Whether you’re looking to make space for a new sofa, transport it to a different location, or simply want to explore your inner handyman, breaking down a recliner sofa might appear daunting at first glance. However, the process of doing so isn’t easy unless you have the required knowledge.
Even if you don’t have one, fear not! In this guide, I’ll reveal the secrets to how to dismantle a 3 seater recliner sofa. Say goodbye to anxiety-inducing disassembly challenges! With a touch of patience and my expert tips, you’ll be able to steer through the process smoothly.
Key Takeaways
[su_note note_color=”#fff3ad”]
- To dismantle a 3-seater recliner sofa, gather essential tools such as pliers, screwdrivers, an electric drill, a hammer, an Allen wrench, ziplock bags, and a tape measure.
- Release locking levers, remove seat cushions and upholstery, detach the backrest and armrests, remove bolted bars, disassemble the seat section, separate the footrest mechanism, and remove the reclining mechanism.
- In the end, once you disassemble the sofa recliner, make sure to store all the nuts, bolts, and screws in the zip lock bag and recliner components safely for future reassembly.[/su_note]
Tools You’ll Need For Dismantling
Before you embark on the dismantling process of your 3-seater recliner sofa, it’s crucial to gather a set of essential tools. Ensure you get these items before starting.
- Pliers
- Screwdriver (both Phillips and flathead)
- An Electric Drill (to open the screws)
- Hammer
- Allen wrench
- Ziplock bags (for storing small parts and screws)
- Tape measure
How to Dismantle a 3 Seater Recliner Sofa?
Once you have collected all the tools, it’s time to start dismantling the recliner sofa in the right way. Keep following these steps and tips to do it effectively.
[su_note note_color=”#fff3ad”]Note: If possible, take pictures of the reclining sofas that come apart, as you take it apart so you have a reference point for the reassembling later.[/su_note]
Release Locking Levers (If Any Is/Are Present)
When starting with taking apart your recliner sofa or learning how to dismantle a Harveys recliner sofa, the first thing you should do is to look for the locking levers (if your recliner has any) and release them. This is how you can do this.
1. Tilt the Sofa Ahead and Raise the Rear Upholstery Strip.
Carefully tilt the sofa forward so that the rear is facing upward. Locate the rear upholstery strip, which is usually detachable. Lift the strip to expose the inner frame by unfastening the snaps or Velcro strips securing the fabric to the frame’s base.
2. Locate the Rear Locking Levers.
Inspect the frames on both sides of the sofa’s seats for the presence of locking levers. These metal levers are typically located near the junction of the arm and back. If the sofa includes a center console, there will also be levers positioned between it and the seats.
3. Feel for the Locking Levers Between the Rear Seams.
If the sofa lacks detachable fabric strips, reach into the rear seams on both sides of the sofa. Also, examine the seams between the center console and seats if applicable, and feel for the presence of downward-pointing locking levers.
4. Lift the Locking Levers to Release the Seat Backs.
Utilize a flathead screwdriver or your fingertips to loosen and raise each locking lever, ensuring they are no longer engaged. But how to take back off recliner sofa? Well, this action will release the seat backs.
Make sure to unlock all the levers. Once the locking levers are unlocked, cautiously restore the sofa to its regular position and lift the back out of its frame.
[su_note note_color=”#fff3ad”]Note: If your sofa has individual seats separated by a center console, lift each seat and console back out of their respective housings.[/su_note]
Remove the Seat Cushions and Upholstery.
To remove the seat cushions and upholstery from your three-seater recliner sofa, follow these steps:
1. Flip the Sofa Upside-Down.
Start by turning the sofa upside-down, ensuring a stable and secure position.
2. Locate Any Locking Mechanisms.
Carefully inspect the underside of the sofa for any locking mechanisms that hold the cushions and upholstery in place. Look for Velcro or zipper closures commonly found on reclining sofas.
3. Release the Fasteners.
If there are Velcro closures, gently detach them by pulling the fabric apart. For zippers, unzip them to release the upholstery.
