How Much Does a Lift Recliner Chair Cost?

How Much Can You Expect to Pay for a Lift Recliner Chair in Ottawa & Kingston

The ability to move freely and without pain is often taken for granted in our day-to-day lives. For some, mobility issues caused by age, joint pain, injuries or surgery can make enjoying the comforts of their home furnishings difficult.

If you or a loved one faces these challenges, you have likely considered lift recliner chairs, and cost always plays a critical role in your buying decision.  Anyone having difficulty getting in and out of a seated position will benefit from the recliner’s lifting system.  In fact, the base and the back tilt forward to assist the user in moving from a sitting to a standing position.

So, how much should you expect to pay for this often life-changing piece of furniture? That depends on your needs, how you will be using your lift recliner and your top priorities.

As the inventor of the iconic recliner chair back in 1927, you can rest comfortably knowing La-Z-Boy lift recliner chairs possess over 90 years of innovative design experience.  

At La-Z-Boy Ottawa and Kingston, our team of qualified and talented consultants know it is crucial to understand your needs and work within your budget when helping you choose the right lift chair recliner. We are here to help you understand power lift recliner costs and guide you through the options available in the market today. 

This article will outline three principal price ranges, which compare lift chair design, construction, and comfort. Also, it will review some other factors that influence lift recliner costs, including options and upgrades.

Features of the Lift Recliner

Not to be mistaken with stairlift chairs, lift recliners can secretly pass for your favourite reclining chair designed to coordinate with your home’s décor. Like the secret recliner, a lift chair can be stylish AND secretly have the power to tilt. The hidden lifting system is triggered by pushing buttons on a remote rather than manually engaging a lever or switch.

Lift recliner chairs are available in a variety of sizes and styles. They are available in small to large widths, petite to tall heights, cloth, vinyl, or even leather upholstery. Furthermore, they possess numerous features categorized by (1) reclining capabilities and positions, (2) mechanical system and construction, (3) seat scale, (4) weight capacity and (5) additional functionality.

There are three different types of lift chairs you will see described online with ranging functionality.

Two-Position Lift Chairs

The majority of two-position lift chairs recline slightly (ranging from 15 to 45 degrees) but don’t extend fully to a napping or sleeping posture. For some, this is a comfortable position for reading and watching TV.

Most of these lift chairs have a gap between the seat and the ottoman and have a single motor that runs the back recline and footrest. A single toggle switch on a hand controller or power side controls transitions the chair between the basic position of sitting and standing.

Three-Position Lift Recliners

The more common three-position lift recliners have varying degrees of functionality depending on whether they have one motor or a two-motor system.  

With one motor, the back and footrest operate simultaneously, so as you reline, the footrest raises in unison. This mechanical system may also limit you to three pre-programmed positions.

If the mechanical system has two motors, the lift recliner typically features an independent reclining back to allow you to recline without extending the leg rest. Consequently, the recliner can adjust to any position. Double motors often provide extra lifting power, so you should see higher weight capacity ranging above 300 pounds.

Most of the three-position lift recliners are full-chaise loungers, with no gap between leg rest and seat.  This construction allows for continuous leg support and ultimate comfort.

Infinite-Position

Models with infinite-position capabilities recline to a flat position parallel to the floor. Some reclining seats extend even further to allow for zero-gravity positioning.

In this position, your body experiences a relaxed “S” shape that involves elevating your knees over your heart level. Invented by NASA to reduce stress on the astronauts during takeoff, the zero-gravity position alleviates pressure on your lower back and spine. Also, the full bed layout position promotes circulation in the legs and reduces swelling.

Furthermore, they feature a full-chaise with padding from the seat to the leg that operates independently of the back. You can modify infinite-position lift recliners to different angles and elevations for maximum comfort.

Things to Consider Before Purchasing a Lift Recliner

Injury in Canada is a Serious Public Health Concern

Many seniors desire “ageing in place” and choose to design a home that will adapt as their needs change. It is not only about staying in your own home as long as you can but creating a space that is safe, secure, comfortable and user friendly. 

