging electrical components. Here’s how:

1. Locate the Power Wires

Find the brightly coloured power cords, typically located at the base of the furniture. The colour coding helps distinguish between functions; for example, blue is often for headrests, while orange indicates main power.

2. Detach All Wires

Using a screwdriver, unlatch the safety clip, secure the wires and gently detach them. If you need more access, lift the Velcro flap at the bottom of the frame to locate additional connections.

If you do not have power furniture and are only disassembling manual reclining or stationary furniture, you can skip this section entirely.

To learn more about Power vs. Manual Furniture, check out this article.

3. Unplug from the Wall Outlet

If your sofa doesn’t have a rechargeable battery pack, unplug it from the wall outlet to cut off power completely.

Reassembly Tip: When reconnecting, ensure each colour-coded wire is plugged back into the corresponding connection to restore full functionality.

Removing the Top Half of Your Sofa

For easier transport, disassembling the top half of the sofa is crucial. This involves detaching the backrest to make the sofa more manageable for narrow spaces.

1. Unlock the Levers

at the back of the furniture frame, and locate the locking levers on each side. Use a flathead screwdriver to push each lever upward, unlocking the backrest from the bottom half of the sofa.

2. Lift the Backrest from the Brackets

With the locking levers unlocked, gently lift the backrest, moving it in an upward and outward motion to release it from the brackets.

Expert Tip: "When lifting the backrest off, be mindful of the upholstery, especially around the edges," Jason advises. Moving slowly and steadily will help prevent any damage.

3. Reattaching the Backrest

To reassemble, align the backrest with the frame brackets and gently slide it back into place. Once positioned, lock the levers back down to secure them.

Unscrew the Seats from the Bottom Rail (Optional)

If needed, you can further disassemble your La-Z-Boy sofa by removing the seats from the Base Rail. This helps navigate tight spaces during moves.

1. Remove the Power Motor (For Electric Sofas)

If your sofa is powered, first disconnect the white power motor. Unhook the piston connected to the frame and carefully pull it out.

2. Unscrew the Base Bar

Use a T-30 drill bit to remove the screws from the base bar. Loveseats typically have eight bolts, while sofas have twelve, each drilled securely into the frame.

Expert Insight: "Be careful not to strip the T-30 bolts while drilling them out. A slow, steady drilling motion prevents damage," Jason notes.

3. Unscrew All Nuts and Bolts

After the T-30 bolts are removed, unscrew the gliders along the base bar by turning them clockwise. This will loosen the nuts, washers, and bolts that secure the base rail, making it easier to separate the individual seats.

Reassembly Tip: Reassemble by following these steps in reverse order, starting with securing the gliders and nuts, and then reattaching the base rail.

Disassembly Tips for Stationary Sofas

For stationary sofas, full disassembly options are limited. Since these sofas don’t recline, their frames are typically one solid piece.

Removing Sofa Legs

The legs can be unscrewed by hand or using a drill with a T-30 bit, making it easier to move or store the sofa.

Pro Tip: Store the legs securely by unzipping the bottom of the sofa and placing the legs inside the internal storage pocket. This keeps everything organized for reassembly.

FAQs

Q: What if my power recliner doesn’t function after reassembly?

Ensure all color-coded wires are plugged into their correct connections. If the issue persists, consult our La-Z-Boy service team in Ottawa or Kingston.

Q: Do I need a T-30 drill bit for disassembling stationary furniture?

No, a T-30 drill bit is only needed if you’re disassembling the rail on reclining furniture. For stationary sofas, typically only the legs need to be removed.

Q: Can I separate the individual seats on a loveseat without unscrewing the base rail?

No, to separate individual seats, you’ll need to remove the base rail bolts with a T-30 bit. This allows each seat to be moved individually.

What's Next?

With this guide, you can confidently disassemble and reassemble your reclining La-Z-Boy furniture. These simple steps make it easier to move, so you won’t have to worry about size limitations.

Now that you know everything about taking apart reclining sofas and loveseats, perhaps you may be wondering about how to disassemble our recliners? 

We also have an article on that! Make sure to check out How to Disassemble Your La-Z-Boy Recliner, for more information on that subject. 

If you’re looking for NEW stylish and comfortable furniture, why stop by today? You can start shopping by visiting one of our local showrooms located in Ottawa 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 can fit in your home. If you’re interested in seeing more about our sofas and loveseats, take a look at our comprehensive Sofa Buyer’s Guide, or our Loveseat Buyer’s Guide.

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