How to Remove the Back of a Recliner Sofa in Simple Steps

Are you looking to remove the back of your recliner sofa? It’s a great way to get access to any mechanisms that are causing issues. Plus, it’s a good way to give your couch a fresh look and feel. Removing the back of a recliner sofa is quite simple if you have the right tools.

With our easy-to-follow guide, you can remove the back of your recliner sofa in no time. Let’s get started.

Why You Might Need to Remove the Back of a Recliner Sofa?

Sometimes, it’s necessary to remove the back of a recliner sofa to check, repair, or replace any mechanisms inside. For example, you may need to check for worn-out springs, coils, or levers that can affect how your recliner works. Removing the back of your recliner sofa can also give you access to the padding underneath, which may need replacing if worn out.

Additionally, removing the back of your recliner sofa is a great way to give it a new look and feel as part of a makeover. You can replace the upholstery fabric on the back, add new fillers, and make any other adjustments.

remove the back of a recliner sofa?

Steps for Removing the Back of a Recliner Sofa

Now that you know why you should remove the back of your recliner sofa, let’s look at how to do it.

Gather your supplies

Before you start, make sure to have the right supplies on hand. Here are some of the essentials:

  • Phillips head screwdriver
  • Flathead screwdriver
  • Pliers
  • Staple remover or flat pry bar
  • Needle-nose pliers (optional)
  • Hammer or rubber mallet (optional)

Once you have all your supplies ready, you can start the process of removing the back of your recliner sofa.

Unhook the fabric on the back of the sofa 

Start by unhooking any fabric on the back of your sofa. This might include cloth, leather, or synthetic materials. Use a flathead screwdriver to gently pry open the staples that are holding the fabric in place. Once all the staples have been removed, carefully pull away any excess padding and material from the frame beneath.

For any areas that are stuck, you can use a hammer or rubber mallet to gently tap the fabric away from the frame. Be careful not to break or damage the frame while doing this.

Detach the upholstery staples 

Once the fabric has been removed, you will want to take out any staples that are holding it together. You can use a flathead screwdriver or tweezers to carefully remove them from the back panel of the sofa. This will ensure that the fabric is completely removed from the frame.

For any areas that are hard to reach, you can use a pair of needle-nose pliers to pull out the staples. Be sure not to damage or tear the fabric while doing this. Once all the staples have been taken out, you can proceed to the next step.

Remove screws and bolts holding the back in place 

Next, you will need to take out any screws or bolts that are keeping the back panel attached to the frame. This can be done using a socket wrench or screwdriver. Once all the screws have been removed, carefully pull away the back panel from the frame.

This might require some effort, depending on how tightly the panel is attached. Be careful not to damage the frame or break any parts while doing this.

Take out the padding and any fillers 

Once the back panel has been taken off, you will want to take out any padding and fillers from inside the sofa. This might include foam, batting, stuffing, or other materials. Use a pair of scissors to cut away any material that is stuck to the frame.

Carefully pull away these materials and set them aside for later use. Be sure not to damage any of the pieces while doing this. A vacuum cleaner can remove any excess material or dust inside the frame.

Disconnect spring clips and coils 

In some cases, you may need to disconnect any spring clips or coils that keep the back panel in place. Most of these will be located near where you removed the screws and bolts. Use a flathead screwdriver to detach these pieces from the frame carefully.

In some cases, this might require two people to complete the task. Once all the clips and coils have been taken out, you can proceed with taking off the back panel. Be mindful not to damage any of these pieces while doing this.

Pull out the back panel 

Once all the screws and clips have been taken off, you can pull out the back panel from the frame. This might require effort, depending on how tightly it is attached to the frame. Once it has been removed, you can proceed with reassembling your sofa.

Reassemble your sofa 

Finally, you will need to reassemble your sofa. Start by replacing any padding and fillers inside the frame. Then, attach the back panel back into place using screws and bolts. Next, put in any spring clips or coils that were removed earlier.

Next, put on the fabric that was taken off earlier. Make sure to attach all the upholstery staples back into place securely. Finally, hook the fabric onto the frame, and you’re done. You have successfully removed and reassembled your recliner sofa’s back panel.

Your sofa is now ready to be enjoyed once again. Enjoy lounging on your freshly renovated furniture.

Read Also: Best Recliners For Back Pain

reassemble your sofa 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do the backs come off of reclining sofas?

Yes, most reclining sofas have removable backs that make them easier to transport. Depending on the model you choose, they may unscrew or unclip – either way, it’s an easy process. Some models are designed with a single-piece back that is not removable.

How do I take apart my reclining sofa?

The exact process for taking apart a reclining sofa depends on the model. Generally, you will need to unscrew or unclip any removable pieces before gently lifting the sofa off of its frame. You can refer to the instruction manual or contact customer service for specific instructions on your particular recliner.

How do I remove the back of a Lazy Boy recliner?

Lazy Boy recliners typically have removable backs that require you to unscrew the bolts at the top of each side. After the screws are removed, lift off the back and set it aside. The process is similar for most Lazy Boy models.

What can I do if my recliner won’t recline?

If your recliner is not functioning properly, you can try resetting the mechanisms. First, ensure the power supply is on, and all cables are securely connected. Then check for obstructions such as dirt and debris around the moving parts. If none of these fixes works, contact customer service for further assistance.

What are the different parts to a recliner?

The main components of a recliner include the frame, base, seat cushion, and back. Most recliners also have an armrest, footrest, and handle. Additional parts may include a motor, control switch, and remote.

Conclusion

Now that you have the information on how to remove the back of a recliner sofa, it’s time for you to get started. Ensure you have the right tools and safety gear and understand how to loosen and remove the screws correctly.

With the right tools and preparation, removing the back should be straightforward. And you can be sure that your sofa will look its best again once it’s all done. So get to work and enjoy your newly transformed recliner sofa.

1 Comment
  1. […] applying the lubricant, move the recliner back and forth to ensure it is evenly distributed. If the squeaking continues, the operation might need to be […]

    Leave a reply

    All About Recliners
    Logo