Some sofas may have screws or bolts securing the cushions. In such cases, use a screwdriver to remove the screws or bolts and free the cushions.
4. Lift Out the Seat Cushions.
Once the fasteners are released, lift the seat cushions out of their positions. Depending on your sofa, there may be two or three seat cushions. Lift them one by one, ensuring a firm grip to avoid any damage.
5. Remove the Upholstery.
After removing the seat cushions, proceed to remove the upholstery. Carefully pull the fabric away from the frame, taking note of any additional fasteners or attachments that need to be undone. Place the upholstery aside for cleaning or storage.
Detach the Backrest.
1. Locate the Fasteners.
Examine the backrest and frame to identify the bolts or screws that secure the backrest in place. These fasteners can typically be found at the bottom or sides of the backrest.
2. Use the Appropriate Tool.
Select the proper screwdriver or Allen wrench that matches the fasteners you need to remove to ensure a secure fit and prevents any damage to the fasteners or surrounding components.
3. Remove the Fasteners.
Begin unscrewing or unbolting the fasteners that hold the backrest to the frame. Take care not to strip the screws or bolts while removing them.
It’s important to maintain a record of the bolts and screws you remove to aid in reassembly later. Consider using a Ziplock bag to store them, labeling the bag for easy identification.
4. Lift and Separate the Backrest.
Once all the fasteners have been vacated, lift the backrest away from the frame carefully.
Ensure a firm grip and support the weight of the backrest to prevent any accidental damage. Gently separate the backrest from the frame, freeing it completely.
Take Off the Arms/ Armrests.
1. Locate the Fasteners.
Inspect the armrests to identify the bolts or screws holding them in their spot. These fasteners are typically similar to the ones used for the backrest. Look for them underneath or at the sides of the armrests.
2. Remove the Fasteners.
Unscrew or unbolt the fasteners that secure the armrests to the sofa. Take your time and ensure that you keep track of the screws or bolts you remove.
This will make it easy to dismantle 3 seater leather sofa. If needed, use a small container or Ziplock bag to temporarily store the fasteners.
3. Take Off the Armrests.
Once the fasteners are removed, carefully lift and separate the armrests from the sofa’s frame. Support the weight of the armrests to prevent any damage and place them aside in a safe location.
Remove the Bolted Bars Underneath.
1. Turn the Sofa Over.
Carefully flip the sofa onto its front side so that the back faces upward towards the ceiling. Inspect the underside of the sofa to identify the base bars, which are commonly fastened with bolts or screws spanning from one end of the sofa’s base to the other.
2. Unfasten the Bolts.
Inspect the bolt or screw heads securing the base bars and use a drill with the suitable bit or an appropriate tool to loosen and remove them.
Since base bars are often secured with square Robertson screws, you may need Robertson to drive bits to effectively remove the bolts.
[su_note note_color=”#fff3ad”]Note: For enhanced stability and to prevent any components from rolling away or causing damage, it is advisable to have a helper hold the sofa while you remove the final bar.
When the last bar is detached, the individual seats and console will separate easily.[/su_note]
Disassemble the Seat Section.
When disassembling or learning how to take apart a sofa for moving, one important step in the process is taking apart the seat section. Well, to disassemble the seat section of your recliner sofa, follow these step-by-step instructions:
1. Focus On the Seat Component.
With the backrest and armrests already removed, shift your attention to disassembling the seat section.
2. Identify Additional Nuts or Screws.
Examine the seat section and frame to locate any additional nuts or screws that may be securing the seat to the frame.
The number and placement of these fasteners may vary depending on the construction of your reclining sofa.
3. Remove the Screws Systematically.
Begin by removing one bolt or screw at a time, ensuring that you maintain stability and balance throughout the process. Avoid excessive force and work methodically to prevent any mishaps or accidents.
4. Separate the Seat Section.
Once all the fasteners are removed, gently separate the seat section from the frame. Be mindful of any remaining connections or attachments and detach them as necessary.
