How to Disassemble a Recliner Chair Safely and Efficiently

Most recliners are designed in separate sections, making them easier to take apart for transport or maintenance. In this guide, we will walk you through the process step by step, explain the tools you may need, and share a few important safety tips along the way.

Recliner chairs are built for comfort—but their size and structure can make them difficult to handle in certain situations. Understanding why you may need to disassemble a recliner chair helps you decide when taking it apart is the smartest and safest option.

Here are the most common reasons:

Recliners are often bulky and won’t fit easily through narrow doorways, staircases, or hallways. Disassembling the chair—especially removing the backrest—can significantly reduce its size and make moving much easier.

Whether you're relocating to a new home or rearranging furniture, a fully assembled recliner can be heavy and awkward to carry. Breaking it down into smaller sections makes it safer to lift, load into a vehicle, and transport without damaging the chair or your walls.

Dust, crumbs, and debris can collect inside and underneath your recliner over time. Disassembling parts of the chair allows you to clean hard-to-reach areas and keep your furniture in better condition.

If your recliner isn’t functioning properly—such as a stuck footrest or broken reclining mechanism—you may need to take it apart to access and fix the internal components. Disassembly is often the first step in any repair process.

If you want to refresh the look of your recliner, replacing the fabric or padding usually requires partial disassembly. This allows better access to the frame and ensures a more professional result.

If you need to store your recliner temporarily, disassembling it can save space and make it easier to fit into storage units, closets, or garages.

Sometimes you may want to check the internal structure for wear and tear, especially in older recliners. Taking the chair apart helps you identify loose parts, rust, or potential issues before they become bigger problems.

You need the right tools to take apart a recliner chair. You do not need many special tools. Gather everything before you begin. These tools help with manual and electric recliners:

• Screwdriver set (flathead and Phillips)

• Adjustable wrench set

• Standard and needle-nose pliers

• Rubber mallet or soft-faced hammer

• Zip ties or cable ties for wires (for electric models)

• Plastic bags or containers for screws and bolts

• Painter’s tape for labeling parts and wires

• Small flashlight or headlamp for seeing in tight spots

Tip: Check the manufacturer’s instructions for any special tools. This is important for advanced models like AlivingHome recliner chairs.

Safety steps protect you and your chair. Unplug electric recliners before you start. This keeps you safe from electric shock. If your chair has a dual-motor system, disconnect all power sources first.

Make sure you have enough space to move around. Clear away anything that might get in your way. Keep pets and children away from the area. Wear safety goggles and gloves to protect your eyes and hands. Sturdy shoes help keep your feet safe if you drop heavy parts.

If the recliner is heavy, ask someone to help you lift it. Working with a partner makes things easier and safer. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your chair. These steps are important for all recliners, especially electric or lift models.

Note: Good lighting and a clean workspace help you stay organized and keep track of small parts.

These safety steps help you take apart your recliner chair safely and easily.

A good workspace makes the disassembly process safer and easier. Start by clearing a large area around the recliner. Move any furniture or objects that might get in your way. Good lighting helps you see small screws and parts. Open curtains or turn on extra lamps if needed.

Protect your floors by laying down an old sheet, tarp, or moving blanket. This prevents scratches and keeps small parts from rolling away. Gather all your tools and place them within reach. Use magnetic bowls or labeled plastic bags to keep screws and bolts organized. This step helps you find everything quickly when you put the chair back together.

Tip: For AlivingHome recliners with electric or dual-motor features, make sure to unplug the chair before moving it. This keeps you safe from electric shock.

Place the recliner in the center of your workspace. Make sure you have enough room to walk around the chair. If your recliner is heavy, ask someone to help you move it. This prevents injury and damage.

Before you start taking the chair apart, follow these steps:

1. Locate the manual. Check for any special instructions for your model.

2. Remove any loose cushions or pillows. Set them aside in a safe spot.

3. Inspect the chair. Look for screws, bolts, and clips that hold the parts together.

Take a close look at the back, sides, and base of the recliner. For AlivingHome models, pay attention to wires, motors, and control panels. Label any wires or connectors with painter’s tape. This makes reassembly much easier.

Note: Careful inspection helps you avoid missing hidden fasteners or damaging important parts.

