How to Disassemble a La-Z-Boy Reclining Sofa or Loveseat in 5 Easy Steps

Est. Reading Time: 7 Mins

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 La-Z-Boy reclining sofas and loveseats are designed to be partially disassembled, making them easier and safer to move through tight spaces.
• A flathead screwdriver and a T-30 drill bit are the only tools required for most disassembly scenarios.
• Power reclining furniture requires extra care, as all electrical connections must be disconnected before removing components.
• Removing the backrest and, if necessary, separating the seats can significantly reduce the size and weight of the furniture.
• Proper reassembly and secure tightening are essential to prevent wobbling and ensure long-term durability.
  
  

In This Article...

• Before You Begin: Preparing for Disassembly
• Step 1: Disconnect Power for Electric Recliners
• Step 2: Remove the Backrest from the Frame
• Step 3: Separate Seats from the Base Rail (Optional)
• Disassembly Tips for Stationary Sofas
• FAQs

Before You Begin: Preparing for Disassembly

Before starting, it is important to understand that La-Z-Boy reclining sofas and loveseats follow similar disassembly steps, with minor differences depending on whether the furniture is manual, power reclining, or stationary.

Gather a flathead screwdriver to unlock the backrest levers and a T-30 drill bit if you plan to separate seats from the base rail. Because some steps involve lifting or tilting heavy components, Jason strongly recommends having a second person assist to prevent strain or accidental damage.

Step 1: Disconnect Power for Electric Recliners

If your sofa or loveseat includes 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 have their pros and cons, each. 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 bending the metal brackets.

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 overall height of the sofa, making it much simpler 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 inside the sofa’s internal storage pocket, which is accessed through the zipper on the underside of the frame. Keeping everything together prevents lost pieces and makes reassembly faster and stress-free once the sofa is in its new location.

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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