Recliner chairs have numerous benefits; every home aspires to have at least one. However, its portability may be challenging when it’s time to move, and you will likely have a hard time due to its bulkiness. But you don’t have to struggle because you can disassemble it.
Whether you have the best wall hugger or the best power recliner, you may want to move your chair upstairs or to a new house. Whatever the case, you should handle it carefully to ensure that it does not break due to its large size. So, in this guide, we shall discuss how to take the back off a recliner.
Let’s get started.
Types of Recliner Back
Before taking the back off a recliner, you need to know the type of back of your recliner chair. There are three common types, so be sure to know which type your recliner has. The three common types include;
a) Locking Tabs/Catches
Locking tabs hold the backs together into place. These can be removed with the use of a flathead screwdriver.
Catches snap to lock themselves into place automatically. This happens when the recliner’s back slides back on. This is usually more common in Lazy Boy recliners.
b) Locking Levers
Metal posts connect to the seat on both sides of the back. The brackets of the recliner chair slide onto the posts and are then secured. Flip the back to lock it into an appropriate position.
c) Bolted Backs
Bolted backs are not very common in recliners. These are held in place by securing them to the seat posts.
How to Take the Back Off a Recliner
1. Step one: Ensure your recliner has a removable back
Not all reclining furniture has removable backs, and before you get started working on yours, ensure it has a removable back. You can confirm by checking the back of the recliner at the corners near the bottom.
Image source: which.co.uk
If it has stitching between the back and bottom sections, then it cannot be removed. However, ensure the back is detachable if you notice velcro or any other removable features between the back and the recliner base.
2. Step Two: Find the attachment levers
Remove the back flap of the recliner to make access easy. Next, check both sides of the recliner between the base and the back for matching levers.
Image source: jenniferfurniture.com
The lever handles to control your recliner’s locking mechanism that keeps the back locked when in use. Pull the levers until you feel the back of the recliner gets released. This action frees the back of the recliner from being removed.
If you have had your recliner for some time, you may find it hard to remove the back. So, use a flathead screwdriver to loosen the lever and give it a wiggle to free that side.
3. Step Three: Remove the back of the recliner
Once you pull the two levers on both sides of the recliner, pull on the back of the recliner, and it should slide out smoothly. It is critical to ensure that you do not lift the back of the recliner before it is fully free.
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Lifting it before freeing both sides could make it hard to loosen the remaining side or could twist the bracket that is still attached. Once the back is safely removed, you can let it rest on the seat cushion for easy transportation. After reaching the destination, ensure you clean the recliner appropriately before use.
Frequently Asked Questions on How to Take the Back Off a Recliner
1. Can all recliner chairs be disassembled?
Most recliner chairs can be disassembled to make transportation easier. They mostly have detachable seat backs secured by locking levers. You can easily remove the back of a recliner chair by feeling in between the rear seams or lifting the back fabric panel. This helps release the levers and seas.
2. Do the backs of reclining sofas come off?
Reclining sofas can either have a permanent or removable back. If the back of a reclining chair is designed to be removable, it may require lifting or unlatching it from the sides of the sofa.
3. What are the parts of the recliner called?
Almost all recliners are self-explanatory in the names of their parts. They are also made of the same components, like hinges, moving frames, levers, springs, actuators, electric motors, and latches.
4. What are two-person recliners called?
A two-person recliner is called a double-seat recliner. It is a two-seat chair suitable for lovers. These recliners have a tilting mechanism and an extender that elevates the users’ legs.
5. Do recline sofas last?
Buying a high-quality recliner will likely serve you for 7-15 years, depending on the frequency of use. Proper care and maintenance also determine how long your recliner sofa lasts.
6. What are the disadvantages of recliner sofas?
Recliner sofas have various disadvantages that include;
- More expensive
- Bulky, hence takes up more space
- Need more maintenance and cleaning
- They offer fewer color, size, and style options
