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Urban Barn vs. La-Z-Boy: Which Furniture Retailer is Right for You?

June 29, 2025

Urban Barn vs. La-Z-Boy: Comparison of Furniture Retailers

Est. Reading Time: 9 Mins

When choosing the right furniture for your home, the decision often comes down to more than just aesthetics. It's about value, comfort, service, customization, and long-term satisfaction. In Eastern Ontario, Urban Barn and La-Z-Boy Ottawa, Gatineau & Kingston stand out as two prominent retailers offering distinct shopping experiences.

In this article, we’ll walk you through a detailed side-by-side comparison of these two stores, focusing on recliner quality, living room offerings, price and service structure, and design customization — all to help you decide which brand is the better fit for your unique furniture goals.

Key Takeaways: 

  • Urban Barn is ideal for modern, rustic design lovers looking for quick selections and trendy aesthetics.
  • La-Z-Boy excels in comfort-driven recliners, offering unmatched customization, recline technology, and in-house design services.
  • Both brands fall in the mid-to-high price range, but La-Z-Boy’s prices reflect more upgrades and lifetime value.
  • La-Z-Boy provides white-glove delivery, financing via Flexiti, and enhanced warranty options.
  • Urban Barn offers virtual design tools and PayBright financing but with fewer customization and reclining options compared to La-Z-Boy.

 

In This Article…


 

Brief Descriptions of Each Retailer 

Before we describe what each retailer provides regarding living room furniture, let’s take a look at each furniture retailer as a whole.

About Urban Barn 

Urban Barn was founded in 1990 in Manitoba, Canada. Its very first showroom was designed to feel like a rustic farmhouse in the middle of the city, which is a reflection of the brand's balance between cozy charm and urban flair.

Since its early beginnings, Urban Barn has grown to over 50 locations across Canada and employs more than 650 team members. The brand has become known for offering modern furniture solutions that feel both current and timeless.

Their design philosophy blends urban contemporary and modern rustic aesthetics, making it easy for customers to curate cohesive, stylish spaces that reflect a mix of natural textures and clean lines.

In their showrooms, you’ll find a well-rounded assortment of living room, dining room, bedroom, and home office furniture, along with a wide variety of home décor. Urban Barn’s curated collections allow shoppers to furnish multiple rooms with a consistent design language.

About La-Z-Boy Ottawa, Gatineau & Kingston 

La-Z-Boy is a trusted American furniture brand with over 90 years of history. Locally, the Ottawa, Gatineau, and Kingston stores have been owned by the Maxwell family since 2011. These locations are known for their personalized service and focus on comfort-first living room furniture, setting them apart from larger chains.

La-Z-Boy offers a range of recliners, sofas, sectionals, and accent chairs that prioritize comfort, function, and style. Customers can choose between manual or power reclining options and add features like adjustable lumbar support and headrests. With over 800 fabric and leather choices, customization is one of La-Z-Boy’s strongest advantages.

In addition to seating, La-Z-Boy carries occasional furniture through brands like Hammary, American Drew and Kincaid, helping customers design well-coordinated spaces. While the price point is higher than budget retailers, many view La-Z-Boy as a long-term investment due to its durability, craftsmanship, and local showroom expertise. To learn more about the Quality of La-Z-Boy Furniture, take a look at this article.

what to expect at La-Z-Boy guide

 

Where It's Made? 

Where furniture is made tells you a lot about a company. Let’s take a look at where La-Z-Boy and Urban Barn make their furniture items.

Where is Urban Barn Furniture Made? 

Urban Barn sources its furniture from a variety of locations, with a significant portion designed in Canada. While many of their upholstered and case goods are assembled or manufactured domestically, some product lines are imported to meet style and pricing demands. 

However, Urban Barn also relies on global manufacturing partners, especially for decor, lighting, and some smaller furniture items. This international sourcing allows them to offer a wide variety of trend-driven styles and materials that would be cost-prohibitive if produced entirely in Canada. These imported goods are typically held to the same quality standards as their Canadian-assembled counterparts.

Customers interested in origin specifics can often find product-by-product manufacturing details listed on Urban Barn’s website or product tags. Since manufacturing sources may vary by item or collection, it's advisable to ask directly in-store or during online support chats if "Made in Canada" is an important factor in your purchase decision.

 

Where is La-Z-Boy Furniture Made? 

La-Z-Boy takes pride in manufacturing its furniture, with most products for the North American market being produced in North America. 

The primary manufacturing location for La-Z-Boy's recliners, chairs, sofas, and sectionals sold in Ottawa, Gatineau and Kingston is in Dayton, Tennessee. This focus on North American production ensures high-quality craftsmanship and materials.

To find out more about Where La-Z-Boy Furniture is Made, take a look at this article.

 

Customization Options 

Customization can be significant for customers looking to create a personalized living space.

Urban Barn Customization Options 

Urban Barn offers customization on select furniture like sofas, sectionals, ottomans, and armchairs. Customers can choose from a curated range of fabrics and finishes, making it easy to personalize pieces while sticking to current design trends.

The process is streamlined and user-friendly, with design associates helping customers explore swatches and models in-store. While the options are somewhat limited, they focus on style and simplicity.

Urban Barn’s customization does not include structural changes or frame alterations, making it ideal for those wanting style flexibility without the complexity of full custom design.

La-Z-Boy Customization Options 

In contrast, La-Z-Boy offers extensive customization options, especially for upholstered furniture. With over 800 fabrics and leathers to choose from, customers can create a personalized look that fits their style. 

