I'm seeing a lot of these chairs in coaches. They look like the way to go in that they don't take up much space and don't rock and swivel while going down the road. I'm curious about how well they have worked out for back issues, etc and what models are recommended.
I find ours to be comfortable. Some of the chairs of this type have tensioners on the sides so one can adjust how much force is required to recline or sit up. The model that came from the factory in our coach does not have tensioners. The matching ottoman is just right and rides nicely in the seat of the chair when going down the road. The leather looks and feels like the leather in 80's and 90's Volvo cars -- sort of a heavy gauge, embossed look. Ours is in near-new condition and is showing no particular wear or tear after 15 years.
For my torso length it's not the greatest chair for taking a nap -- it's just a fuzz too small for that. Overall I'd give it a 7 or 8 out of 10.
Leg Comfort - Ekornes - Shop by Brand (https://www.thebackstore.com/shop-by-brand/ekornes/leg-comfort.html)
We have this one, very comfortable. Not inexpensive.
There are many different styles/models. Also different sizes and leather finishes. Really need to try them out to see what suits you.
I agree with Bob. The one we have is an excellent choice for us in color, size and comfort. It rides down the road nicely and the foot stool has never moved when in motion. I never thought of stowing it in the chair but that is not a bad idea. Actually we usually have a bunch of loose paperwork and magazines in the chair when in motion.
You really do have to go somewhere where there are many Ekornes chairs to try out. Widths vary, upper back angles vary, you will know when you sit in the right one. We have two, one in the coach and one in the LR. Best place for a nap. We used the stool for several years and on a whim left it at home last summer for a three month trip to elsewhere. Probably going to leave it at home for the next one as well. They are expensive but you should get a good long time out of them. I made a quarter sawn white oak riser for mine to get it up an extra 2-1/2". Good for taller folks. They sell them but I always have wood around.
(https://s13.postimg.org/74kk08687/IMG_2550.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
Thr riser really makes a difference for me.
Lots of look-a-likes. See what they feel like.
Picked up 2 similar ones with the seperate footrest made by Lane,don't have the dinero for Ekornes.
Unfortunately, I've been a bit disappointed with mine.
One part is my problem. I have a very long torso. I'm 6'-1" but have a 29" pant inseam so all my height is in my torso. Even the model of the Erkones with an adjustable headrest doesn't extend high enough to get the lower portion above my shoulders. My mistake.
The second part is a leather quality problem. The first time that I cleaned it (with the included cleaner) several large spots showed up where the leather dye had just disappeared -- going from tan to beige.
In my opinion, not worth the money.
Hi Bill O,
You might try extending the headrest up... by pulling it out and placing 3-4 inches of garden hose on the metal rods, then putting it back in place. This may or may not be enough increase height for you.
Jim
2002 U320
Stressless comes in 3 sizes, and we like the smallest/narrowest as it fits better in a motorhome. The largest has a larger base ring, also taking more space.
Stressless also sells a matching wood ring to raise up chair. We have two stacked rings which raises up the chair even more, so it works more like a chair.
Love the separate ottoman that we can move around in the coach and can use it as a seat if we want.
Also have the small round side table and use it on the left arm. Table bracket must be ordered for right or left.
We have had our Stressless for many years and like it very much.
Along with removing window side valences, the smaller chair makes the inside of our motorhome appear larger.
Ruth has bought a new one and spent a few hours trying all the models etc to get the right "fit" It is going into our new "digs" in summer and now she is bugging me to go get one for the living room to come. I guess I will have to try one and see if they live up to expectations.
JohnH
Last year I replaced mine ( had some cracks in the leather and was not comfortable for me with lower back issues).
I found a nice Lazyboy recliner that both of us like- it is comfortable and since this is our home, we have what we want.
It is not the real wide Lazyboy so it fits nicely in our non slide coach.
As our late friend Dave M. always said, " do what makes you happy."
