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Moving or rearranging a La-Z-Boy reclining sofa or loveseat can feel overwhelming due to its size and weight, especially when navigating narrow hallways, staircases, or doorways. Fortunately, La-Z-Boy designs its reclining furniture with removable backs and modular components, making disassembly far more manageable than many people expect.

With guidance from La-Z-Boy warehouse expert Jason Nurnberg, this step-by-step guide explains how to safely disassemble and reassemble your reclining sofa or loveseat without damaging the frame, upholstery, or power components.

Key Takeaways:

• Most reclining sofas can be broken down into smaller, manageable sections.
• Removing the backrests first is usually the easiest starting point.
• Power recliners should always be unplugged before disassembly.
• Keeping track of screws and components simplifies reassembly.
• Working carefully helps protect the reclining mechanism and frame.

In This Article...

• Are La-Z-Boy Reclining Sofas Easy to Disassemble?
• Why You Might Need to Take Apart a Reclining Sofa
• What Tools Do You Need to Disassemble a Reclining Sofa?
• What Comes Apart On a Reclining Sofa?
• How to Disassemble a Reclining Sofa Step by Step
• Disassembly Tips for Stationary Sofas
• Common Mistakes When Disassembling a Reclining Sofa
• FAQs

Are La-Z-Boy Reclining Sofas Easy to Disassemble?

La-Z-Boy reclining sofas are designed with both comfort and functionality in mind, which includes the ability to disassemble them when needed.

In many models, components such as the backrests and seat sections are designed to be removable, allowing for easier transport through tight spaces. While the exact method may vary by model, the overall process is similar across most La-Z-Boy reclining sofas.

“What makes La-Z-Boy furniture easier to work with is how it’s constructed in sections,” says Jason. “Once you understand how the pieces connect, the process becomes much more manageable.”

Why You Might Need to Take Apart a Reclining Sofa

There are several common situations where disassembling a reclining sofa is necessary.

• Moving to a new home
  Large furniture often won’t fit through doorways or staircases without being taken apart
• Rearranging your living room
  Breaking the sofa into sections makes it easier to reposition
• Cleaning or maintenance
  Accessing internal areas can help with deep cleaning or minor repairs
• Preventing damage during transport
  Moving a sofa in one piece can strain joints and mechanisms

Taking the time to disassemble the sofa properly can help preserve its structure and extend its lifespan.

What Tools Do You Need to Disassemble a Reclining Sofa?

Before starting, it’s important to have the right tools ready.  Most reclining sofas can be taken apart using basic household tools:

• Phillips screwdriver
• Flathead screwdriver
• Allen wrench
• Pliers
• Socket wrench (for bolts)

You may also want to prepare:

• small bags or containers for screws
• labels or tape to organize parts

"La-Z-Boy reclining sofas typically do not require specialized tools beyond basic household equipment, although the exact requirements may vary by model," Jason recommends.

Having everything ready beforehand helps the process go more smoothly and reduces the chance of losing important components.

What Comes Apart on a Reclining Sofa?

Reclining sofas are built in sections, which makes them easier to disassemble than they might appear.

The most commonly removable parts include:

• Backrests
  These are often secured with clips or brackets and can usually be lifted off once released
• Seat sections
  In some models, the seating area can be separated into individual units
• Armrests
  Depending on the design, arms may be bolted or attached to the main frame
• Reclining mechanisms
  These components connect the moving parts and should be handled carefully

The backrest is typically the easiest component to remove and is often the first step toward reducing the sofa's overall size.  On many La-Z-Boy models, the backrest is designed to be removed first, often using a locking bracket system that allows it to lift off once released.

Understanding how these pieces fit together makes the disassembly process more predictable and reduces the risk of forcing parts apart incorrectly.

How to Disassemble a Reclining Sofa Step by Step

Once you understand how a reclining sofa is constructed, the next step is carefully taking it apart. The following steps will guide you through the process safely and efficiently.

Step 1: Disconnect Power for Electric Recliners

If your sofa or loveseat has power-reclining features, disconnecting the power is the most important safety step. Start by unplugging the unit from the wall outlet or removing the rechargeable battery pack if equipped.

Locate the colour-coded power wires near the base of the frame. These wires control different functions such as reclining, headrest movement, or lumbar support. Gently release each connector by unlatching the safety clip and separating the wires.

Jason notes that carefully disconnecting and labelling wires during disassembly helps ensure smooth reassembly and prevents damage to electrical components.

Power and manual furniture each have their pros and cons. To learn more about Power vs. Manual Furniture, check out this article.

Step 2: Remove the Backrest from the Frame

Removing the backrest dramatically reduces the height and bulk of the sofa or loveseat, making it much easier to move. Tilt the furniture slightly forward so the back is accessible.

Locate the locking levers on both sides of the frame where the backrest attaches. Insert a flathead screwdriver and lift each lever upward to unlock the brackets. Once released, stand behind the furniture and lift the backrest upward and away from the frame.

According to Jason, lifting slowly and evenly helps protect the upholstery edges and prevents the metal brackets from bending.

Step 3: Separate Seats from the Base Rail (Optional)

In extremely tight spaces, you may need to separate the individual seats from the base rail. This step is optional but useful for staircases or narrow doorways.

For power sofas, disconnect the white power motor and detach the piston from the frame. Using a T-30 drill bit, remove the bolts securing the base rail. Loveseats typically have eight bolts, while sofas usually have twelve.

Jason advises using steady pressure when removing T-30 bolts to avoid stripping them. Once loosened, the seats can be carefully separated and moved individually.

Disassembly Tips for Stationary Sofas

Unlike reclining sofas and loveseats, stationary sofas are built as a single, solid frame, which means they cannot be broken down into multiple sections. However, that does not mean they cannot be made easier to move. Removing the legs can significantly reduce the sofa's overall height, making it much easier to navigate doorways, stairwells, and tight hallways.

Most La-Z-Boy stationary sofa legs can be unscrewed by hand or with a drill using a T-30 bit. Jason explains that this small step often makes the difference between a smooth move and a frustrating one, especially in older homes or condos where clearances are tighter.

A helpful tip during leg removal is to store all detached legs and hardware in the sofa’s internal storage pocket, accessed via the zipper on the underside of the frame. Keeping everything together prevents pieces from being lost and makes reassembly faster and stress-free once the sofa is in its new location.

Common Mistakes When Disassembling a Reclining Sofa

Disassembling a reclining sofa is generally straightforward when done carefully, but a few common mistakes can make the process more difficult.

• Forcing parts apart
  If something doesn’t come loose easily, there may still be screws or clips holding it in place
• Not unplugging power recliners
  This can create safety risks and damage electrical components
• Losing screws or hardware
  Without proper organization, reassembly can become frustrating
• Skipping organization
  Not labeling parts can make it difficult to remember how everything fits back together
• Handling the mechanism incorrectly
  Reclining systems include moving parts that require careful handling

"Taking a slow, methodical approach helps avoid unnecessary damage and keeps the process manageable," says Jason.

FAQs

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, 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 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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