What Are the Safety Features of a La-Z-Boy Recliner?

Est. Reading Time: 6 Mins

When people think of La-Z-Boy, comfort is usually the first thing that comes to mind, and with good reason. As the original inventor of the recliner, La-Z-Boy has become a trusted name in the furniture industry for over 70 years. However, what many people don’t realize is that La-Z-Boy’s commitment to comfort is matched by its commitment to safety.

Whether you're furnishing a home with young children, pets, or older adults, understanding the built-in safety features of your furniture is essential. 

Vic Bozhko, a sales consultant at La-Z-Boy Hunt Club, says, “La-Z-Boy integrates multiple protective elements into its recliners and power furniture to help prevent accidents, extend product life, and maintain a healthy home environment.”

This article explores the key safety features built into La-Z-Boy furniture, from its mechanical engineering and construction to its power systems and certified non-toxic materials.

Key Takeaways:

• La-Z-Boy recliners use reinforced metal mechanisms designed to withstand force and reduce footrest injury risks.
• Pressure-responsive technology in both manual and power recliners helps prevent damage or injury to pets and children.
• Furniture is thoroughly tested to ensure weight capacity, tip resistance, and structural durability.
• Power recliners include battery backups and rechargeable packs to function safely during power outages.
• All La-Z-Boy furniture is Greenguard-certified to reduce harmful chemical emissions and maintain indoor air quality.

In This Article…

1. Reclining Mechanism Safety Features
2. Weight Capacity and Durability Testing
3. Power Furniture Backup and Emergency features
4. Greenguard Certification and Non-Toxic Materials
5. FAQs

1. Reclining Mechanism Safety Features

The internal mechanics of a recliner play a critical role in ensuring its safe operation. La-Z-Boy’s reclining systems are uniquely engineered to minimize the risk of injury or mechanical failure. 

While many recliners feature metal and wood framing, La-Z-Boy goes a step further by using solid steel rivets to reinforce the reclining mechanism. This addition helps ensure that key parts like the leg rest retain their integrity over time, even with frequent use.

Additionally, La-Z-Boy recliners are designed with automatic leg rest disengagement under pressure. 

“This safety feature is significant in homes with small children or pets,” says Vic. For example, if a child or pet pushes against the raised footrest, the mechanism will allow the leg rest to drop gently rather than resisting and causing a potential hazard.

Power recliners have similar built-in detection systems. If the recliner senses an obstruction underneath, such as a pet or an object, it halts its motion to avoid damaging the motor or causing injury. These thoughtful safety enhancements are built into both manual and power recliners as a standard.

2. Weight Capacity and Durability Testing

One of the most overlooked aspects of furniture safety is structural durability. La-Z-Boy conducts comprehensive weight and stress tests to confirm that their recliners can hold up under daily use.

Each La-Z-Boy recliner undergoes a minimum of 100,000 cycle tests where weight is applied and released repeatedly to simulate years of sitting and standing. These tests verify not just the strength of the seat and back but also the overall endurance of the frame and mechanical parts. As a result, most La-Z-Boy recliners can support up to 300 pounds comfortably.

Beyond weight capacity, recliners are also subjected to balancing tests. This is crucial to prevent the chair from tipping over when users recline fully or push against the armrests to stand. 

Thanks to La-Z-Boy’s four-sided hardwood frame, our recliners maintain a stable and grounded base, even when fully extended into a zero-gravity position. These additional tests ensure that the furniture will not flip or lean dangerously under normal usage conditions.

3. Power Furniture Backup and Emergency Features

Power recliners offer modern convenience but require thoughtful engineering to ensure continued operation during emergencies. La-Z-Boy addresses this concern with built-in safety measures that support users even in the event of a power outage.

Each La-Z-Boy power recliner includes a backup system that uses 9V batteries. These batteries allow the recliner to return to its upright position if there’s a loss of power. 

“This feature is especially valuable for individuals with limited mobility, who may otherwise struggle to exit the recliner without electric assistance,” says Vic.

For more robust protection, customers can also purchase rechargeable battery packs. These can store power and function independently of a wall outlet, giving users added peace of mind. When power is running low, the battery pack emits a series of alerts so you’ll know when it’s time to recharge.

It is recommended that 9V backup batteries be replaced once per year, and rechargeable packs be monitored regularly to ensure readiness in an emergency. These features not only protect the longevity of the recliner’s motor but also provide critical support for user safety in unpredictable situations.

To learn more about La-Z-Boy’s Rechargeable Battery Packs, take a look at this article.

4. Green Guard Certification and Non-Toxic Materials

In addition to physical safety, La-Z-Boy takes care to ensure its furniture supports a healthy indoor environment. All La-Z-Boy products are certified under the Greenguard Certification Program, which tests for and limits Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).

These emissions can contribute to poor indoor air quality and may cause allergic reactions, respiratory discomfort, or other long-term health effects, especially in children, pets, or those with chemical sensitivities. The Greenguard program certifies that La-Z-Boy furniture emits low levels of chemical substances, reducing the risk of indoor air pollution.

Some La-Z-Boy models go beyond the standard Greenguard label and achieve Greenguard Gold Certification. This enhanced designation is awarded to furniture that meets stricter criteria, helping limit over 360 known chemical emissions. 

If you’ve ever noticed a strong smell after unpacking new furniture, that scent is often due to VOCs being released. With Greenguard-certified furniture, you can rest assured that La-Z-Boy has taken steps to minimize those risks.

To learn more about the potential toxins in La-Z-Boy furniture, check out our article Is La-Z-Boy Furniture Toxic?

FAQs

What happens if the power goes out while I’m using a La-Z-Boy power recliner?
La-Z-Boy power recliners feature 9V backup batteries that allow you to return the chair to an upright position in the event of a power outage. Rechargeable battery packs are also available as an upgrade.

Are La-Z-Boy recliners safe for homes with children and pets?
Yes. Both manual and power recliners include safety mechanisms that detect pressure and disengage or stop movement to avoid accidents involving children or pets. To learn more about Pet-Friendly Furniture, take a look at this article.

How are La-Z-Boy recliners tested for durability?
Recliners undergo a minimum of 100,000 pressure cycles to test strength and endurance. Additional tests verify tip resistance and overall frame stability.

What is Greenguard Certification, and why does it matter?
Greenguard Certification ensures that furniture meets chemical emissions standards. This helps maintain better indoor air quality by reducing exposure to harmful VOCs.

What's Next?

Now that you’ve learned about the extensive safety measures behind every La-Z-Boy recliner, you can feel more confident in choosing a product that’s built to protect your family, not just comfort them.

If you’d like to see these safety features up close, visit us at a local Ottawa, Gatineau or Kingston location to get started today. If you prefer to plan in advance, schedule an appointment online.

Our design consultants are trained to match the right furniture to your room layout, comfort preferences, and personal style. And with complimentary interior design services, there's no risk in exploring your options with a little help.

To learn more about La-Z-Boy sofas in general, take a look at our comprehensive Sofa Buyer’s Guide.

Related Links:

What You Need to Know About La-Z-Boy Ottawa, Gatineau & Kingston’s Protection Plan

Rocking Recliner vs. Wall Recliner

Review of La-Z-Boy’s Premier Construction