'I made a quarter sawn white oak riser for mine to get it up an extra 2-1/2". Good for taller folks. They sell them but I always have wood around.'
Nice job on the riser Bob. I've been looking at making one for the ottoman, but was going to replicate the black one Ekornes makes, using plywood painted black. It looks like you spent a lot of time making yours.
Dang Roger, You are the man with the woodwork! Everything you have shown looks great! I can fix anything mechanical, electrical, whatever, But can't even make stick people out of toothpicks! ^.^d
Oops - I meant "Roger".
"Roger that, Bob!" said Roger!
'Stressless' on CL brings up a whole world of seating possibilities at reduced rates.
Be careful buying LazyBoy recliners. I have bought them for years and never had a problem til this last one. The frame broke up, the retailer refused to cover it and months later LazyBoy finally sent me a new frame but I had to stand the labor to pull off upholstery and rebuild new frame. It seems that LazyBoy like a lot of companies has cut corners by building their products with ever cheaper components to the point that I found chair to be built with particle board, cheap veneers, staples and YES even cardboard. When you find one you like make the sales person turn it over and show you the construction. I am not a happy camper over the whole thing and LazyBoy has lost my business forever.
Gary B
I wanted to read reviews for a replacement recliner and ran across this post. I would appreciate the experts opinion on this one. I would really appreciate an electronic replacement. I would also be using this to work on my lap top at the pull out table. I will be removing the other chair to open up the area for a prebuilt exercise area for the two rescue cats since they will be traveling with me. It is made with cedar 4x4 post and siskel rope/ 3 alternating carpeted platforms. Better the post scratched then my couch/guest bed tore up :) The blue leather color would match the original couch that I'm keeping (great shape). I believe this chair's metal base can be attached to the wooden swivel that is already under the original chair. Yes I may have to cut a slight larger one.
Tell me if this would work in my Grand Villa. This is replacing the chair by the Side door so I believe I should have a little wiggle room??
Overstock.com: Online Shopping - Bedding, Furniture, Electronics, Jewelry,... (https://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Raff-Leather-aire-Power-Recliner/12647794/product.html?option=20621318&recset=e639ct6ae-dc08-41b3-adeb-f2a35a0881b9&refccid=QIJW63CNW5B34Y2IY2RV3INYRE&recalg=923,873,839&recidx=0)
Raff Leather-aire Power Recliner - Blue
Dimensions 28"L x 37"D x 40"H
Thank you for your help... stayed home to avoid the icy roads so might as well work on Woody.
Kathie,
I would suggest considering a wall hugger design. Otherwise, the recline function will be limited to nearly parallel to the sidewall and likely interfere with the cat gym.
Gary I hate to hear that about Lazy Boy When I had my upholstery shop Lazy Boy was the top of the line. They used all oak framing with no plywood or anything else. I always liked recovering them because I knew they would last.
Chris
We replaced our factory recliner with Stressless that we bought used from MOT. It came with ottoman, but we may not travel with the foot rest, can't decide. Takes up less room than the factory recliner. With a luxury vinyl floor we need to tie it down to keep it from moving during hard braking. We are on the short side and it's almost too low to the ground for us. Overall, we are happy with the chair and it gives a greater sense of psychological space.
You will like Ottoman take it on a trip or two.
You can buy a lift ring to raise chair. 1.5" per ring up to two can be added @ $350 each.
I bought one, waiting delivery, may add second ring
Tim Fiedler
Gen-Pro.biz
630 240-9139
We took the foot rest along with our Ekornes chair for several years. Tried leaving it home a couple years ago and it is still there. We have a 36 ft coach, a 40 might have more room.
I made a 2.75 inch wooden riser for my chair using quarter sawn white oak scrap stained to match. Some time. Cost $0.
Roger, I think there is business opportunity here.....