A well-prepared workspace and a careful inspection set you up for a smooth and safe disassembly.

You need a good plan before you start taking apart a recliner. This guide shows you how to do it safely and quickly. Each step helps you keep track of parts and avoid breaking anything.

First, get the recliner ready to take apart. Here are the steps for removing cushions and coverings:

1. Turn the recliner over. Make sure you have space to reach under the chair.

2. Take off the fabric at the bottom. If you can remove it, pull it up to see the frame.

3. Take out each seat. Use a wrench to loosen bolts underneath and pull the seats apart.

4. Take off the back of the recliner. Lift the brackets inside to let the backrest slide off.

5. Put all parts in a safe place. Use painter’s tape and plastic bags to label and sort screws and bolts.

If you have an AlivingHome recliner, unplug it before you begin. Disconnect all power, especially if there are two motors. This keeps you safe from electric shock and protects the motors.

Tip: Use painter’s tape to label wires and connectors. This helps you put the chair back together later.

The backrest is an important part of the recliner. To take it off, find the fasteners that hold it in place. Many recliners use brackets or clips. Some have hidden latches under the fabric.

Look at the manual for your chair. AlivingHome recliners might have extra wires or control panels on the backrest. Unplug these carefully.

The table below lists common fasteners for the backrest:

Use a screwdriver or wrench to take out the fasteners. Lift the backrest gently and slide it off the brackets. If your recliner has electric parts, unplug any motor wires first.

Note: Be gentle with the backrest. Do not bend or twist the frame.

After you remove the backrest, work on the base and inside parts. Flip the chair again if you need to. Find bolts, screws, or clips that connect the base to the frame.

For AlivingHome recliners, look for two-motor systems. Unplug all motor wires and control panels. Use zip ties to keep wires neat. Take out bolts with a wrench. Pull the base and inside parts apart slowly.

Do not tighten bolts too much when putting the chair back together. Start bolts loosely to line up the parts right. Make sure all motor wires are plugged in before you finish.

Callout: Always read the manual for your chair. This helps you avoid mistakes and keeps your recliner safe.

It is important to keep parts organized when you take apart a recliner. Use labeled bags or boxes for screws, bolts, and clips. Wrap each part in padding so nothing gets scratched.

The table below shows good ways to store recliner parts:

Keep all parts in one safe place. This makes it easier to put the chair back together and keeps you from losing anything.

Tip: Put fasteners in small containers. Write labels on each bag with painter’s tape.

Taking apart a recliner takes time and care. Knowing what each part does and following the steps helps you do it without problems. This guide helps you feel sure about taking apart your recliner and getting it ready to put back together.

Riser recliner chairs have extra features that make them different from standard recliners. To disassemble a riser recliner chair, follow these steps:

1. Disconnect the chair from the power source. This keeps you safe from electric shock.

2. Remove the back cushions. Some cushions use zippers or Velcro, so check carefully.

3. Look for connecting mounts that hold the backrest. These may be hidden under fabric.

4. Use a flat-head screwdriver to loosen the mounts if they are tight.

5. Place the backrest on top of the seat cushion when moving a riser recliner chair. This helps protect the parts.

Taking photos before and during each step can help you remember where everything goes. Label all hardware and keep it in resealable bags. Tape each bag to the matching part so nothing gets lost.

Sometimes, you may find stuck or hidden fasteners when you disassemble a riser recliner chair. Here are some tips:

• Spray a little penetrating oil on rusted or stuck screws.

• Use the correct size screwdriver or wrench for each fastener.

• Check for fabric or padding that might hide screws or bolts.

• Make sure nothing blocks the parts from coming apart.

If you have trouble moving a riser recliner chair, ask for help. These chairs can be heavy because of their motors and frames.

Tip: Create an inventory list of all parts and hardware. This makes reassembly much easier.

When you finish, follow these steps to put the chair back together:

1. Assemble the base frame first. Attach the reclining mechanism and make sure it is secure.

2. Align and attach the footrest. Test it to see if it moves smoothly.

3. Finish by attaching the back. Make sure all locks are engaged and the backrest feels stable.

Check your photos and inventory list as you work. This helps you avoid mistakes and keeps your riser recliner working well.