La-Z-Boy Lift Chairs: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Your Perfect Lift Chair

Est. Reading Time: 10 Mins

Shopping for a lift chair can feel overwhelming. With the variety of models, sizes, and features, it’s hard to know where to begin, especially when this piece of furniture also plays a role in your mobility and independence. For many of our clients in Ottawa, Gatineau, and Kingston, the first step is understanding what makes a lift chair different from a regular recliner, and how to choose one that truly fits their needs.

As Marianne Kola, Sales Consultant at La-Z-Boy Gatineau, explains, “A lift chair is more than just a recliner. For some people, it’s a way to get back the independence they’ve lost, whether that’s standing up more easily after surgery or simply staying comfortable longer in their favourite spot. The right chair doesn’t just fit your body, it fits your lifestyle.”

This guide pulls together everything you need to know about lift chairs in one place. From features and customization options to pricing, delivery, and common questions, consider this your one-stop resource for making an informed decision.

Key Takeaways:

• Lift chairs are different from standard recliners, offering powered lifting mechanisms that help you move from sitting to standing safely.
• La-Z-Boy organizes lift chairs into three tiers — Bronze, Gold, and Platinum — each with its own set of features like adjustable lumbar, heat, massage, or zero-gravity positioning.
• Size and fit matter: Petite, medium, and large options ensure comfort and safety for different body types.
• Customization is extensive, with over 800 fabrics, faux leather options, and upgrades like pet-friendly or eco-friendly covers.
• Prices in Canada typically start around $1,500, with advanced Platinum models ranging higher. Financing and tax-deductibility options may be available.
• Delivery and aftercare are essential: white-glove delivery, setup, and even furniture removal are available through La-Z-Boy Ottawa, Gatineau, and Kingston.
• Choosing the right chair requires planning : From measuring your space to testing comfort in-store.

In This Article

1. What is a Lift Chair and Why Does It Matter?
2. Understanding Your Space
3. Choosing the Perfect Lift Chair
4. How to Customize Your Lift Chair
5. How Much Does a Lift Chair Cost?
6. Delivery and Pick-up Options
7. Checklist for Buying a Lift Chair
8. What to Expect Shopping at La-Z-Boy

Main Question: What is a Lift Chair and Why Does It Matter?

A lift chair is a recliner with a motorized base that helps you move from sitting to standing with ease. Unlike a standard recliner that simply leans back, a lift chair gently tilts forward, making it safer and more comfortable for people who need extra support. This feature is especially valuable for seniors, those recovering from surgery, or anyone dealing with mobility concerns.

As Marianne notes, “When someone sits in a lift chair for the first time, they realize it is not just about comfort. It is about regaining independence in daily life, which makes a huge difference for our customers.”

Beyond comfort, lift chairs also offer practical health benefits. They can reduce strain on the knees, hips, and back, help prevent falls, and promote better circulation when used with features like heat, massage, or zero-gravity positioning. 

For many people, the biggest benefit is not just the physical relief but the confidence of knowing they can move more independently in their own home.

To learn more about the benefits of sleeping in a reclined position, take a look at this article.

Now that you know what a lift chair does, the next step is to see how it fits into your home. Placement and space planning are just as important as the chair itself, since the wrong setup can make even the best model difficult to use.

Understanding Your Space and Measuring for Fit

Before choosing a lift chair, think about where it will go in your home. Many customers discover that while a chair looks perfect in the showroom, it can feel oversized or awkward once it is delivered. Careful planning ensures your new lift chair feels like it was meant for the space.

Evaluating Your Room Layout

Start by looking at the overall dimensions of your room. Note where doors, windows, and electrical outlets are located, and how other furniture is positioned. A lift chair needs enough clearance behind it to recline and in front to tilt forward when lifting.

According to Marianne, planning your layout helps avoid frustration later. “Think about how you actually use the space. Do you want the lift chair near the television, in a quiet corner, or beside a reading lamp? Where you put it can be just as important as the features you choose.”

Accurate Measurements

To avoid any surprises, measure your room accurately. It is important to note that furniture might feel smaller than it is when seeing it for the first time in a showroom. To ensure you can see if it’ll fit, bring your measurements, a sketch, or photos of your room to the store to help the salesperson find the perfect fit. 

