OP
Recliner
- Thread starter boykinlp
- Start date
There is a retired Lazy Boy repairman on YouTube. He has a number of different videos showing how to repair broken couches and recliners. I used one to help me reassemble one that I have when the base broke.
Not only the repairs in the manuals, but handy shortcuts as well.
That piece is part of the footrest mechanism.
Not only the repairs in the manuals, but handy shortcuts as well.
That piece is part of the footrest mechanism.
Our fabric-covered La-Z-Boy love seat with dual manual recliners is over 20 years old and still looks good works perfectly. It's so sturdy that the loss of a piece of the mechanism hasn't affected it at all. A few years ago, this item fell out (the Shield did not fall out, it's there for reference.):
I don't know what it is, but our La-Z-Boy doesn't seem to miss it. However, if you need a 200 lb. recoil spring I can send it to you.
And I agree about the bonded "leather". I had a beautiful desk chair with bonded leather I had to discard after only about 5 years because its bonded "leather" upholstery completely disintegrated.
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OP
Well, I went out this afternoon and looked at 3 places. I went to Ashley Furniture first because they had 2 chairs online that checked ALL the boxes. When I got there, a salesman met me at the front door, of course. I showed him the pictures of the 2 chairs which I had saved to "My Wishlist". He asked me to follow him, which I did, to an area with a bunch of different recliners. As he walked through them looking at the tags on some, he exclaimed that he no longer had those 2 chairs.
He only had 1 Manual wall hugger recliner in stock and it was junk. If I placed my hand on the top corner of the back of any chair and pulled back slightly, the back would kinda twist like it was trying to recline. It felt extremely flimsy and cheap!
The second place I went was rooms to go. They only had 4 manual wall hugger recliners that didn't rock or swivel, and ALL of them were the tiny style chairs built for women. I saw a larger very plush chair and sat in it. It was huge, leather, and very comfortable, but it rocked. The salesman said that it was a La-z-boy and called "The Shaq", built to Shaquille O'neal's specifications! It was nice and expensive. Then, the salesman actually told me that they got their La-z-boy chairs from across the street at the La-z-boy store, and said that I should go over there because they had a lot more chairs, and could build whatever I wanted. I was almost shocked that he did that.
I went across the street to the La-z-boy store, and when I walked in I was greeted by a salesman, of course. I couldn't believe how many chairs they had on display! By the time I got there, I was getting short on time, but the salesman showed me a few different chairs that checked all the boxes, some he actually had in stock for carry out purchase. I sat in them, one was too narrow, but the rest were large enough. I didn't really care for the fabric used on the few that I sat in that were made from it. The leather ones were comfortable, and I brought up my reluctance to buy leather wondering about their durability. He even showed me "The Shaq" chair too. He said that ALL their chairs were made of "top grain" leather(?), and that most of the chair was leather.
I asked what parts weren't leather and he said the sides and the front of the arms weren't leather, but basically everywhere you touched when sitting in one, was leather. He stated that I could buy a chair that was completely leather, but it was more expensive. He also said they had a warranty on their chairs, 5 years on leather and 10 years on fabric, and I believe lifetime on the mechanism. I forgot to ask the cost, but feel sure it is an additional cost except for the mechanism. Since I was in a hurry and had to leave, he told me that basically if I found one of their chairs, that was comfortable, that he could have it built with many different fabrics/colors or leather in different colors, and whatever mechanism I wanted. It only takes money!
Unfortunately, it will take 6-8 weeks to get a chair built. I think I will go back tomorrow. With as many chairs as they have, it might take hours to check them out.
Larry
He only had 1 Manual wall hugger recliner in stock and it was junk. If I placed my hand on the top corner of the back of any chair and pulled back slightly, the back would kinda twist like it was trying to recline. It felt extremely flimsy and cheap! The second place I went was rooms to go. They only had 4 manual wall hugger recliners that didn't rock or swivel, and ALL of them were the tiny style chairs built for women. I saw a larger very plush chair and sat in it. It was huge, leather, and very comfortable, but it rocked. The salesman said that it was a La-z-boy and called "The Shaq", built to Shaquille O'neal's specifications! It was nice and expensive. Then, the salesman actually told me that they got their La-z-boy chairs from across the street at the La-z-boy store, and said that I should go over there because they had a lot more chairs, and could build whatever I wanted. I was almost shocked that he did that.
