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Home and Garden
Furniture
Chairs and Seating
Couches and Sofas
How to Dismantle a Recliner Sofa Download ArticleExplore this Article methods 1 Releasing Locking Levers 2 Removing Bolted Bars 3 Making Reassembly Easier Other Sections Expert Q&A Video Tips and Warnings Related Articles References Article Summary Co-authored by Bruna Coutinho
Last Updated: February 9, 2025 Approved
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This article was co-authored by Bruna Coutinho. Bruna Coutinho is a Cleaning Expert and owner of Bruna’s Cleaning Services based in Wilmington, Delaware. With over 10 years of experience and over 200 recurring customers, Bruna's Cleaning Services provides a variety of cleaning solutions to the DE, NJ, and PA areas. While boasting eco-friendly cleaning practices, some of Bruna’s specialties include Deep Cleaning, Commercial Cleaning, Post Construction Cleaning, and Airbnb Cleaning. In 2023, Bruna's Cleaning Services was voted a Neighborhood Fave on Nextdoor. There are 11 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 82% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 587,211 times.
There’s no need to worry if you need to move your bulky recliner sofa through a tight space. Most reclining sofas can be easily disassembled for stress-free transport. Many models have detachable seat backs, which are secured by locking levers. Lifting the back fabric panel or feeling in between the rear seams should enable you to release the levers and remove the seats. Some models also have removable bars bolted to the base that allow for further disassembly. To make things easier when it’s time to reassemble the sofa, take pictures as you take it apart, keep your hardware in plastic bags, and label your sofa’s disassembled components.
Steps
Method 1 Method 1 of 3:
Releasing Locking Levers
Download Article
1 Tilt the sofa forward and lift the rear upholstery strip. Lift the sofa forward so the back faces straight up into the air. Many upholstered sofas have a detachable back panel that you can lift to expose the inner frame. Locate and unfasten the hook-and-loop fastener strips or snaps that secure the fabric to the frame’s base, then lift up the upholstered panel.[1]XResearch source
2 Locate the rear locking levers. Check the frames on each side of the sofa’s seats for the locking levers. At each side of the sofa’s main body, around where the top of the arm and back join, you should see a metal lever pointing in a downward position. If your sofa has a center console, you should see levers on the frames between it and the seats.[2]XResearch source Advertisement
3 Feel for the locking levers between the rear seams. If your sofa doesn’t have detachable strips of fabric that expose the frame, stick your hands into the rear seams on the sofa’s left and right sides. Check the seams between the center console and seats, if any are present. Feel within the seams for the locking lever pointed in a down position.[3]XResearch source
4 Lift the locking levers to release the seat backs. Use a flat head screwdriver or, in a pinch, your fingertips to loosen and raise each lever and release the seat backs. After unlocking the levers, return the sofa to its normal position and carefully lift the back out of its frame.[4]XResearch source
If your sofa has a pair of seats divided by a center console, lift each individual seat and console back out of its housing.
Advertisement Method 2 Method 2 of 3:
Removing Bolted Bars
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1 Turn the sofa over to locate the base bars. Lift the sofa onto its front side so its back faces straight up toward the ceiling. Look under the sofa to see if it has base bars. If they’re present, you should see two or three bars screwed or bolted from one end of the sofa’s base to the other.[5]XResearch source
2 Unfasten the base bars’ bolts. Check the heads of the screws or bolts that secure the base bars. Use a drill with the appropriate bit to unfasten each screw or bolt from the base bars.[6]XResearch source
You’ll probably need Robertson drive bits, as base bars are often secured with square Robertson screws.
3 Have a helper hold the sofa as you remove the last bar. It’s best to get someone to help you remove a sofa’s base bars, especially when removing the final bar. When you detach the last bar, the individual seats and console will come apart freely. Having someone stabilize the sofa will help keep its components from rolling away, getting damaged, or damaging nearby objects.[7]XResearch source
Advertisement Method 3 Method 3 of 3:
Making Reassembly Easier
Download Article
1 Take pictures as you disassemble the sofa. When you first lift the sofa’s rear upholstery panel, take pictures of the frame, base, and other relevant features. That way, when you have to put it back together, you’ll know what the sofa is supposed to look like when it’s fully assembled.[8]XResearch source
If you’re unsure about your mechanical abilities, you could take pictures at each step of disassembly to guide you during reassembly.
2 Keep bolts, screws, and other hardware in separate plastic bags. Have plastic bags or other small containers on hand when you unfasten any screws or bolts. Place your hardware into a bag as soon as you remove it. Keep separate bags for each base bar’s hardware so it’s easier to sort through the screws, bolts, nuts, and washers.
Label your disassembled parts so you’ll know where to reinstall “left seat back” and “top base bar.”