It’s also important to measure the route your furniture needs to take to get to your room upon delivery, ensuring it can pass through hallways and doorways without issue.

To learn more about How to Measure Your Space, read this article.

Additional Considerations

• Colour Matching: Make sure the chair complements your wall colours.
• Maintaining Pathways: Ensure the chair is in a fixed location and is not close to anything else that could cause harm while getting up. Also, take into consideration where the lift chair is while lifted so that it maintains good traffic flow.
• Blending with Existing Furniture: Think about how the new chair will fit with your current furniture and overall decor. Ensure that traffic flow is still ideal.
• Protecting Your Floors: Use felt pads to avoid scratches on hardwood floors.

If you’re considering a larger redesign, hiring an interior designer might be beneficial. La-Z-Boy offers complimentary interior design services to help you visualize and plan your space effectively. To learn more about our services, take a look at this step-by-step guide.

Choosing the Perfect Lift Chair

Once you know where your lift chair will go, the next step is choosing the model that best fits your body and your lifestyle. This is where comfort, size, and functionality all come together.

Matching the Chair to the User

Every lift chair serves the same basic purpose, but not every chair works for every person. Your height, weight, and even how you plan to use the chair should guide your decision. If you are buying for someone else, keep their specific needs in mind rather than choosing based on looks alone.

Marianne explains, “The first thing I ask customers is who the chair is really for. If it is for one person, we size it to their body type. If it is for multiple family members, we may look at something more versatile. Fit is everything when it comes to comfort and safety.”

Size: Petite, Medium and Large

La-Z-Boy offers lift chairs in different sizes so they suit a wide range of body types:

• Petite: Best for smaller individuals and compact spaces. Many Bronze series models fall into this category.
• Medium: Fits the majority of users, balancing comfort and space. The Gold series often offers medium-scale frames.
• Large: Ideal for taller or broader individuals, or anyone who prefers more room. Platinum series lift chairs are designed to handle larger body types and include advanced features.

The right size ensures that your head rests comfortably against the cushion, your feet touch the floor at a 90-degree angle, and the chair lifts you smoothly without strain. To get a better idea of what our Top-Selling La-Z-Boy Power Lift Chairs are, read this article.

Customizing Your Lift Chair

Although a lift chair is primarily designed to help with mobility issues, it is still a furniture piece. This means there are still some ways to make this recliner more personalized than just helping you get up. Before we dive into the custom options, however, let’s see what types of lift chairs there are.

La-Z-Boy Power Lift Recliner Program

La-Z-Boy’s Power Lift Recliner series is divided into four tiers: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum, each offering a range of features to meet various needs and preferences.

Bronze Series

The Bronze series includes basic features such as a full recline position, extended legrest position, legrest safety, and battery backup. It is designed for smaller users with a lift capacity of 300 lbs.

Silver Series

The Silver series offers all the features of the Bronze series plus independent back and legrest positions. This series supports a standard seat scale and a lift capacity of 325 lbs, providing more versatility and comfort.

Gold Series

The Gold series includes all features of the Silver series and adds heat and massage functions, a covered lift base, and adjustable headrest and lumbar support. It caters to full-size users with a lift capacity of 500 lbs, offering enhanced comfort and support.

Platinum Series

The Platinum series is the most advanced, incorporating all features of the Gold series along with a zero gravity position for ultimate relaxation. It supports a full seat scale and a lift capacity of 350lbs, making it the top choice for those seeking maximum comfort and luxury.

What Upholstery is Right For Me?

Fabric vs. Leather

La-Z-Boy lift chairs do not come in real leather due to their lack of grip on those covers. However,  we offer faux leather options for those who desire the leather look. When choosing between fabric and faux leather, consider factors like comfort, appearance, durability, maintenance, and cost. Faux leather provides a sleek, modern aesthetic and feels like real leather, while fabric offers a broader range of colours and patterns for personalized customization. 

La-Z-Boy provides over 800 upholstery options with a grading system that affects pricing based on the cover grade you select. To learn more about our Fabric Upholstery or our Leather Selections, take a look at these articles.

