La-Z-Boy Value Calculator
Calculate Your Savings
Compare La-Z-Boy's long-term value with cheaper alternatives using real-world numbers.
Ever walked into a furniture store, seen a La-Z-Boy recliner, and immediately thought, Wait, why is this $2,000? You’re not alone. People often compare it to cheaper options at big-box stores or online retailers and wonder: is this just brand hype, or is there something real behind the price?
The truth? La-Z-Boy isn’t overcharging. You’re paying for decades of engineering, materials that last, and a system built to keep you comfortable for years-maybe even decades. Let’s break down exactly what you’re paying for when you buy a La-Z-Boy sofa or recliner.
It’s Built to Last, Not to Break
Most budget recliners use particleboard frames glued together with cheap nails. They wobble after a few months. La-Z-Boy uses kiln-dried hardwood frames. That means the wood has been dried in controlled ovens to remove moisture, reducing warping and cracking over time. This isn’t just marketing jargon-it’s a standard in furniture that’s meant to survive 15 to 25 years of daily use.
Compare that to a $500 recliner you bought online. After two years, the frame starts to creak. The mechanism sticks. The fabric pulls away from the edges. That’s not normal wear-it’s poor construction. La-Z-Boy’s frames are reinforced with corner blocks and double-doweled joints. They’ve been tested to handle over 100,000 reclining cycles. That’s more than 20 years of use, twice a day.
Leather That Doesn’t Crack After Six Months
One of the biggest reasons people pay more for La-Z-Boy is the leather. Not all leather is the same. A lot of cheap sofas use bonded leather-basically, leather scraps glued onto a synthetic backing. It looks fine at first, but after sunlight, heat, or just regular use, it peels, cracks, and turns brittle.
La-Z-Boy uses top-grain or full-grain leather on most of its premium models. That means the outermost layer of the hide is used-strongest, most durable, and most breathable. It ages gracefully, developing a rich patina instead of falling apart. The tanning process is also controlled to resist fading and stains. You’re not just buying leather-you’re buying something that will look better with age.
Reclining Mechanisms That Don’t Fail
The reclining mechanism is the heart of a La-Z-Boy. Most budget recliners use thin metal arms and plastic gears that snap under pressure. You push the lever, it grinds, then it stops working. Or worse-it reclines too far and you feel like you’re falling backward.
La-Z-Boy’s patented reclining systems use heavy-duty steel components and precision-engineered gears. The mechanisms are tested under loads of over 300 pounds. They’re also designed with smooth, slow-release action so you don’t get jolted when you recline. The footrest doesn’t just pop out-it glides. The headrest adjusts independently. These aren’t gimmicks. They’re the result of over 100 years of refinement.
Customization Isn’t a Luxury-It’s Standard
At most stores, if you want a different fabric, color, or size, you’re stuck with what’s on the floor. La-Z-Boy lets you pick from over 500 fabric options, 15+ leather types, and multiple sizes (standard, tall, wide, and even extra-wide). You can choose the exact shade of brown you want, or the stitch pattern on the armrests.
This level of customization means they don’t mass-produce one-size-fits-all models. Each sofa is built to order. That increases cost, but it also means you’re not settling. You get a piece that fits your body, your space, and your style-not something that was made for a warehouse shelf.
Manufactured in the USA (Mostly)
La-Z-Boy still manufactures the majority of its furniture in the United States. Factories in Mississippi, North Carolina, and Virginia employ skilled workers who earn fair wages and benefits. That’s not true for most budget brands, which outsource everything to overseas factories where labor costs are low but quality control is inconsistent.
When something goes wrong with a La-Z-Boy, you’re not dealing with a 12-hour time difference and a chatbot. You’re talking to a U.S.-based customer service team that can send replacement parts overnight. Many competitors can’t even tell you where your sofa was made-La-Z-Boy will show you the exact factory.