Separate the Footrest Mechanism.
1. Inspect the Footrest.
Before proceeding with the disassembly, carefully examine the footrest to identify any visible nuts or screws that are securing it in place. These fasteners may be located on the sides or underneath the footrest.
2. Loosen and Remove the Fasteners.
Using the appropriate tools, such as a wrench or screwdriver, loosen and remove the nuts or screws that are holding the footrest mechanism to the frame.
As you work on separating the footrest mechanism, keep in mind that it may be heavy or contain moving parts.
Take necessary precautions to handle it safely and prevent any injuries. If needed, have someone assist you in supporting and stabilizing the footrest mechanism during the removal process.
3. Separate the Footrest Mechanism.
Once all the fasteners are removed, gently separate the footrest mechanism from the frame. Be mindful of any remaining connections or attachments and detach them as necessary.
Remove the Reclining Mechanism
1. Check the Manufacturer’s Instructions.
If available, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions specific to your sofa model. These instructions may provide valuable insights and guidance for removing the reclining mechanism. Before removing, learn the types of reclining mechanism.
2. Identify the Fasteners.
Examine the reclining mechanism to locate the bolts or screws that secure it to the frame. These fasteners are typically used to hold the mechanism in place.
Prioritize safety during this stage. Make sure that you have adequate time and a clear workspace to work comfortably. Be cautious and avoid rushing to prevent any unintentional injuries.
3. Remove the Fasteners.
Carefully remove the bolts or screws that connect the reclining mechanism to the frame use the appropriate tools to loosen and remove these fasteners. Keep track of the fasteners to facilitate reassembly if needed.
4. Free the Reclining Mechanism.
Once all the fasteners are removed, make sure the reclining mechanism is completely detached from the frame. Double-check for any remaining connections or attachments and disconnect them as necessary.
Sort and Store Components Safely.
1. Keep Track of the Components.
As you dismantle the sofa, keep track of the components. Take note of the different parts and components that you remove during the disassembly process.
2. Prepare Plastic Bags.
Gather a sufficient number of plastic bags or small containers to store the screws, bolts, and other small pieces of hardware. Ensure that the bags are dry and clean before use.
3. Sort and Label the Components.
As you remove each component, place them in separate bags or containers based on their type or location to easily identify and locate the specific parts during reassembly. You can also label the bags or containers to provide additional clarity.
4. Keep the Components in a Safe Place.
Store the sorted components in a safe and secure location. Choose an area where they won’t be accidentally misplaced, damaged, or mixed up with other items. Consider using a labeled box or storage container to keep everything organized.
[su_note note_color=”#fff3ad”]Note: You may need to assemble the sofa again. If this situation arrives, you will wonder how to assemble a 3 seater recliner sofa. Well, follow the process we have been discussing so far in a reverse manner to assemble your sofa again.[/su_note]
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FAQs
Do 3 Seater Recliners Come Apart?
Yes, 3 seater recliners can be disassembled for various reasons such as moving, cleaning, or repairing. Follow all the steps, tips, and tricks I have discussed in this guide to make the process easy.
How Do You Take Apart a 3 Seater Couch?
To take apart a 3 seater couch, start by removing the seat cushions and upholstery, then detach the backrest and armrests.
Next, remove any bolted bars and separate the seat section. Finally, disassemble the footrest mechanism and reclining mechanism if applicable.
How Do You Take the Back Off a Recliner Couch?
To take the back off a recliner couch, first, locate the fasteners such as bolts or screws that hold the backrest to the frame.
Carefully remove these fasteners using the appropriate tools. Once all fasteners are removed, lift and separate the backrest from the frame.
How Do I Separate My Recliner?
To separate a recliner, start by releasing any locking levers or mechanisms. Then, remove the seat cushions and upholstery. Next, detach the backrest and armrests.
Finally, disassemble any additional components such as bolted bars, footrest mechanism, or reclining mechanism, depending on the design of your recliner.