How To Dismantle a 3-Seater Recliner Sofa

Ian Mutuli
Updated on
Ian Mutuli

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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Your living room is the most critical place in the house because it is where you welcome your guests. Undoubtedly, you want that living space always to look classy, comfortable, and stylish. The best sofa brands will help you transform your living room into a haven of comfort and style.

You need the right furniture, an excellent color scheme, and a perfect set-up to enhance aesthetics and comfort. When you spice these up with reclining sofas, your sitting room becomes a small heaven on earth. A 3 seater recliner creates a perfect place to binge-watch your favorite tv show or read a book, and if you wish, match the sofa with the living room furniture décor or favorite coffee table.

What Is A 3 Seater Recliner Sofa?

A 3-seater recliner sofa is a space-efficient, comfortable seat that provides much more sitting space to the family, unlike individual seats on the standard sofa.

Recliner sofas

Image Credits: Furniturepalacekenya.com

While sitting on a couch, feel comfortable; you feel much more comfortable sitting on a recliner sofa’s seats. The chair is adjustable and equipped with features to select the reclining angle.

A reclined sofa

Image Credits: Furniturepalacekenya.com

These sofas are designed with various mechanisms lacking in your regular sofa. For instance, you can set it up to recline partially or only a section of it so you can relax in a much better posture. The latest models have a footrest at the bottom of the sofa where you can place your legs.

A partially reclined sofa

Image Credits: Indiamart.com

This, too, can be lowered or raised to suit your feet’ position. If you are suffering from back aches and joint pains or are expectant, you may find recliner sofas helpful in keeping you in a relaxing angle.  

What Are The Different Parts Of A 3 Seater Recliner Sofa?

The recliner sofa is made of different parts that work harmoniously to bring you the comfort you desire.

1. The Recliner Frame

The Recliner Frame

Image Credits: Bestsuppliers.en.made-in-china.com

The recliner frame is made of plywood or hardwood as the base bars, the sofa’s main body, and raw material. This material is cut to the proper shape before being reinforced using metal bolts to remain stable even when tilted. The frame’s base bar must be strong for the seat to live long, so it is usually made of hardwood plywood.

2. Internal Cable

Internal Cable

Image Credits: Aliexpress.com

The internal cable structure makes the electric recliner turn the seat backs of the sofa to achieve automatic angles downward position. This structure is what allows the seat backs the backrest to tilt. The internal cable is attached to a lever or handle to function.

3. Spring and Rear Levers Construction

The sofa recliner uses two main springs: the recoil spring and the zigzag spring. The recoil spring makes it recline while the zigzag one stabilizes it.

The recoil spring

Image Credits: Desertcart.co.ke

You apply pressure to the springs. When you relax, carefully slide the recliner backrest backward. The pressure exerted on the spring makes it compress smoothly and tilt.

The zigzag spring

Image Credits: Woxin-accessories.en.made-in-china.com

On the other hand, rear locking levers are located on the rear seams on one side of the seat. With the locking lever, you adjust the chair to achieve a final balance.

4. Recliner Rocker

Recliner Rocker

Image Credits: Walmart.com

The recliner’s rocker arm has many panels to help you achieve the proper tilt angle. So it does not depend on other parts or act with the actions of different parts. The rocker panels inner frame is held together using many cross bars and bolts for stability.

5. Footstool

Footstool

Image Credits: Furniturepalacekenya.com

The footrest is a reference point at the center console or bottom of the sofa, where you place your legs. The footrest mechanism allows it to be raised or lowered to the proper position. Today’sToday’s footrests are made such that your foot can extend to the end of the footrest when it is raised.

Footstool in use

Image Credits: Jenniferfurniture.com

The footrest is designed to make your legs hang in the air to enable you to distribute your weight evenly when sitting on the recliner sofa.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Dismantle

You need the following tools to start the disassembly process easily.

  • Flathead and Philips screwdriver
  • Allen wrench
  • Pliers
  • Hammer
  • Tape measure
  • Ziplock bags
  • Furniture sliders

If you are ready with all the required tools, follow these instructions on dismantling a 3-seater recliner sofa.

1. Remove the seat cushions

Removing the cushions

Image Credits: Furniturefair.net

Take out the cushions and upholstery before turning the sofa upside down. Once upside down, tilt the sofa forward and look for locking mechanisms such as Velcro strips or zipper closures. Remove the fasteners and place the cushions and upholstery in a safe place.

2. Detach the backrest

Detach the backrest

Image Credits: Youtube.com

To detach the sofa’s backrest, find the screws or bolts that hold parts, attach the backrest to the frame, and remove them using a screwdriver. Remember to keep track of the screws; thus, put them in a ziplock bag. Now, separate the screws holding the backrest from the frame.

3. Take off the armrest

Take off the armrest

Image Credits: Youtube.com

Since armrests are usually fastened with screws, visible nuts, and bolts, locate them and remove them cautiously. Without proper care, you could easily harm the frame or upholstery. Place the armrests safely aside.

4. Detach the seat section

Detach the seat section

Image Credits: Which.co.uk

Once you have removed other hardware from individual seats, the brackets, and armrests, take apart the seat components. These, too, could be held to the sofa’s frame with nuts and screws, depending on the type of recliner sofa you have. Avoid harming any part while detaching all the fasteners from the seat section.

5. Detach the footrest mechanism

Detach the footrest mechanism

Image Credits: Youtube.com

Remove the footrest of the base bar of the reclining chair before proceeding with the final bar of the dismantling. Examine carefully and lift it to see if any fasteners are holding it in place. Loosen and remove the fasteners and hold the mechanism carefully as it could contain moving parts and be heavy too.

6. Remove the reclining mechanism

Reclining Mechanism

Image Credits: Amers.ua

Removing the reclining mechanism could vary depending on the make of your two or three bars two-sitter reclining sofa. In most cases, the manufacturer usually includes instructions to do so. What’s common, however, is the bolts and screws used to fasten the sofa’s base reclining mechanism. Therefore, take caution at this stage as you continue with the dismantling process.

7. Disassemble the frame

Disassemble the frame

Image Credits: Youtube.com

Check if the last bar of the frame has any residual screws and bolts, and remove them. Separate the frame pieces carefully, noting the position of any connections or wires. You can refer to the manufacturer’s instructions or contact a specialist whenever you encounter problems.

What to Watch Out For When Dismantling a Three-seater Recliner Sofa

Recliner sofa

Image Credits: Allrecliner.com

You should use the right equipment and wear protective gloves when dismantling the reclining sofa. Do it in a well-lit room to safeguard your safety. Do not rush the process; it is helpful to refer to the manufacturer’s manual whenever you encounter problems.

Also important to remember to keep everything arranged while disassembling the three-sitter recliner sofa because you might need to fix the parts or transfer them afterward. Finally, remember to store all screws and bolts in a compact container or labelled ziplock bag, and wrap large parts like seat component armrests in a blanket or plastic bag to prevent damage.

Conclusion

It may be difficult if it is your first time dismantling a reclining sofa. However, this step by step instructions would make it easier if you follow them carefully while dismantling the seat. Always have essential tools to do the job, and remove part by part carefully until you finish.

Again, refer to the manufacturer’s manual whenever you encounter problems and always take safety precautions. Consider hiring a professional to disassemble your seat if you are dealing with a more complicated model. These have the skills and knowledge to finish the assignment successfully.

Ian Mutuli

About the author

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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