La-Z Boy San Antonio Blog

La-Z-Boy vs Ashley Furniture: 7 Differences You Should Know

Written by Stephanie T. | Oct 12, 2023 5:53:24 PM

There's no doubt that there are two leaders in the furniture industry in South Texas: La-Z-Boy and Ashley Furniture.

If you are considering these two industry leaders as contenders for your furniture purchasing journey, we have compiled a list of 7 key components that the furniture stores share or differ. This article will serve as a great resource in your search for the perfect furniture.

*Disclaimer: We are an authorized independent La-Z-Boy dealer. References to Ashley Furniture are for illustrative and educational purposes only. We are not affiliated with or sponsored by Ashley Furniture Industries.

Table of Contents

La-Z-Boy the Brand

Who is La-Z-Boy?

In 1927, in a garage in Monroe, Michigan, cousins Edwin J Shoemaker and Edward M. Knbusch designed the reclining wood-slat chair. This chair launched the world-renowned La-Z-Boy brand and a new category in furniture-the iconic recliner.

La-Z-Boy Inc. is one of the world's leading residential furniture producers, marketing furniture for every room of the home.

La-Z-Boy is committed to crafting products that meet or exceed industry standards for quality and safety.

Where is La-Z-Boy furniture made?

La-Z-Boy furniture is made in North America and brought to you by our corporate headquarters, six manufacturing plants, ten distribution centers, and more than 100 retail stores located across North America.

Manufacturing Plants for La-Z-Boy:

  • Dayton, TN
  • Siloam Springs, AR
  • Neosho, MO
  • Ramos Arizpe, MX
  • San Luis Rio Colorado, MX
  • Torreon, MX

The steel, springs, foam, and hardwood framing used in La-Z-Boy products are also sourced in America:

  • Steel: Tennessee & Alabama
  • Springs: Indiana & North Carolina
  • Foam: Mississippi
  • Hardwood Framing: Kentucky & Louisiana

These parts and materials are fashioned into La-Z-Boy Furniture at one of the five regional manufacturing plants.

Ashley Furniture the Brand

Who is Ashley Furniture?

From its humble beginnings with just 35 employees in 1970, Ashley Furniture has now grown into a global powerhouse, employing over 35,000 dedicated team members worldwide.

With an impressive facility space of over 30 million square feet spanning 155 countries, Ashley Furniture is not only able to support vendors and businesses but also create countless job opportunities and stimulate economies.

Where is Ashley Furniture made?

Ashley Furniture is made in both Vietnam and the USA. The company has five manufacturing facilities in Vietnam and more in the United States. However, the US-made items seem to skew towards home goods, not furniture.

The company has manufacturing facilities only in the US and Vietnam, but have brick and mortar shops around the world including Vietnam, New Zealand, Uzbekistan, and many more locations. 

Manufacturing Plants for Ashley Furniture:

United States Plants

International Plants

  • Advance, NC
  • Arcadia, WI
  • Brandon, FL
  • Chippewa Falls, WI
  • Colton, CA
  • Ecru, MS
  • Etna, OH
  • Independence
  • Lathrop, CA
  • Lessport, PA
  • Mesquite, TX
  • Pottsville, PA
  • Redlands, CA
  • Ripley, MS
  • Saltillo, MS
  • Spanaway, WA
  • Statesville, NC
  • Tolleson, AZ
  • Verona, MS
  • Whitecall, WI
  • Binh Duong City, Vietnam
  • Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
  • My Phuoc 3 IP, Vietnam
  • Tan Uyen Town, Vietnam
  • Quang Ngai, Vietnam

South Texas Locations

La-Z-Boy South Texas Locations

Ashley Furniture South Texas Locations

https://stores.ashleyfurniture.com/locations/

La-Z-Boy vs Ashley Furniture Cost

La-Z-Boy and Ashley Furniture are by far two of the largest furniture names in the industry. They are both well-known brands and have been in business for decades. But the question of the day is, "How much does each of them cost and why?" So let's jump in...

How much does La-Z-Boy furniture cost?

The average price of a piece of La-Z-Boy furniture can range anywhere from $499-$7,000 depending on the material/fabric, options, and upgrades. Prices will also vary if you are purchasing furniture as a set.

While most customers think of them as pricier than most discount stores, they offer a higher value than most for the price, which extends to their full catalog. Overall, customers have good things to say about comfort and delivery, with some exceptions around perceived quality and durability.

How much does Ashley Furniture cost?

The average price of a piece of Ashley Furniture can range anywhere from $200-$6,600 depending on the material/fabric, options, and upgrades.

According to Slumber Search, Ashley Furniture is known for its moderately priced furniture and its wide variety of products. In terms of quality, there can be some good bargains to be found, but be sure to take a look at what goes into the furniture.

La-Z-Boy vs Ashley Furniture Cost by Category

 

Category

La-Z-Boy

Ashley Furniture

Sectional/L-shaped Couch

$1,900 - $6,500

$1000 - $5,500

Dining Room Sets

$1,400 - $6,000

$500 - $3,500

Bedroom Sets

$2,000 - $10,000

$1000 - $6,600

Sofa

$2,200 - $5,800

$500 - $4,200

Loveseat

$2,200 - $5,800

$300 - $3,000

Accent Chair /Arm Chair

$350 - $2,900

                        $200 - $900

Recliner

$1,000 - $4,000

$250 - $4,000

You might be wondering..." why are these ranges in cost so large?"