Warranty That Actually Means Something
Most cheap sofas come with a one-year warranty. La-Z-Boy offers a lifetime warranty on the frame, mechanism, and springs. That’s not a gimmick-it’s a promise. If the frame breaks under normal use, they’ll replace it. No fine print about “only if you didn’t sit on it too hard.”
The cushion foam? That’s covered for 10 years. The fabric? 5 years. Even the motors on power recliners are covered for 5 years. Compare that to a $800 sofa from a discount retailer that only covers defects for 90 days. La-Z-Boy’s warranty isn’t just longer-it’s clearer, broader, and backed by real service.
You’re Paying for Comfort That Works for Your Body
La-Z-Boy doesn’t just make recliners. They make recliners designed around human anatomy. The lumbar support isn’t an afterthought-it’s contoured to match the natural curve of your spine. The seat depth is deep enough to support taller people without squishing your knees. The armrests are padded just right so you don’t feel pressure on your elbows.
They’ve studied how people actually sit. They tested prototypes with people of all sizes, ages, and mobility levels. That’s why their recliners are often recommended by physical therapists for people with back pain. You’re not just buying a chair-you’re buying ergonomic support that reduces strain after long days.
It’s Not Just a Sofa-It’s an Investment
Let’s do the math. A La-Z-Boy recliner costs $1,800. It lasts 20 years. That’s $90 a year. Or $7.50 a month. A cheaper recliner might cost $500 but only last 4 years. That’s $125 a year. You’re actually spending more over time with the cheaper option.
Plus, the resale value. A well-maintained La-Z-Boy can hold 50-70% of its value if you decide to sell it later. Most budget sofas? Worthless after three years. That’s not just comfort-it’s financial sense.
Who Is It Really For?
La-Z-Boy isn’t for everyone. If you’re moving every two years, renting, or need something ultra-minimalist, it might be overkill. But if you want a piece of furniture that:
- Comes with a lifetime guarantee
- Supports your back after a long day
- Looks better with age, not worse
- Won’t break down after two years
- Feels like it was made just for you
Then the price makes sense. You’re not paying for a logo. You’re paying for reliability, craftsmanship, and peace of mind.
What You Get When You Skip La-Z-Boy
Choosing a cheaper sofa might save you money upfront-but it often leads to hidden costs:
- Replacing it every 3-5 years
- Dealing with squeaky mechanisms or sagging cushions
- Wasting time and stress when it breaks
- Feeling like you’re sitting on something that doesn’t fit your body
La-Z-Boy doesn’t promise to be the cheapest. It promises to be the last one you’ll ever need to buy.
Are La-Z-Boy sofas worth the money?
Yes-if you plan to keep your sofa for more than five years. La-Z-Boy sofas cost more upfront, but they last longer, offer better comfort, and come with a lifetime warranty on the frame and mechanism. Over time, you’ll spend less replacing furniture than you would buying cheaper options every few years.
Why do La-Z-Boy recliners cost more than other brands?
They use higher-quality materials: kiln-dried hardwood frames, top-grain leather, and heavy-duty steel mechanisms. They’re built in the U.S. with skilled labor, and each piece is customizable. Most cheaper brands cut corners with particleboard, bonded leather, and mass-produced designs.
Do La-Z-Boy sofas sag over time?
Not if you choose the right cushion. La-Z-Boy uses high-density foam and fiber blends designed to retain shape. Their 10-year cushion warranty covers sagging under normal use. Budget brands often use low-density foam that flattens within a year or two.
Can I get a La-Z-Boy sofa delivered and assembled?
Yes. La-Z-Boy offers white-glove delivery in most areas, including assembly and removal of your old furniture. This is included in the price for many models, unlike many online retailers who charge extra for delivery or don’t offer assembly at all.
Is La-Z-Boy better than Ashley Furniture?
For long-term comfort and durability, yes. Ashley offers more affordable options, but their frames are often made with engineered wood and their warranties are shorter. La-Z-Boy focuses on longevity and customization, while Ashley prioritizes volume and low cost. If you want something that lasts 20+ years, La-Z-Boy wins.