If you’re still unsure about whether to choose fabric vs leather, learn more with this comparison article.

Specialized Covers (Available in both Fabric and Leather)

• Performance Fabrics: Durable and easy to clean, perfect for high-traffic areas.
• Stain-Resistant Fabrics: Like La-Z-Boy’s iClean, designed to repel spills and stains, providing peace of mind in busy households.
• Eco-Friendly Fabrics: Made from recycled materials, such as La-Z-Boy’s conserve™ Sustainable Fabrics, offering an environmentally friendly option.
• Antimicrobial Covers: Protect against mold, mildew, and bacteria, ensuring a healthier living environment.
• Pet-Friendly Fabrics: Designed to withstand scratches and wear from pets, making them durable and easy to clean.
• Energy Restoration: Restore by Nanobionic® features a mineral-based fabric coating that transforms natural body heat into energy using infrared technology.
• Bleach Cleanable: These comfortable and resilient fabrics can withstand diluted bleach products for the toughest stains.

Cushion Upgrade

For an additional cost, upgrade to firmer cushions that conform to your unique shape, enhancing comfort and ease of use, especially for those with mobility issues.

Handle Options

Customize your La-Z-Boy manual recliner by adjusting the length and material of the handle, with options like wooden, brushed nickel, or matte black. Handles can be elongated, and left-handed users can switch the handle to the left side, all for an additional cost.

Power Upgrade with Adjustable Headrest & Lumbar Support

Upgrade your La-Z-Boy recliner to power for easy reclining with a control panel or wireless remote. Power lift recliners in the Gold and Platinum tiers can adjust their headrest from 0-55 degrees and control the lower lumbar support to match your spine's curvature. Enjoy added convenience with built-in USB ports and memory settings for your favourite positions. All power upgrades can be cordless, thanks to our rechargeable battery pack. 

If you need help with learning about the controls, check out La-Z-Boy Power Furniture: How to Use the Control Panel & Remote. 

To learn more about the headrest & lumbar upgrade, check out the Review of La-Z-Boy Power Recliners with the Headrest & Lumbar Feature.

Heat & Massage Option

The Power lift recliners in the Gold category, which includes the Clayton, have access to Heat & Massage.

Customers can enjoy this incredibly comfortable lift recliner with two high & low heat settings and six motor-massage settings for their back and thighs. 

PowerReclineXR® is also included in this upgrade, which lets the user experience full reclining comfort in any position, thanks to an independently operating back and leg rest.

To learn more, check out a Review of the Heat & Massage Upgrade at La-Z-Boy.

What is the Cost of a Power Lift Chair?

The cost of a lift chair is expensive, no matter where you go. However, there are reasons why these prices are so high. Here are some things to remember when looking at price.

Factors Influencing Lift Chair Pricing

Lift chair prices are significantly affected by the complexity and technology of the lift mechanism, such as motor strength and smoothness of operation. The choice of materials, upholstery, and customization options also impacts the cost. Higher-end models often feature advanced lift mechanisms and premium materials, justifying their higher price tags.

To learn more about the Price of a Lift Recliner, take a look at this article.

Comparison with Other Brands

La-Z-Boy lift chairs typically start at $1,200, catering to the mid to higher-end market. For those on a tighter budget, there are more affordable lift chair options available from other retailers. However, these less expensive models often do not match the quality and customization options offered by La-Z-Boy.

While La-Z-Boy does have a higher price tag, there are still options available to you that can make your purchase worthwhile.

Can Lift Chairs Be Tax Deductible?

In many cases, lift chairs are considered medical equipment and may be tax-deductible. If prescribed by a healthcare provider for a medical condition, the cost of a lift chair could qualify as a medical expense on your tax return. Always consult with a tax professional to understand the specific eligibility requirements and documentation needed to claim this deduction, ensuring you maximize your potential savings.

To learn more about Lift Chairs being Tax Deductible, take a look at this article.

Furniture Financing at La-Z-Boy

La-Z-Boy partners with Flexiti Financing to make sofas more affordable. Customers can take advantage of 0% interest for up to 36 months with equal monthly payments, plus quick approval and reusable credit for future purchases. This makes it easier to upgrade to premium fabrics or power features without feeling limited by upfront cost.

