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Repair experts say it’s usually the nonmoving parts of the recliner that get damaged or broken most often. So inspect the underside of the chair (or, if that’s not possible, ask to view photos, videos, or sample “cutaways” from the manufacturer). You want to see heavy-duty screws, not dinky ones or, worse, plastic fasteners. Don’t be fooled by a vague description like “all-wood construction,” which may be code for low-quality pressboard — too soft to withstand the back-and-forth motion of a recliner. Get the salesperson to clarify, and actually look at the bones: Hardwood, like birch or poplar, is superior, but be prepared to spend about $1,000 or maybe more. A decent second choice is plywood, starting at a low $300. Finally, with any recliner, check the manufacturer’s guarantee and opt for one that spans at least three years.

Get the salesperson to clarify, and actually look at the bones: Hardwood, like birch or poplar, is superior, but be prepared to spend about $1,000 or maybe more.

— Lana Morrow

Then again, there are specialty chairs, such as massage and electric recliners. The former can get quite expensive (from $800 to $5,000), and the latter are designed for people with mobility issues. Regardless of what type you pick, check that there’s no more than a five-inch gap between the seat and the open leg rest; otherwise, children or pets can get caught and injured. Same goes for the lever — make sure tiny hands (or your own fingers) can’t get stuck inside or pinched.Rocker recliners — think traditional La-Z-Boy — rock when upright and lower fully, usually by means of a hand lever. Their pricing usually starts at about $350 but expect to pay $600 and up for a well-built model. A trendier option these days for the space- or style-conscious are push-back models, which recline when you’re leaning back. They can cost as little as $250, but, on the downside, tend not to last as long as those with levers, since the mechanism gets more of a workout.