I went across the street to the La-z-boy store, and when I walked in I was greeted by a salesman, of course. I couldn't believe how many chairs they had on display! By the time I got there, I was getting short on time, but the salesman showed me a few different chairs that checked all the boxes, some he actually had in stock for carry out purchase. I sat in them, one was too narrow, but the rest were large enough. I didn't really care for the fabric used on the few that I sat in that were made from it. The leather ones were comfortable, and I brought up my reluctance to buy leather wondering about their durability. He even showed me "The Shaq" chair too. He said that ALL their chairs were made of "top grain" leather(?), and that most of the chair was leather.
I asked what parts weren't leather and he said the sides and the front of the arms weren't leather, but basically everywhere you touched when sitting in one, was leather. He stated that I could buy a chair that was completely leather, but it was more expensive. He also said they had a warranty on their chairs, 5 years on leather and 10 years on fabric, and I believe lifetime on the mechanism. I forgot to ask the cost, but feel sure it is an additional cost except for the mechanism. Since I was in a hurry and had to leave, he told me that basically if I found one of their chairs, that was comfortable, that he could have it built with many different fabrics/colors or leather in different colors, and whatever mechanism I wanted. It only takes money! Unfortunately, it will take 6-8 weeks to get a chair built. I think I will go back tomorrow. With as many chairs as they have, it might take hours to check them out. Larry
OP
I forgot to tell you in the long post above, that when I was at La-z-boy, the salesman asked me what brand my recliner was that lasted 26 years. I told him that I couldn't remember and couldn't find any tag on it when I had it flipped over. He asked if I had checked on the wooden reclining handle? I hadn't. When I got home, I checked, and it was……….LA-Z-BOY! That would've made him happy!!
Before you ask, I got really excited when I saw that my chair was a La-z-boy because of their lifetime warranty on the mechanism.
But, after looking online at the requirements, you must be the original owner, which I am, and have the original receipt, which I don't for a 26 year old chair!
Larry
Before you ask, I got really excited when I saw that my chair was a La-z-boy because of their lifetime warranty on the mechanism.
But, after looking online at the requirements, you must be the original owner, which I am, and have the original receipt, which I don't for a 26 year old chair!Larry
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ACORN
Member
My wife suggested a new recliner for me for Christmas, but my main concern is my daughter's (who recently moved in) 2 cats.
I have owned one recliner way back in the 20th century. I refuse to buy another because I have solid (FMA) information that the Grim Reaper has accessed the home addresses of all owners. I plan to not be in one when he knocks Joe
JoeSame here..........My big Lazy Boy is great to take naps in....
I forgot to tell you in the long post above, that when I was at La-z-boy, the salesman asked me what brand my recliner was that lasted 26 years. I told him that I couldn't remember and couldn't find any tag on it when I had it flipped over. He asked if I had checked on the wooden reclining handle? I hadn't. When I got home, I checked, and it was……….LA-Z-BOY! That would've made him happy!!
Before you ask, I got really excited when I saw that my chair was a La-z-boy because of their lifetime warranty on the mechanism.
Larry
Call them anyway and act surprised, maybe a little shocked, that anybody would keep a receipt for 1/4 of a century.
A little bit of acting may melt the heart of the warranty department (in this season of good will, it may happen).
My recliner has given up the ghost after a mere 26 years! They just don't make 'em like they used to!