Leah often sees this option as helping families. “Financing takes the pressure off. People can choose the sofa they love and spread the cost out over time.”

To learn more about What to Expect with Furniture Financing at La-Z-Boy, take a look at this article.

Delivery and Pick-Up Options

Once you’ve chosen the right lift chair, the next step is deciding how to bring it home. Lift chairs are heavier and more complex than standard recliners, so planning delivery logistics is important. La-Z-Boy Ottawa, Gatineau, and Kingston offer both white glove delivery services and local warehouse pick-up, giving you flexibility based on your budget and comfort level.

White Glove Delivery

For most customers, professional delivery is the easiest and most reliable option. White glove service is available for $129.99 within Ottawa, Gatineau, and Kingston, with out-of-town delivery available for $169.99. The delivery team does more than drop off your lift chair. 

They will bring it into your home, place it in the room of your choice, and fully assemble it, including plugging it in and testing the controls. Once the chair is set up, they remove all packaging materials so you can enjoy it right away.

Additional services can also be arranged. For $25 per furniture piece, the delivery team can move existing furniture to another room or bring it to the curb. If you want old furniture removed completely, disposal is available for $50 per seat, with items taken to a local landfill.

Marianne often recommends this option for peace of mind. She explains that white glove delivery allows customers to skip the hassle of moving or assembly, ensuring the chair is ready to use the moment it arrives.

Pick-Up Options

For those who would prefer to save on delivery costs, warehouse pick-up is available in Cyrville, Ottawa and Kingston. 

Many lift chairs are designed to separate into parts, which makes them easier to transport in a personal vehicle or moving truck. Customers are encouraged to measure their vehicle’s cargo space carefully and arrange for someone to help with lifting and loading to avoid damage or injury.

Whether you choose professional delivery or warehouse pick-up, La-Z-Boy’s team is committed to making the process smooth and convenient. For more details on preparing for either option, you can visit the delivery services page or speak directly with your local La-Z-Boy store.

To learn more about our delivery services, read this article.

Lift Chair Buying Checklist

Now that you know everything you need to purchase a La-Z-Boy lift chair, here are some additional things to consider beforehand:

Helping You Find the Perfect Furniture for 25 Years

For over 25 years, La-Z-Boy Ottawa, Gatineau, and Kingston have been proudly Canadian-owned and operated, helping over 200,000 families find the perfect furniture for their homes. Our experienced sales consultants are ready to guide you through the purchasing process, ensuring you choose a recliner, sofa, or sectional that meets all your needs.

We are deeply committed to our local communities, and if you're interested in learning more about our Community Involvement or the story behind La-Z-Boy Ottawa, Gatineau & Kingston, visit our About Us page.

What to Expect When You Visit

When you visit our showroom looking for a lift chair, our sales consultants will be ready to assist you. They’ll start by asking about your specific needs, such as height, comfort preferences, and any mobility concerns. 

Suppose you’re unsure what features would be most helpful. In that case, we’ll walk you through the different lift chair models, explaining the benefits of each, from basic lift functions to advanced options like heat, massage, and adjustable lumbar support.

As you try out different chairs, you'll notice what feels best. Whether it’s the seat depth, cushion firmness, or ease of operation. If you're torn between models or need help choosing a fabric that suits your home and lifestyle, our team is here to help.

What's Next?

You now have all the knowledge necessary to make a more informed decision when shopping for a La-Z-Boy lift recliner. Now, it is up to you to decide whether La-Z-Boy is right for you.

If you’d like to browse our furniture selection in person, visit one of our La-Z Boy Ottawa, Gatineau or Kingston stores today or schedule a visit online before coming in. 

Our sales consultants are always eager to lend a helping hand. Not only are they trained in knowing the large variety of furniture offered at La-Z-Boy, but they are also experts in furniture fitting and design.

You can also take advantage of our complimentary interior design services to see how our living room furniture could fit in your home.

Related Articles:

Problems with Lift Recliners at La-Z-Boy 

How to Use the Power Controls Remotes on a La-Z-Boy Power Recliner 

Are La-Z-Boy Chairs Guaranteed for Life?