Do All Recliners Come Apart? Guide to Dismantle a Recliner

Every time you try to move your recliner or try to fit it through the door frame, the first thing that comes to your mind is do all the recliners come apart. Moving a big structure can be hectic especially when you are alone. Here tricks like taking a recliner apart can make things easier for you.

In this post, I’ll try to answer this question and share some tips and tricks to help you take different types of recliners apart.

Do All Recliners Come Apart? – Detailed Guide

Yes, almost all recliners come apart. In fact, most recliner sofas come fully disassembled and you need to put all these parts together with connecting units. Some recliner couches come with slideable parts. For instance, a seat and armrest slide over each other and get locked in place.

Steps To Take Recliner Parts Apart

Depending upon the design and manufacturing there are different ways of assembling and taking a recliner apart. If you want to dismantle a recliner sofa take a look at this guide. These steps will help you take all the parts of the recliner apart and then put them together.

1. Read the Assembly Manual

Carefully read the instruction manual that came with your recliner. If it was delivered fully or partially assembled you can search for the assembly manual online also. Product-specific installation guides will let you know what kind of connectors and hardware your recliner uses. It will help you arrange the tools accordingly.

2. Understand Recliner Working Mechanism

There are 4 main parts of a recliner: cases, backrest, footrest, and armrest. These parts usually come in pairs called sliders. Two parts make a slider for the right side and another for the left side. Follow these steps to dismantle a recliner:

3. Cut off Electricity

If you own the power recliner, unplug power recliner before you begin the disassembly process.

4. Remove the Base Bars

In most recliners, the sliders are attached to each other with base bars. These are the levers that are screwed at the base holding the main units of the recliner together. You will need a screwdriver to unfasten these bars. Flip your recliner so that you can easily locate the screws.

Some recliners use a fabric covering attached at the back and bottom. It is attached to the sofa through strong Velcro panels. Remove it to get access to all the detachable levers and screws. Before removing the final lever make sure you have a support structure to hold the sliders that will fall apart.

5. Detach Armrests and Footrests

Once you have taken the slider apart, it is time to remove the armrest and footrest or leg-rest. Tilt the slider or flip it to see the hardware that is holding these parts together. Once you have access to all its hardware, start removing the screws. A flathead screwdriver will do the job in most cases.

If the footrest is extendable, extend it to see the hinges through which it is attached. Unfasten the nuts and screws holding parts like spring seats, consoles, supportive cushions, etc. You can also read a detailed guide to fix a recliner footrest.

6. Remove The Backrest

This is the trickiest part of the process. Tilt the recliner in a way so that you can see its rear. Lift the upholstery and keep it in the way so that the base of the sofa should be facing upward. It will give you direct access to the inner panel. Some recliners come with separate back panels that need to be removed first.

You need tools according to the type of hardware holding the back panels with the recliner. It can be big screws or snaps. The backrest of the recliner is attached to the seat with locking levers. When you remove the fabric attached through velcro panels at back and bottom these levers will be exposed. All you need to detach the backrest from the seat by lifting the lever upward.

Pro Tips about Recliners That Come Apart

Document the Process

You need to document the disassembly process for a quick and easy assembly later. Take pictures at each step and write important things so that you remember how all parts were attached together.

Segregation of the Parts

Proper segregation of the parts is an important part of the process. While dismantling the chair, use different storage bags with proper labeling. You need to arrange different types of hardware like washers, snaps, nuts, screws, and bolts. Count everything and organize it in different bags.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all reclining couches come apart?

Yes, almost all reclining couches come apart. Recliner couches come fully or partially disassembled and you can dismantle all their parts if you have the right tools in hand.

Can you take back off the recliner?

Yes, you can take back off the recliner. Tilt the recliner in a way that the connecting hardware is exposed to you. The back is attached to the seat with locking levers. Lift the lever up to take the backrest apart.

How do you take a 2-seater recliner apart?

First, you need to take the sliders apart. Then remove the armrest and footrest for each sider. In the final step, you need to detach the backrest from the seat.

What do I have to pay attention to when disassembling a recliner?

While disassembling a recliner you need to pay attention to the hardware organization. You need to organize the hardware like nuts, snaps, bolts, sliders, hinges, and screws in different bags. Also, you must ensure that nails and screws do not come in contact with the upholstery.

Final Remarks to Dismantle Recliner Sofa

So, now it’s clear that we can disassemble almost all recliners. I’m hopeful that this guide will help you disassemble your recliner couch. This guide covers the general guidelines. For more specific guidelines you need to read the instruction manual provided by the manufacturer. If you are unable to figure out the assembly of the recliner I advise you to go for expert help to avoid any damage.