3 Reinstall the top bar first during reassembly. Line up each of the base’s parts up so their backs face the ceiling. Locate the predrilled holes on the top base bar where the screws or bolts fit, and line the bar up with the corresponding holes on the sofa’s base. Start by fastening the top bar’s center screws that attach it to the center part of the sofa, then work outward to reattach the bar to the base of each sofa part.[9]XResearch source
After securing the top bar, drive the screws into the remaining bars to reassemble the sofa base.
4 Reassemble seats by replacing the backs and locking the levers. Place the sofa in a normal position. Carefully slide the detached seat back into its housing, and jiggle it a little until you’ve slid it all the way into place.[10]XResearch source Turn the sofa forward so the back faces toward the ceiling, locate the locking levers, and push each lever down to lock the seat into position.[11]XResearch source
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Question How do I prevent discoloration from my sofa? Bruna Coutinho Cleaning Expert Bruna Coutinho is a Cleaning Expert and owner of Bruna’s Cleaning Services based in Wilmington, Delaware. With over 10 years of experience and over 200 recurring customers, Bruna's Cleaning Services provides a variety of cleaning solutions to the DE, NJ, and PA areas. While boasting eco-friendly cleaning practices, some of Bruna’s specialties include Deep Cleaning, Commercial Cleaning, Post Construction Cleaning, and Airbnb Cleaning. In 2023, Bruna's Cleaning Services was voted a Neighborhood Fave on Nextdoor. Bruna Coutinho Cleaning Expert Expert Answer Vacuum your sofa regularly. Regularly cleaning the surface prevents dirt and dust from settling into your couch, which leads to fading over time. Use a soft brush to avoid damaging the material, and make sure to get into the nooks and cranies where debris tends to collect. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 2
Question Can I remove the middle part of a couch and put the two ends together as one? Community Answer Yes; you just need a different bar to go on the bottom, because it would be too long. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 10 Helpful 58
Question When reassembled, my recliners do not recline. What is wrong? Community Answer There should be a cable that hooks up to the handle that make it recline. You have to flip the recliner over, locate the cable underneath and hook it back in its slot. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 16 Helpful 12
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Video
Tips
If your recliner uses electrical power, unplug any cords from sources of electricity before disassembly. Thanks Helpful 5 Not Helpful 2
Check your user manual for more information about how to disassemble your specific model. Thanks Helpful 5 Not Helpful 6
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Co-authored by: Bruna Coutinho Cleaning Expert This article was co-authored by Bruna Coutinho. Bruna Coutinho is a Cleaning Expert and owner of Bruna’s Cleaning Services based in Wilmington, Delaware. With over 10 years of experience and over 200 recurring customers, Bruna's Cleaning Services provides a variety of cleaning solutions to the DE, NJ, and PA areas. While boasting eco-friendly cleaning practices, some of Bruna’s specialties include Deep Cleaning, Commercial Cleaning, Post Construction Cleaning, and Airbnb Cleaning. In 2023, Bruna's Cleaning Services was voted a Neighborhood Fave on Nextdoor. This article has been viewed 587,211 times. 20 votes - 82% Co-authors: 9Updated: February 9, 2025 Views: 587,211 Categories: Featured Articles | Couches and SofasArticle SummaryX
To dismantle a recliner sofa, start by tilting the sofa forward and lifting the rear upholstery strip to see the inner frame. Check the frame on each side of the sofa’s seats for the locking levers. Once you find the levers, lift them to release the seat backs, then return the sofa to its normal position and carefully lift the back out of its frame. If you want to remove the bolted bars, turn the sofa over and look for the base bars. After you find the bars, unfasten their bolts to release the individual seats and center console, if your sofa has one. To learn how to make the reassembly of your recliner sofa easier, keep reading!Did this summary help you?YesNo
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Reader Success Stories
Judy Mata
Sep 29, 2019
"Picture diagrams were great. We want to remove the center console from our recliner sofa. The diagrams show that this is not possible because of the layout of the holes. They are very good and accurate to our La-z-boy recliner love seat. Helped with the back, too."..." more
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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Bruna Coutinho Cleaning Expert Co-authors: 9Updated: February 9, 2025 Views: 587,21182% of readers found this article helpful. 20 votes - 82% Click a star to add your vote
Judy Mata
Sep 29, 2019
"Picture diagrams were great. We want to remove the center console from our recliner sofa. The diagrams show that this is not possible because of the layout of the holes. They are very good and accurate to our La-z-boy recliner love seat. Helped with the back, too."..." more
Chris Mata
Nov 6, 2018
"My couch was sagging. It wasn't my cushions, those were fine. After reading this article, I flipped the couch over and saw a broken frame board. I replaced the board, and couch is comfy again."..." more
Misty Summers
Nov 4, 2018
"Did exactly as the diagrams showed and it all came apart easily, thanks!" Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories
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Download Article Explore this Article methods 1 Releasing Locking Levers 2 Removing Bolted Bars 3 Making Reassembly Easier Other Sections Expert Q&A Video Tips and Warnings Related Articles References Article Summary Co-authored by Bruna Coutinho 
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Co-authored by: Bruna Coutinho Cleaning Expert This article was co-authored by Bruna Coutinho. Bruna Coutinho is a Cleaning Expert and owner of Bruna’s Cleaning Services based in Wilmington, Delaware. With over 10 years of experience and over 200 recurring customers, Bruna's Cleaning Services provides a variety of cleaning solutions to the DE, NJ, and PA areas. While boasting eco-friendly cleaning practices, some of Bruna’s specialties include Deep Cleaning, Commercial Cleaning, Post Construction Cleaning, and Airbnb Cleaning. In 2023, Bruna's Cleaning Services was voted a Neighborhood Fave on Nextdoor. This article has been viewed 587,211 times. 20 votes - 82% Co-authors: 9 Updated: February 9, 2025 Views: 587,211 Categories: Featured Articles | Couches and Sofas Article SummaryX
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1 Tilt the sofa forward and lift the rear upholstery strip. Lift the sofa forward so the back faces straight up into the air. Many upholstered sofas have a detachable back panel that you can lift to expose the inner frame. Locate and unfasten the hook-and-loop fastener strips or snaps that secure the fabric to the frame’s base, then lift up the upholstered panel.[1] 
2 Locate the rear locking levers. Check the frames on each side of the sofa’s seats for the locking levers. At each side of the sofa’s main body, around where the top of the arm and back join, you should see a metal lever pointing in a downward position. If your sofa has a center console, you should see levers on the frames between it and the seats.[2] Advertisement 
3 Feel for the locking levers between the rear seams. If your sofa doesn’t have detachable strips of fabric that expose the frame, stick your hands into the rear seams on the sofa’s left and right sides. Check the seams between the center console and seats, if any are present. Feel within the seams for the locking lever pointed in a down position.[3] 
4 Lift the locking levers to release the seat backs. Use a flat head screwdriver or, in a pinch, your fingertips to loosen and raise each lever and release the seat backs. After unlocking the levers, return the sofa to its normal position and carefully lift the back out of its frame.[4] 
1 Turn the sofa over to locate the base bars. Lift the sofa onto its front side so its back faces straight up toward the ceiling. Look under the sofa to see if it has base bars. If they’re present, you should see two or three bars screwed or bolted from one end of the sofa’s base to the other.[5] 
2 Unfasten the base bars’ bolts. Check the heads of the screws or bolts that secure the base bars. Use a drill with the appropriate bit to unfasten each screw or bolt from the base bars.[6] 
3 Have a helper hold the sofa as you remove the last bar. It’s best to get someone to help you remove a sofa’s base bars, especially when removing the final bar. When you detach the last bar, the individual seats and console will come apart freely. Having someone stabilize the sofa will help keep its components from rolling away, getting damaged, or damaging nearby objects.[7] Advertisement 
1 Take pictures as you disassemble the sofa. When you first lift the sofa’s rear upholstery panel, take pictures of the frame, base, and other relevant features. That way, when you have to put it back together, you’ll know what the sofa is supposed to look like when it’s fully assembled.[8] 
2 Keep bolts, screws, and other hardware in separate plastic bags. Have plastic bags or other small containers on hand when you unfasten any screws or bolts. Place your hardware into a bag as soon as you remove it. Keep separate bags for each base bar’s hardware so it’s easier to sort through the screws, bolts, nuts, and washers. 
3 Reinstall the top bar first during reassembly. Line up each of the base’s parts up so their backs face the ceiling. Locate the predrilled holes on the top base bar where the screws or bolts fit, and line the bar up with the corresponding holes on the sofa’s base. Start by fastening the top bar’s center screws that attach it to the center part of the sofa, then work outward to reattach the bar to the base of each sofa part.[9] 
4 Reassemble seats by replacing the backs and locking the levers. Place the sofa in a normal position. Carefully slide the detached seat back into its housing, and jiggle it a little until you’ve slid it all the way into place.[10] Turn the sofa forward so the back faces toward the ceiling, locate the locking levers, and push each lever down to lock the seat into position.[11] Advertisement 
Bruna Coutinho Cleaning Expert Bruna Coutinho is a Cleaning Expert and owner of Bruna’s Cleaning Services based in Wilmington, Delaware. With over 10 years of experience and over 200 recurring customers, Bruna's Cleaning Services provides a variety of cleaning solutions to the DE, NJ, and PA areas. While boasting eco-friendly cleaning practices, some of Bruna’s specialties include Deep Cleaning, Commercial Cleaning, Post Construction Cleaning, and Airbnb Cleaning. In 2023, Bruna's Cleaning Services was voted a Neighborhood Fave on Nextdoor. 
Community Answer Yes; you just need a different bar to go on the bottom, because it would be too long. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 10 Helpful 58 
Community Answer There should be a cable that hooks up to the handle that make it recline. You have to flip the recliner over, locate the cable underneath and hook it back in its slot. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 16 Helpful 12 