Falls remain the leading cause of injury-related hospitalizations among Canadian seniors. A report from the Public Health Agency of Canada estimated that between 20  to 30 percent of Canadians aged 65+ fall each year. Furniture or rising from furniture accounts for 5% of all fall-related injuries while walking on a surface other than snow and ice was stated most often at 45 percent.

The report also identified that seniors living at home were 80 percent more likely to have fall-related hospitalizations versus the elderly that were living in residential care. Implementing a lift recliner chair can reduce the risk of falls for seniors and, consequently, the economic burden of Canada’s injuries.

Health Benefits of a Lift Recliner

Have you ever sat up from your chair and been surprised to feel a kink in your neck or a lower back strain? This type of experience may give you the concern that investing in a recliner chair to ease all your tensions could actually cause them. That spending longer periods or even sleeping in your recliner is bad for your back. 

The answer is, it might be the cause of your aches, but it shouldn’t be! In fact, lift recliners can be useful for your back and provide several health benefits as long as you choose the right one for YOU!

Power lift recliner chairs are ideal if you have leg, back, or balance problems or recently had surgery that temporarily affects your mobility.

Sitting in a recliner with your feet above the heart level allows gravity to reduce stress and inflammation naturally. This zero-gravity position (explained further in infinite-position recliners) jumpstarts your body’s circulation and helps you recover from surgery faster. Some opt to sleep in their lift recliners because of the variety of positions available.

Getting Fitted for Your Lift Chair

There are many places online and in-store to purchase a lift recliner chair, but we recommend working with a professional to determine the best type. With a wide range of sizes, features, and designs, the options can become overwhelming, and you may end up with a lift chair that does not adequately meet your needs.

No chair, including La-Z-Boy’s power lift recliners, are one size fits all. If you are shopping for someone else, it’s vital to have the person who will be using and operating the chair take a “test drive.” 

Be sure to experience the lift chair in both sitting and reclining positions to confirm that your heel does not hang over the footrest, and your ankles are supported. If the fit is not right, the lift chair will cause problems instead of helping. 

Other Questions to Ask Yourself

Will you frequently eat or drink in the lift recliner?  If so, easy to clean materials such as vinyl or leather upholstery are an important consideration. Performance fabrics such as La-Z-Boy’s iClean™ that repel stains are also a great choice.

Do you have a pet that you will share your lift recliner with? If so, you may require a wider seat width to accommodate both you and your furry friend. Plus, easy to clean textiles should also be a consideration.

Will you be sleeping in your chair? If so, comfort and reclining capabilities to full bed layout position are paramount.

What weight requirement do you have? Lift recliner chairs are designed to handle a wide range of weight thresholds, so finding one to suit your specific needs is imperative to ensure your safety while using the device.

Will you spend extended periods in your lift chair or only periodically for relaxation and perhaps watching television? If long periods of use, you will want a one-piece chaise seat and infinite-position reclining options. This will provide full-body support and comfort in endless amounts of reclining positions.

Do you need the lift recliner only temporarily? If so, some companies offer rentals to use while recovering from surgery or visiting a relative.

How much space do you have for the lift chair in your room? Some lift chairs require more clearance for reclining. In contrast, others are designed to be more compact and placed closer to the walls to prevent them from obstructing your living area. 

A typical lift recliner must sit from 11 to 22 inches away from the wall, which could be a problem in tight areas. If you don’t have much space, wall-hugger models allow the lift chair to operate within 2 to 6 inches off a wall.

To plan appropriately, check out how to accurately measure your room to buy the right furniture.

How Much Should You Expect to Pay for a Lift Recliner Chair?

Many factors influence the cost of a lift recliner. Quality, reclining capabilities, optional features and functionalities, to name a few. It’s essential to keep in mind how often your lift recliner will be used and what purpose it will serve. 