Larry
I looked around at all the local stores looking for a good replacement for my last LazyBoy recliner. In this house we refer to it as the "bad chair", sit down and kick back and your gonna be asleeep. The old one crapped out after 20+ years, mechanical issue not worth repairing. We had some good hits at another store that makes a good chair, went back to LaZyBoy and talked some more, the guy had a chair for a taller person with higher back...been on the floor a couple months, talked them down a couple hundred and am very happy with the new bad chair. The last one wasn't a LazyBoy...Lazyboys have a different action, once mine is any recline position it doesnt allow me to back off without going back to beginning. Another Lazybody pecularity is if you just let the lever go and slam it down it will slam it down right now, KaBang. I've learned to ease back down on the lever. It does adjust quite neatly once you start the recline operation and there are subtle nuances you will learn about that makes it a nicer chair. When I'm sick I sleep in this bad boy. I'd buy another without looking anywhere else, kinda like the way I am with Toyotas.
My La-z-boy is the annoying transition version that did not become mainstream. No lever, no button, kick out to unlock and stretch out, with a spring loaded chair back up. Sit up to unlock. Only up and down positions.
DWalt
Member
Here in San Antonio, there are at least four used furniture resale stores near me. They carry only high quality furniture in top condition, and prices are about a third of retail. If there are any like them near you, they may be worth a look. I bought my recliner about eight years ago at Sam's Club, and I would buy another in an instant, except Sam's no longer carries that recliner. My favorite feature is the arm rests have hinged lids that open to store remotes, iPads, iPhones, and guns. Also has USB charging ports inside.
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There are several in Austin as well. We bought a good deal of good as new furniture from one of them. That included a very nice, never used day bed with a Tempurpedic mattress.
We also bought a brand new sleeper sofa from Lazy Boy. We paid extra for a Tempurpedic mattress so it's not like sleeping on a BBQ grill.
We also bought a brand new sleeper sofa from Lazy Boy. We paid extra for a Tempurpedic mattress so it's not like sleeping on a BBQ grill.
Fishinfool
Member
Just yesterday, I bought a new "Ashley" recliner. Frankly, I was shocked at the prices compared to the last time I looked at furniture - Just before Covid. More over $1000.00 than under it seemed. Really just to fill a space in the den, I didn't want to spend a lot of cash.
Ended up getting an $850.00 chair marked down to $650, plus I had a Boscov's 10% off flyer. Some were $2000.00 or more, and one had a built in fridge in one of the arms. Guess I am behind the times...lol
Larry
Ended up getting an $850.00 chair marked down to $650, plus I had a Boscov's 10% off flyer. Some were $2000.00 or more, and one had a built in fridge in one of the arms. Guess I am behind the times...lol
Larry
I want to speak up for the idea of getting a combination recliner and lift chair. Time and infirmities march on. I watched my mother deteriorate from Lou Gehrig's disease and she ended up needing the lift function. When I built my current house I had as many handicap/senior citizen amenities that I or my interior designer friend could think of put in my house in the initial construction, and they were there in place when I needed them after my knee surgery. When you need them it's nice to have them already there.
I have three La-Z-Boys here at the house. My original that is probably over 30 years old now, Dad's 15 year old leather, and my 20 year old small leather wall recliner that I absolutely love. Got it because floor space was at a premium in the smaller bedroom at the front of the house. It fits much better in the master bedroom now. We have a La-Z-Boy sleeper couch and double footrest love seat that I just don't like the blue checked tartan styling enough to keep. When I replace those it will likely be with La-Z-Boy products. Everything we have had from them has been good quality and long lasting.
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OP
I KNOW I wouldn't want 2 cats around my new recliner! My sister has a cat that used her new couch as a scratching post!
You may be correct, and I might try that later. You can't have too many recliners.
I forgot to tell you in the long post above, that when I was at La-z-boy, the salesman asked me what brand my recliner was that lasted 26 years. I told him that I couldn't remember and couldn't find any tag on it when I had it flipped over. He asked if I had checked on the wooden reclining handle? I hadn't. When I got home, I checked, and it was……….LA-Z-BOY! That would've made him happy!!
Before you ask, I got really excited when I saw that my chair was a La-z-boy because of their lifetime warranty on the mechanism.
Larry
Well, today I went back to the La-z-boy store with the intention of sitting in a bunch of their chairs and trying to find one that I felt comfortable in. Then I could have them build it to what I think I might like best. When I went in, I asked for my salesman from yesterday, and he wasn't there.
