How Long Should a Recliner Last – Best Tips

How Long Should a Recliner Last
How Long Should a Recliner Last

A recliner will feel more like an old friend than a new piece of furniture and will be a part of your family room for several years. It is easy to buy a recliner that might last through one season, maybe even two. But trying to find a recliner that will provide you with many years of comfort is another story.

While longevity may not be the first thing on your list as you scan the racks of furniture stores, knowing what to look for can make all the difference in the quality of your purchase.

There are many contributing factors when it comes to the lifespan of one’s recliner, but ultimately, it’s best to understand what type of material was used on the chair because this can make or break how long it will last.

It is important to make sure that the chair will be comfortable for you, and that it will fit in your home. The durability of a recliner depends on things like the materials it is made of, how it is built, and how it is used.

The following article will give you all the information you need where we are going to discuss how long should a recliner last.

How Long Should a Recliner Last – Important Suggestions

A good quality recliner usually lasts about 8 to 10 years or more if it’s been used as recommended by the manufacturer’s instructions. If your recliner is left out in the elements or used more than the recommended hours per day, expect it to last about half as long.

It’s hard to predict exactly how long a recliner will last without knowing how the chair is used and maintained, but there are some factors that affect lifespan:

The weight of the user 

People who use a recliner mostly when relaxing are less likely to wear it out as quickly as people who use it daily for inactivity, such as watching television or reading a book.

How often the chair is used

When you use your chair often, like on a daily basis, it will likely wear out more quickly. When you use your recliner only on special occasions, such as when you want to wind down and watch a movie every week or two, the chair may last longer.

Where and how the chair is stored

For example, if your chair is always pushed up against a wall, the back of it may wear more quickly than if your recliner was left out in the middle of free space.

The material and design of the chair

This is not controllable by you or your dealer, but something to keep in mind when comparing chairs. Durability factors include things like stitching quality, craftsmanship, the way panels are hinged together and how well the chair is stuffed.

How often the leg rest or footrest is used

Leaning on this part of a recliner too hard can wear it out faster, especially if it’s an older model and not made with high-quality materials.

How often the chair is cleaned

Regularly cleaning your recliner will keep it free of debris that may cause excessive wear and tear.

How often the recliner is repaired

If your chair needs to be reupholstered or have other parts replaced, this can affect its lifespan.

The type and frequency of use

This has a lot to do with what you plan on using the chair for, along with how much time it will spend out of use.

How comfortable the chair is for its intended purpose

If you are looking for a recliner that will help with your back pain, it’s best to choose one that was made specifically with support in mind and won’t become uncomfortable after extended use.

How You Can Make Your Recliner Last longer

There are some recommendations to take care of your recliner chairs, in this way the life span of your recliner may increase.

  • Avoid exposure to direct sunlight. Not only can this fade the fabric, but it can also cause other areas of your chair to dry out and crack which will shorten its lifespan. Try to keep your recliner in a well-ventilated room with indirect lighting.
  • Keep pets off your furniture. This is especially important for chairs that are made of leather. It is possible to get hair, dirt, and even scratching from little claws stuck in the material. If this happens you will need to have the chair reupholstered for a considerable amount of money.
  • When upholstery is treated it can be slippery – cats and dogs do not like this type of material because they cannot get a good grip and might find it uncomfortable. Pet owners should consider their furry friends’ preferences when deciding on what furniture to purchase in the first place.
  • Keep your upholstery clean. Cleaning your recliner regularly will keep dirt from building up between the material which can cause rips or tears over time. A mild soap and water solution or a commercial product made for furniture can be used to wipe down the upholstery. Keeping your recliner clean is especially important if you have pets, children, or are just plain messy. A dirty chair will only look worse after being cleaned and it won’t last as long either.
  • Don’t use chemicals to wash your upholstery. Some chemicals, like bleach, can damage the fabric.
  • When it is time to clean your recliner make sure you use a water-based soap or commercial furniture cleaner and that it doesn’t contain oil or petroleum. If you aren’t sure if something contains one of these substances, test it on a hidden area of your chair first.
  • If you do not have a removable seat cushion, there are alternative cleaning methods available. This includes vacuuming or using a damp cloth with gentle soap diluted in warm water (test the solution in an inconspicuous place first) to wipe down the recliner’s surface. If you find that you need to use a commercial cleaner, try not to spray it directly on the upholstery.

Final Thoughts

For most people, a recliner is not just a piece of furniture; it’s an investment. They are expensive pieces that can become outdated very quickly and will not last as long as solid wood furniture which can be passed down through generations. Recliners have come a long way in recent years, though, and technology has made them more durable and of better quality.

Ultimately, it is up to the individual to make their recliner last as long as possible. As with all furniture, there are many factors that play into how long a single chair will last you. The material of your choice will be one of those factors. If you do not like the type of upholstery on your chair, you can always have it reupholstered. This will give you a chance to pick out a new fabric that you would like to be more durable and last longer than others.

Read More About Chairs:  

How Strict Are Weight Limits On Chairs

What to look for in a nursing chair 

How to tell if my rocking chair is an antique 

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