How to Raise a Swivel Recliner? | Fix Low Seating Height

To raise a swivel recliner, install manufacturer-compatible leg risers or a chair raiser base, since most models lack a built-in height adjustment.

If your swivel recliner sits too low, you’re not stuck with it. The standard fix involves adding height via leg risers or a lift base, but the exact method depends on your chair’s base and mechanism. Expect to spend an afternoon on the job and carefully check clearance before you commit.

What The Manuals Actually Say About Height

Swivel recliners rarely come with a universal height-adjustment knob. La-Z-Boy’s official operating instructions cover recline tension and leveling, not seat height. For tension, tilt the chair forward and turn the wing nuts or thumb wheels under the seat in quarter-turn increments—tighter for a heavier person, looser for a lighter one.

Neither adjustment changes overall seat height. The real solution is adding hardware underneath.

Installing Leg Risers or a Raiser Base

Chair risers attach to the base or legs and add anywhere from 2 to 6 inches, depending on the product. For recliners specifically, the install process follows a clear sequence:

1. Turn the chair upside down or tilt it forward on a soft surface, keeping feet and hands clear of moving parts.
2. Remove the existing feet or glides to expose the mounting points.
3. Select the correct fixing kit for your chair’s base design—threaded posts, plates, or clamp-style risers.
4. Fit the screws and spacers, then tighten everything securely. For recliner mechanisms, confirm the board or fixings don’t interfere with the recline action.
5. Turn the chair back over and test both the swivel and the recline function before using it.

Some mechanisms allow a mounting board above or below the steel floor rails; the right position depends on your specific model.

Clearance Checks And Common Mistakes

Before buying risers, measure the gap between the mechanism and the floor at full recline. A raiser base that looks fine upright can jam the mechanism the moment you lean back.

Watch for these common issues:

• Mechanism interference: Screws or boards that touch moving parts will strip or bind the recline action.
• Safety locks: A swivel recliner may lock automatically in stand-up mode and unlock when returned to neutral. Forcing the swivel while locked can damage the mechanism.
• Shipping restraints: Some swivel gliders come with zip ties securing the mechanism; cut them before testing the swivel.
• Tip hazards: Raising a chair shifts its center of gravity.

If you’re shopping for a new chair instead of modifying the one you have, our tested roundup of top-rated swivel recliner chairs covers models with better height options from the start.

FAQs

Does raising a recliner void the warranty?

Modifying the base with non-manufacturer parts can void the warranty on some models, especially if the risers cause damage to the mechanism. Check your warranty terms before installing hardware. La-Z-Boy’s instructions cover tension and leveling adjustments only, and they don’t mention seat-height risers as an approved modification.

Are chair risers safe for every recliner?

No. Chair risers are safe only when the mounting points match your chair’s base design and the hardware clears the mechanism at full recline. For recliner chairs, the board or fixings must not interfere with the recline action. If you can’t verify clearance, consult the manufacturer before installing.

What is the maximum height I can add safely?

Always test stability from a seated position and confirm the mechanism still operates smoothly before regular use.

After any riser install, test the full range of motion: recline fully, return to neutral, and swivel both directions. If anything catches, stops, or grinds, remove the risers and check the mounting board position.