I told the sales lady that met me at the door about my plan to try out a bunch of chairs. After looking online last night, I had saved 4 chairs in particular to my wishlist that I definitely wanted to try. I told the sales lady the story about my 26 year old recliner turning out to be a La-z-boy. I also told her that I had happened to take a picture of my chair right before I left the house to show it to the salesman from yesterday. So, I decided to show it to her. She looked at it and said "that is our Astor model, and we still sell it today"! I was shocked! I told her I DEFINITELY wanted to check it out,
as I hadn't seen it while looking online. She showed me the 4 I had saved to my wishlist, and then said let me show you the Astor now. She had 2 on the sales floor but they were both rockers (which I can't use because they have to be too far from the wall to use the rocking feature), one with fabric, and one in leather. I sat in the fabric one first and as soon as I sat down, my posterior said "I am home!" If felt almost exactly like my 26 year old chair! The only thing I didn't like was that the fabric was too textured for me. The fabric on my old chair is smooth, kinda velour like. I next sat in the leather one. It too felt really nice to sit in, but it was much more expensive! After sitting in both, I decided two things. First, I wish I had enough room to be able to use the rocking version, because it was really relaxing sitting in it and rocking back and forth! Second, I was going to get another ASTOR recliner!The Black Friday sale reduced the price from $1619 to $1049. Believe it or not, the rocking model is on sale for $949, and changing it to a wall hugger version like I need is $100 more. I could have had the recliner built with a fabric that was almost identical to what I have now, but the extra cost on that almost killed the Black Friday price reduction. It would've cost $1449 to do that. I picked out a fabric that had the smooth feeling of what I have now in their Chestnut color. Doing that didn't add anything to the price.
I live in Greenville which is where the La-z-boy store is. Rock Hill, 100 miles away, is where they build their chairs closest to me. I told the sales lady that I wouldn't be paying to have the chair delivered, because I would get one of my nephews to help me pick it up at the store. Unfortunately, it doesn't work that way. I have 3 choices, pick it up in Rock Hill for no charge, pick it up at the store for $60, or have it delivered for $100. I decided to pick it up at the store. They also tried to "up sell" me on a couple of things.
I tried pretty hard to get it shipped to the store with no cost to me with no luck. I know I could have said, if you don't do it, then I won't buy anything, but I didn't. They, of course, wanted me to use their payment plan, which I turned down, and she tried to sell me a 10 year fabric protection plan for $114.98, which I also declined. She said that I would need to pay half the balance now and the other half when the chair was finished. I gave her my credit card and she left to process the payment and get my printed paperwork. When she came back, she said that she had "thrown in" the 10 year fabric protection plan. I appreciated that! Now, all I have to do, is wait 8-9 weeks for it to be built to my specifications.One thing that kinda stinks is how their warranty work is handled. If I have a problem with the chair that is under their lifetime warranty, I either have to take the chair to their ROCK HILL plant, almost 2 hours away, or they will send a technician to my house for $175!
The HUGE La-z-boy store that I was in has NO service department! The sales lady said that they had even gotten rid of their employee break room, turning it into more sales area, since the store had open years back, so there was no room for a service department. That's nuts to me, but what do I know.Anyway, I greatly appreciate all the help that you folks gave me, and I will let y'all know how I like my new recliner after I get it. I googled "How long does a La-z-boy recliner last?" last night. The answer was that they were "designed to last 7-10 years!" I BETTER GET 26 YEARS OUT OF MY NEW CHAIR LIKE I DID WITH MY OLD ONE!
Larry
MaxKimber
US Veteran
I had and loved a La-Z-Boy Cardinal model. After many years of service it was due to be replaced.
I visited La-Z-Boy and after many discussions found they still make the Cardinal, but you can't buy it on the USA...???
So I have been on the hunt for a suitable replacement too.
I visited La-Z-Boy and after many discussions found they still make the Cardinal, but you can't buy it on the USA...???
So I have been on the hunt for a suitable replacement too.
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