You’ll find lift recliner chairs made by furniture manufacturers and mobility companies and offered both online and in-store. 

Three principle lift recliner chair price brackets are identified below. You can expect the quality of design, construction and comfort to improve with each price jump.

Least Expensive Lift Recliner Chair ($600-$1500)

Lift recliners in this price bracket offer an economical way to get a chair with full lift functionality. Although rare, they will include two-position lift chairs and, more notably, three-position lifts with limited features.  

These least expensive lift chairs often have petite frames built for smaller users and have a limited weight capacity that can be under 300 pounds.  The more compact size usually allows for closer proximity to the wall and requires less room to function.

Restricted features include:

• Single motor restrict control of back and leg rest, so they have to move simultaneously
• May have limited back reclining range and lift mechanism tilt
• There may be a gap between the seat and the leg rest
• Styles with touch power side controls may be difficult to reach
• Comfort may be lacking due to cushions made of low-density foam and poor quality seating suspension
• Usually, a convenient side pocket is available for storing small items
• Your fabric choices will be restricted or non-existent and may have sub-par tailoring

Typically these are offered by big box stores or online with a starting price of $500.

Mid-Range Lift Chair Cost ($1500-$3000)

Lift models in the mid-price range are typically 3-position lift recliners with more features and infinite-position recliners. They range between $1200 to $2400, and influencers include product quality, features and customization. 

Mid-range lift recliners have a 2-motors system, engineered to provide smoother, more secure motion that is often quieter than their less expensive counterparts.  Most should have the benefit of independent reclining, so your seat and back can be adjusted to your exact needs while leg rest remains down.

Features you can expect in the mid-price bracket of lift recliners include:

Luxury, High-End Power Lift Recliner Cost ($3500 and higher)

These infinite-position lift recliners are of high quality and feature two or more motors for extra lifting power and functionality.  Typically constructed for users with a larger physique, high-end lift recliners feature deep, wide, tall seats, and weight capacity can reach 700 pounds.  

The real appeal lies with all the available options and your ability to design a custom lift recliner chair that meets your unique needs and style. In addition to hundreds of wear-tested fabric and leather choices, you may be able to upgrade your seat cushion or include accessories such as a table designed to work with your lift chair.

Options and Upgrades Available For a Lift Recliner and How It Affects Price

Take some time to investigate your choices so that you’re confident your new lift recliner chair fits your body type, style, and preferences. If you’re shopping in the mid to high lift chair price range, you’ll want to consider available options and upgrades.  

Even with many lift chair models and styles to choose from, it is customary to want to make some customizations and upgrades.  You can then be confident your new furniture will be customized to suit your specific needs before taking it home. These options can make a world of difference, but they do come at a cost.  

Size & Weight Capacity

As previously mentioned, your recliner must fit your body stature to provide you with the utmost comfort and relaxation.

Recliner seat scale and height are customized to fit shoppers ranging from petite to extra tall to provide personalized comfort and support.

Weight capacity is another consideration and is dependent on frame construction and motorized lifting mechanism. The range of proficiency is between 265 and 700 pounds.  

Given the difference in material and labour required to construct these different sizes and mechanisms, they impact your chosen lift chair’s overall cost.

Upholstery / Fabric Cover

Your choice of upholstery cover is a crucial decision when selecting a lift recliner chair for your home. It is best to decide whether you want fabric or leather before you begin shopping. Choice of cover is necessary because, for some lift chair frames in the lower price point, they are only available in one or the other.  

Custom fabric and leather covers will cost anywhere from $0-$1900 extra. It depends on which cover you choose, and top grain leather is usually upwards of 25% more than its counterpart. The biggest driver of cost for fabric is the volume produced. With the production of minimal quantities, costs can approach those of leather.

