
How To Assemble Your Recliner?
The significant advantage of assembling your own recliner is that you get what you want instead of paying for features that don’t matter to you or trying to get the most value from a budget-conscious purchase. Customization also makes it possible to get a perfect fit for your body type and level of comfort preference.
Recliners offer benefits such as helping people recover from injuries, relieving stress on sore joints, or simply providing quality time. This article discusses how to assemble your own recliner.
Table of Contents
Preparations before assembling
In this article, I will discuss how to assemble a wing-back armchair. Generally, most wing-back or wing-style recliners consist of two components – back and seat cushions – attached by a ratchet system that allows for infinite adjustment between them. I recommend you start by making sure all tools required for assembly are within easy reach when assembling your own recliner with this type of mechanism. Check out the instruction manual to understand what instrument you will need for this process.
Before beginning assembly:
- Read all safety information provided with your recliner or in its instruction manual.
- Follow any recommendations for placement, such as keeping pets off the chair until it has fully hardened.
- Consider removing nearby objects that may cause injury if you fall against them.
- Be aware of possible pinch points between moving parts and keep your hands away from these during assembly or while the chair is in motion.
Make sure you have enough uninterrupted space where you’ll assemble your recliner before starting work. This will allow room to move around freely without the risk of damaging furniture or knocking over items like lamps or potted plants. If you have a dedicated assembly space, clear away all tools and materials from this area before starting work.
First step
Ensure the floor is clean and dry, then spread an absorbent sheet or tarpaulin to protect it. Stand the two back cushions upright on the sheet with their backs touching.
Second step
Take one of these cushion frames (which includes armrests) and tilt it forward until its bottom edge is flush with the front edge of the larger cushion’s frame. On some models, this will reveal screw holes that now need to be aligned; others may not yet be wholly joined together at this point, so they’ll remain separate as if in transit. Look for a button or handle on the front edge of one cushion frame and release it.
Third step
Lift up the seat cushion, then slip this button into the corresponding hole in the back cushion’s frame. Some models will already be joined at this point, so they’ll form a single unit as if they were only one part. Press them together until their edges are flush, then re-insert any locking buttons or handles you released earlier.
Fourth step
Position the base of your recliner chair over these two frames so its front edges align with theirs. Make sure there’s enough space for it to fold out thoroughly without hitting nearby furniture, people, or pets who may be standing around watching proceedings.
Fifth step
Push down firmly but carefully on both sides of each armrest (or any other parts you’ll find that come into contact with furniture), then rock the unit forwards and backward until their points of contact become flush. These points include the top and bottom surfaces and the front and back edges.
Sixth step
Double-check all fluid levels in your recliner’s cylinder (which contains gas) before using it. Overtightening may result in damage to this part; under-tightening can make it difficult to close or open your chair. Instead, follow instructions provided by the manufacturer for your specific model, which are likely to be outlined in your instruction manual or on an attached sticker or card.
Seventh step
Check whether your recliner has a power button before turning it on. Not plug it into a nearby power supply and check whether it works this way before assembling the rest of its parts.
Eight step
Sit in your recliner and test out all motions (raise/lower, tilt back, slide forward). If anything doesn’t work as intended or makes an unusual noise, switch it off immediately and investigate by tracing each cable to its source. This will likely be a joint mechanism like an armrest which you can tighten by hand if necessary.
Ninth step
Once you’re satisfied and everything is working correctly, position the smaller back cushion at the chair’s rear edge. After that, turn your attention to its front edge. Most models have two vertical rows of buttons corresponding with two holes in each frame section that hold these cushions together. Press down firmly on both sides of each control, then rock the pillow back and forth until its points of contact become flush.
Tenth step
If your recliner has a footrest, position this next. Many have their own buttons to lock it open or closed, so follow these instructions as necessary. Some models can be folded out from below, so you don’t need to do anything if that’s the case.
Eleventh step
Push down firmly on any armrests you’ve found to be loose or stiff during testing, so they lean towards their back cushions – this should cause screw caps to stand up slightly, which will now need turning anticlockwise until they’re fully detached from the front edge of your base. Continue pushing down on armrests until these screw caps stop resisting, then turn them clockwise to lock them back into position.
Twelfth step.
Place your recliner where it’ll be used, then review the front edge of its base. Most models have some form of crossbar running across this edge which will need removing; others may require you to detach locking buttons/handles on armrests before letting their seat cushions drop entirely. Follow these instructions as provided by the manufacturer, but make sure it’s not resting on your power cable first!
Thirteenth step
Position yourself on either side of your chair and pull each cushion forward slightly off its frames, then rock them back and forth until they become flush with these sections. You can now sit down in your best recliner without any problems! However, keep an eye out for any loose parts or buttons that might impede its motions. If necessary, tighten these by hand without applying too much pressure until you’ve got it right.
Fourteenth step
Congratulations, now sit back and use your recliner as you usually would make yourself comfortable! Make sure to try out all of its components before leaving it unattended. Also, make sure to use your power switch the correct way round; otherwise, gas may leak into your room which is hazardous if not dealt with quickly. If this happens, leave the room at once and open any nearby windows until you can’t smell anything anymore or safety personnel arrives.
FAQ
Do recliners come apart for moving?
Yes, most recliners can be taken apart for easy transport and moving. However, some models may not come apart and must be moved as one piece. Check your product’s manual or contact the manufacturer to see if your specific model can be disassembled.
What are the different parts of a recliner?
Recliners typically have five main parts: the backrest, the seat, the leg rest, the armrests, and the base. Some parts, like the base, may be different on electric recliners.
How do you disassemble a recliner?
To disassemble a recliner:
- Start by removing any loose cushions or pillows.
- Unscrew the backrest from the seat and set it aside.
- Remove the leg rest by unscrewing it from the base.
- Disconnect the armrests from the seat and base. Once all the parts are disconnected, you can easily move and transport the recliner.
The main tool you’ll need for disassembling a recliner is a screwdriver. You may also need a power drill if your recliner has electric components.
Can I assemble my recliner at home by myself?
Although there are professionals who can do it for you, most people find that they can easily assemble their recliner at home without any help. The process is typically straightforward and only requires a few simple tools, like a screwdriver. Plus, there’s the owner’s manual that comes in handy.
If you’re still unsure, plenty of online resources and videos can walk you through the process step-by-step.
How long does it take to assemble a recliner?
It usually only takes around 30 minutes to an hour to assemble a recliner. However, the time can vary depending on the model and your level of experience. Besides, if you have more helping hands, the task can be done more quickly.
Conclusion
Enjoy your new recliner! With a bit of common sense and effort, this will be one of the most relaxing pieces of furniture in your home within a matter of minutes.
Thank you for reading this piece. I hope it was interesting for you and you gained some insights about it.