7 Exclusive Features and Benefits of La-Z-Boy Recliners
La-Z-Boy Southeast | March 5, 2026

La-Z-Boy recliners include seven exclusive, patented features you won’t find on other brands:
- a reclining system that eliminates the lower back gap other chairs create
- the ability to recline your back independently without raising the footrest
- three locking footrest positions
- sixteen locking rocker positions
- a four-sided uni-body frame built with American maple hardwood and oriented strand board
- a dual locking footrest designed to prevent accidental collapse
- contour cut foam cushioning that holds its shape far longer than traditional stuffing
These features work together to deliver better lumbar support, more comfort options, and a longer-lasting recliner overall.
In this article, we break down each of these features in detail so you can understand exactly what sets La-Z-Boy apart and why it matters for your comfort and health.
Feature 1) Exclusive Lower Back Support
La-Z-Boy invented and patented a reclining system that gives you complete lower back and body support in every position. When you recline in a La-Z-Boy Recliner, the back and seat move together so your lower back is always supported.
Other chairs will develop a gap between the back and seat when you recline. This leaves your lower back unsupported and strained.
Some people will stuff a towel or pillow underneath their back to make up for the chair’s lack of lumbar support.
Reclining with a gap between your lower back and seat can lead to back pain and other health issues.
Why should I care? This feature makes it the only one that prevents lower back pain by supporting your lower back in every reclining position.
Feature 2) Recline Your Back & Rock At The Same Time
When you ride in an airplane, the first thing most people do is push the seat back a few inches.
This helps you relax during the flight because your back is at a comfortable angle.
The same idea goes for recliners. La-Z-Boy has a patented mechanism that allows you to recline your back without having to put your feet up.
Other recliners require you to raise your footrest in order to release and recline your back cushion.
Why should I care? Sitting in a La-Z-Boy is much more comfortable because it’s the only recliner that can recline your back without having to put your feet up.
Feature 3) Three Locking Footrest Positions
While working on your laptop, you may not want to recline your feet up all the way.

Or you might have company over and don’t want to recline completely back while you socialize.
La-Z-Boy’s patented locking footrest allows you to angle your feet in three different positions depending on what the situation calls for.
Why should I care? La-Z-Boy is the only recliner that allows you to adjust your footrest position for greater comfort.
Feature 4) Exclusive Sixteen Locking Rocker Positions
When you recline in a La-Z-Boy, you’ll notice a clicking sound as you rock through the different locking positions.
This “sound of comfort” is a patented feature that lets you lock-in the rocker position of your choice.
La-Z-Boy Recliners have 16 different locking positions you can cycle through until you find the position that fits you best.
Rocking back to where your feet are above heart level has many health benefits. This gets blood moving in the opposite direction of gravity, which is important for heart health.
Why should I care? La-Z-Boy gives you the most comfort levels of any recliner on the market.
Feature 5) Uni-body Frame Construction
Most people will push on the arms of their recliner when it’s time to get up. This can cause the frame to expand apart on recliners with only two or three sides.
When you turn the chair upside down, you’ll notice the frame is built out of American maple hardwood and oriented strand board (OSB).
OSB has been used in the flooring and roofing of most buildings since 1977. It is also 11% stronger than plywood.
This strong & environmentally friendly material is used to reinforce the frame on all four sides. This means you’ll be able to get in and out of your recliner for many years.
Why should I care? This is the chair that will be passed down from generation to generation and become a part of your family.
Feature 6) Dual Locking Footrest
If your children or pets are playing underneath your reclined footrest, you don’t want to worry about it suddenly collapsing.
La-Z-Boy footrests are sturdy and built with a patented dual locking mechanism. So the footrest will only go down when you want it to.
Footrests on other recliners aren’t built the same. Some can be pushed down with light pressure and have no way to lock in place once they are reclined. Meaning they can fall at any time.
Why should I care? La-Z-Boy’s dual locking footrest prevents accidents from happening.
Feature 7) Contour Cut Foam
La-Z-Boy uses a solid block of contour cut foam in all of their recliners. Others are often filled with some form of stuffing.
Contour cut foam:
- Doesn’t shift away from pressure like stuffing
- Keeps its shape longer than stuffing
- Looks nicer than stuffing
Using contour cut foam is another patented feature you will only find at La-Z-Boy.
Why should I care? Your La-Z-Boy will keep its shape longer, look nicer, and be more comfortable than other brands.
La-Z-Boy Recliner FAQs
To help you better understand the unique benefits of La-Z-Boy recliners, we’ve compiled answers to some of the most frequently asked questions we receive at La-Z-Boy Home Furnishings & Décor.
Whether you’re curious about customization options, health benefits, or durability, these FAQs will provide clear insights into why La-Z-Boy continues to be a top choice for recliners.
- What makes La-Z-Boy recliners different from other brands? They are known for their exclusive features like customizable reclining angles, patented lumbar support, and unique ergonomic designs that enhance comfort and durability.
- Do La-Z-Boy recliners have any health benefits? Yes, they offer enhanced lumbar support, which helps alleviate back pain and promotes better posture, especially for those with chronic back issues.
- Can I customize my La-Z-Boy recliner? Yes, they can be customized in terms of fabric, reclining options, and even additional features like heat and massage.
- Are La-Z-Boy recliners suitable for different size spaces? Yes, La-Z-Boy offers dozens of different size makes and models. Many styles can be purchased as a “Wall Recliner,” which allows the chair to recline fully while staying close to the wall, making them ideal for smaller rooms.
- How durable are La-Z-Boy recliners? Known for their long-lasting build quality, featuring high-grade materials and rigorous testing, this ensures durability for years of regular use.
- Do La-Z-Boy recliners come with a warranty? Yes, La-Z-Boy provides lifetime warranties on both the frame and mechanical components, offering peace of mind for long-term use.
Discover La-Z-Boy’s Unmatched Recliner Experience
With patented features and benefits to offer, La-Z-Boy Recliners continue to outshine our competition.
At La-Z-Boy Home Furnishings & Décor, our commitment to excellence means every product is tested beyond industry standards.
Ready to see and feel the difference for yourself?
We’d be happy to show you all of these exclusive features in person at any of our locations in NC, SC, and GA.
Here are some other online resources you may like to check out:
- How To Pick the Best Recliner for Me
- 5 Benefits of the La-Z-Boy Wireless Remote
- Best Selling La-Z-Boy Recliners From This Year
- Understanding Recliner Weight Capacity