Additionally, La-Z-Boy offers various upgrades, including cushion density, leg styles, wood finishes, nailhead trim, and reclining options with power upgrades. These customizable features come at an additional cost, but they allow for a more tailored and unique product.

To learn more about Custom Furniture at La-Z-Boy, take a look at this article.

 

Interior Design Services 

Interior design services can help customers create a cohesive and stylish living space, whether they choose customizable furniture or not.

Urban Barn Interior Design Services 

Urban Barn offers free interior design services through its Virtual Design Studio, allowing customers to work one-on-one with a design consultant to bring their space to life. This service is ideal for anyone looking for personalized guidance on how to style and furnish their home using Urban Barn products.

The process begins with a virtual consultation where customers share their preferences, room measurements, and photos. Based on this information, the design team creates a customized mood board, layout suggestions, and curated product recommendations tailored to the client’s style and budget. This can help simplify decision-making and avoid costly design mistakes.

La-Z-Boy Interior Design Services 

La-Z-Boy provides a more hands-on approach with its complimentary interior design services. Customers can schedule an appointment or a virtual call with a La-Z-Boy interior designer to receive personalized furniture and design recommendations. 

These services include a complete room design, mood board, and 3D model, allowing customers to visualize their space before purchasing.

To learn more about La-Z-Boy’s Interior Design Services, take a look at this article.

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Cost Comparison 

The furniture cost can vary significantly depending on the quality of materials and craftsmanship.

Generally, La-Z-Boy’s furniture falls within the market’s mid to high price range. In contrast, Urban Barn is known for its affordability, with its furniture falling in the low-mid price range. Nonetheless, both furniture stores are great examples of shopping for good-quality furniture in Canada.

Furniture Type

Urban Barn Price Range

La-Z-Boy Price Range

Recliner

$599 – $3,200

$1,199 – $3,000+

Sofa

$1,199 – $3,400

$1,999 – $7,000+

Sectional

$2,499 – $6,300

$3,499 – $10,000+

Please note that La-Z-Boy prices listed in this article are subject to change without notice. Information is current as of May 15th, 2025. Contact your local Ottawa, Gatineau or Kingston location by phone or in person for up-to-date pricing.



Warranty Coverage 

A robust warranty can provide peace of mind, ensuring the longevity of your furniture investment.

Urban Barn Warranty Coverage 

Urban Barn includes a standard manufacturer’s warranty with most furniture, typically covering structural components like frames and springs for 1 to 5 years, depending on the item.

For added protection, they offer the Diamond Kote™ 5-Year Extended Protection Plan, which covers accidental stains, rips, tears, and burns. This plan is available for purchases over $599 and must be added at checkout.

Warranty claims are handled through Urban Barn’s customer service. Customers should keep their receipts and report issues promptly for support with repairs or replacements.

La-Z-Boy Warranty Coverage 

La-Z-Boy is known for the quality and durability of its furniture, which is reflected in its warranty offerings. All La-Z-Boy furniture comes with a Limited Lifetime Warranty covering the frame, springs, and mechanical parts for life, with additional coverage for other components lasting 1-3 years. An Extended Protection Plan is available for up to five years of accidental damage at an additional cost.

 

Delivery Services 

Both retailers offer delivery services, but there are notable differences in their approaches and costs.

Urban Barn Delivery Services 

Urban Barn offers White Glove Delivery for around $199, which includes unpacking, assembly, and in-home setup. It’s ideal for customers who want a seamless delivery experience.

They also provide a Threshold Delivery option for about $89, where items are dropped off at the front door without setup,  great for smaller items or DIY-minded customers.

Deliveries are scheduled with advance notice, and customers are encouraged to inspect items upon arrival to report any damage right away.

La-Z-Boy Delivery Services 

La-Z-Boy offers a comprehensive white glove delivery service that includes setup, assembly, and disposal of old furniture at an additional cost. Local delivery within Ottawa, Gatineau & Kingston costs $129.99, with out-of-town delivery at $169.99. 

For an additional fee of $25 per furniture piece, we can assist with either moving out old furniture from different rooms or bringing it to the curb.

Additionally, we offer the option to dispose of any old furniture in a local landfill at an extra charge of $50 / per furniture seat. 

To learn more about delivery at La-Z-Boy, check out our delivery service page: La-Z-Boy Ottawa, Gatineau and Kingston Furniture Delivery Service.

 

Where to Buy (Ottawa, Gatineau & Kingston) 

If you're shopping locally, here’s where you can find Urban Barn and La-Z-Boy furniture:

Urban Barn Location 

  • 71 Marketplace Ave L2, Ottawa
  • 590 Industrial Ave Unit #1, Ottawa
  • 5487 Hazeldean Rd Unit 3, Ottawa
  • 656 Gardiners Rd Unit 18, Kingston

La-Z-Boy Locations 

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What's Next?

La-Z-Boy has over 90 years of experience in furniture. There’s a reason La-Z-Boy is the number one selling recliner in North America. The quality and variety of La-Z-Boy recliners will ensure you find the perfect match for your needs.

If you’re still not sure which one to choose, you can check out our recliners or contact us today. We’re happy to answer your recliner pricing questions at any one of our La-Z-Boy furniture stores in Ottawa, Gatineau or Kingston.

We know that functionality is essential in building a comfortable life, not just a stylish one. That is why we offer a complimentary in-home design service should you need help designing the room of your dreams!

To learn more about La-Z-Boy furniture, take a look at our comprehensive Living Room Furniture Buyer’s Guide.

 

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