Tim Fiedler
Gen-Pro.biz
630 240-9139
I just gave away my beloved Lazy Boy which I have had since 1987. It looks nearly as good as it did new and is the most comfortable thing to sleep in when I'm recovering from an injury or can't sleep in the bed due to some illness or sciatica. On the other hand, my lower back needs something much firmer. I did look at the newer models and left unimpressed. The still charge a lot, but the materials (foam) are made in China. We bought an Ekrones, but it has not been a satisfactory alternative. I finally found a recliner at Costco (Pulaski power recliner) and has been working out very well for sitting in (may be too firm for sleeping).
We use our Ekornes foot rest for much more then feet while sitting in chair:
For our 'computer on dash while traveling', one can sit right in front of dash on the Ekornes 'stool' and mouse the laptop.
Foot stool for couch sitting.
Additional chair when guests come over.
A horizontal surface for things for a moment or longer.
A fine multi-purpose stool / foot rest.
We have two stacked Ekornes lift rings but are in awe of Roger's much better home-grown wood lift ring.
Roger did you cut multiple short pieces wood cutting each of them in an arch, fit them together in a circle and then trim & sand them as they were in a ring? How did you fit each piece end to end
Thanks,
Barry
We wanted a 2nd Ekornes, but decided to look for other options to a $2,000 purchase.
Figured this $148 chair was worth trying, and to our surprise, it is very nice. And now it is our main lounge chair. We also like the look and openness of the bottom design.
2 Piece Black Recliner with Ottoman | TC3-035 BLK PU BRN FRAME | Cambridge... (https://www.afw.com/en/2pc-black-recliner-with-ottoman)
The store has other lounge chairs. BTW, American Furniture, a very large store is a good place to buy well made inexpensive furniture.
Barry,
Three rings of 12 5/4" quarter sawn white oak cut offs from a set of custom screen doors, 36 pieces total. Each cut at 15° on the ends (30° arc). The lengths were all equal to get the inside and outside diameter I wanted. These were glued end to end with a biscuit in each joint and a strap clamp. That got me three twelve sided rings. They were glued, stacked and clamped with the joints offset. I fitted a cross piece on the top level to get a center point. A big router (3.5 hp) with a large radius cutting base pinned at the center with a long 1/2" dia. spiral carbide cutting bit and several passes got the outside cut. I cut a circular groove in the top of the base for the swivel part of chair base to fit. The inside was cut in the same way until only a small section at each end of the cross piece was left. That was easy enough to cut out by hand. Edges were shaped with a round over bit. Some belt sander and random orbital sander time and then an alcohol based dye and a catalyzed oil for a finish.
Nice way use up some scrap.
Roger
Your work Roger is something to be appreciated. No wonder you still have a home as you can't do that being a full timer.
I see the project as having an engineering/designing part, gluing step and wood cutting & shaping element. Interesting that you could visualize how to start. Nice work, thanks for sharing and filling my curiosity. . .
"Stressless also sells a matching wood ring to raise up chair. "
I need to order one of these . The Ekornes is slightly low for us now. Is there a best source or recommended source?
I would try Countryside RV Interiors - (541) 998-6541 (http://countrysidervinterior.com)
They use to carry the Stressless brand, many stores have quit carrying them, as they have priced them selves out of the market. They should be able to help.
From Dan...
"Stressless also sells a matching wood ring to raise up chair. "
I need to order one of these . The Ekornes is slightly low for us now. Is there a best source or recommended source?
I have not seen a commercial wooden one, just plastic. Come for a visit early summer and you can make one (some supervision if you want it). I have plenty of black walnut (cheap) and white oak (not scraps and not cheap).
First check out the well-known place in Hastings MN if you want the best . . .
Or pick your ring size - Google knows where:
"The Elevator Ring fits neatly onto the base of your Stressless Signature Base Recliner, adding 1.25" of height to your chair. Available in 3 sizes for Stressless ottomans, small or medium recliners, and large recliners. Elevator rings for recliners may be stacked to add additional height with the optional Swivel Ring."