If you are bound to your lift chair while recovering from surgery or are simply more comfortable lounging, you’ll inevitably be consuming food while in your lift chair. Things can get messy when spills happen, but stains don’t have to with performance fabrics and those engineered to repel spills.  It will cost you extra; however, your lift recliner will have added protection from four-legged family members or unforeseen mishaps.

Cushion Upgrade Options

If you want to take your comfort up a notch, upgrade options can include additional or different high-density foam, including gel-infused memory foam. It can also be other layers or a different configuration that reduces pressure and conforms to your body such, as a full chaise body and cushioned arms.

Other Factors During Purchase that Affect Lift Recliner Cost

Additional Warranty

Powered furniture is an investment and has many moving parts. That is why it’s vital to protect that purchase and ensure that your lift recliner chair is covered by a warranty plan. 

Warranty terms differ from company to company. Make sure you read the warranty thoroughly before your purchase! Generally, the frame, motor, and lifting mechanism are covered by a manufacturer’s multi-year warranty. The fabric will not be protected, and a 1-year warranty covers everything else.

It’s up to the retailer to provide better service through their extended warranty service plan. You can consider purchasing an additional, comprehensive service protection plan covering several years of accidental damage at an extra cost.

Financing

Although ongoing mobility issues or a sudden accident have made owning a lift recliner chair an immediate necessity, your pocketbook may not be equipped for the withdrawal right away.  

Most retailers offer the option of furniture financing!

Financing allows you to furnish your home sooner and pay off the investment over time. Depending on the financing plan you choose and how long it takes to pay it off, this option could result in additional fees.

To learn more about furniture financing, check out the article Furniture Financing: Everything you need to know. 

Delivery Costs

Most furniture stores will provide a delivery service if you live in the vicinity of their retail stores.

Lift recliners take a week or two for delivery if the chair you’re looking for is in stock. If you choose to incorporate any of the options mentioned above, your recliner is custom-built to your specific configuration and requirements. Custom furniture typically takes between six to fourteen weeks for delivery. 

There is usually a delivery fee, anywhere from $50-$125. Sometimes the cost is included in the furniture’s price, or you can get a discount with the more pieces you buy.

Tax Deduction in Canada

Did you know that you save the tax when you have a doctor’s note? Lift chairs are zero-rated for tax purposes when you have a requisition from your doctor. You will also save the taxes on delivery and warranty charges related to the lift chair!

Ready to Find your Perfect Lift Recliner Chair?

After reading this article, you are now aware of the types of lift recliner chairs you’ll find in the market and how much you can expect to spend, given your needs and desired features.

Now, with your budget, style, and preferences in mind, it’s time to give your life a lift!

La-Z-Boy’s extensive line of luxury, infinite-position lift recliners provides many options for improving comfort & mobility.

Along with wanting to add fashionable furniture to their home décor.  

Our top-selling lift recliners are engineered to provide the smoothest, most secure motion and offer unmatched comfort in every position.

With a starting price of $1899, our La-Z-Boy power lift recliner costs fall within the mid to high-end price range. You’ll find luxury features within our selection, including zero-gravity positioning, heat, massage, headrest tilt, and additional lumbar support. Plus, we’ve defined comfort since 1928, but we also know a thing about style, and our lift recliners are customizable with your choice of over 900 fabrics.

*All La-Z-Boy prices listed in this article are subject to change. We aim to update all cost-related articles twice per year. This article was last updated on October 2022. Please visit lzb.com and select an Ottawa or Kingston La-Z-Boy store location to view the most up-to-date pricing. 

The quality, style, and variety at La-Z-Boy will ensure you find the perfect match for your needs. Visit one of our Ottawa and Kingston store locations or book an appointment online to work with a trained design consultant. They’ll guide you in choosing a lift chair that fits your style preferences, budget, and body. You’ll feel confident the lift recliner you take home will provide you with the utmost comfort. 

Related Links

Top seven La-Z-Boy power recliner questions
Recliners – The Definitive Buyer’s Guide
Furniture Financing: Everything You Need to Know