The type and quality of materials used in furniture construction greatly influence its price. High-quality hardwoods, such as oak or walnut, tend to command higher prices than cheaper alternatives like particleboard or plywood.

Both La-Z-Boy and Ashley Furniture have product-specific promotions throughout the year allowing you to get a great deal on furniture.

When comparing both brands through cost analysis alone, Ashley Furniture is typically cheaper than La-Z-Boy, however, we will dive into quality, design, and warranty as we move through the article.

La-Z-Boy vs Ashley Furniture Quality

When analyzing the quality of furniture so many different factors come into play.

Furniture that is made with inferior materials is more likely to break, wear out, or become damaged over time. On the other hand, furniture that is made with high-quality materials is more likely to withstand the test of time and retain its beauty and functionality for years to come.

We have compiled a list of key factors when comparing quality of furniture:

The Furniture Quality Checklist

wood

High-Quality

Low-Quality

  • Solid wood or 9+ layer plywood
  • Kiln-dried
  • Well sanded
  • Large panels of wood veneered
  • Thin plywood, particleboard, pressboard, fiberboard
  • Knots, cracks
  • Soft, easily-scratched surfaces
Joints

High-Quality

Low-Quality

  • Dovetail, mortise & tenon
  • Reinforcing corner blocks
  • Dowels, screws
  • Staples, nails, visible glue
Drawers

High-Quality

Low-Quality

  • Dust panels, floating bottoms
  • Metal glide rails, stops
  • Smooth glide
  • Wood on wood sliding
frame

High-Quality

Low-Quality

  • Even, level with the floor
  • Move as a solid unit
  • Twists, creaks, wobbles
  • Legs attached to the bottom of the frame (rather than part of the structure)
springs

High-Quality

Low-Quality

  • Hand-tied coil springs
  • Close together, even resistance
  • Springs should not be felt through the deck
  • Any springs more than a few inches apart
cushions

High-Quality

Low-Quality

  • Firm foam wrapped in padding
  • Protective inner cover
  • Zippered cushions
  • Reversible cushions
  • Bare foam
  • Loose-fill without internal sectioning
upholstery

High-Quality

Low-Quality

  • Aligned patterns
  • Even welts and seams
  • Stitching unbroken
  • No flaws on fabric
  • Skirts with lining or weights
  • Skimpy padding along arms and back

Download The Furniture Quality Checklist

According to Consumer Affairs, La-Z-Boy does rank higher for overall satisfaction than Ashley Furniture.

Read Reviews for La-Z-Boy

Read Reviews for Ashley Furniture

The biggest complaints coming from Ashley Furniture customers are:

  • Poor after-purchase service
  • Damaged/Broken Furniture
  • Timely Delivery

Finished products undergo extensive critical evaluations for durability, appearance, feel (hand), and overall performance.

 

The biggest complaints coming from La-Z-Boy customers are:

  • Supply chain delays
  • Coordinating delivery times

La-Z-Boy is known for its high durability and quality furniture. All products are tested 2 times the industry standard.

 

Interior Design Services

Interior Design Services in South Texas range in cost from $50-$150 per hour with the average time spent at 20-25 hours per room. That will add a bit more to your final bill when shopping for furniture.

Although it is an additional cost, using Interior Design Services could save you money in the long run. Making sure your furniture fits your space, your needs, and your style could prevent you from returning or selling your furniture.

Both La-Z-Boy South Texas and Ashley Furniture provide Free Design Services. But there are a few key differences:

 

La-Z-Boy Design Services

Ashley Furniture Design Services

A degreed Interior Designer in-store

   Virtual Design Services

Custom fittings to your furniture

Virtual Design Expert 

Every swatch of fabric is available in-store

 

La-Z-Boy has a degreed in-store Interior Designer at each location that will help you bring your home's vision to life and ensure that you will choose the right furniture for your space and your preference.

Ashley Furniture utilizes Virtual Design Services, your free design advice and custom space design is an online design service by Ashley's expert team of interior designers through Ashley.com. Many Ashley stores are independently owned and operated, so please check with your local store to see if an in-store service is available in your area.

Can I customize my Furniture?

Creating a custom piece of furniture specific to your style is one of the best parts of shopping for your furniture! 

While Ashley Furniture does not offer customizable furniture it does offer a variety of styles, designs, colors, and fabrics to choose from. 

La-Z-Boy currently offers a wide variety of options when it comes to putting your personal touch on your piece of furniture. Not to mention for La-Z-Boy Recliners you are personally measured and fitted making sure it is the perfect fit!

At La-Z-Boy You can customize your:

Creating a custom piece of furniture specific to your style is one of the best parts of shopping for your furniture! 

La-Z-Boy currently offers a wide variety of options when it comes to putting your personal touch on your piece of furniture. Not to mention for La-Z-Boy Recliners you are personally measured and fitted making sure it is the perfect fit!

At La-Z-Boy You can customize your:
  • Fabric
  • Wood
  • Leather
  • Trimming
  • Handle
  • Footrest
  • Base

Some sofas, couches, and recliners are even offered with heat and massage!

Financing

Whether you are searching for Bedroom Sets or Dining Room Sets the investment of furnishing your home comes with a price. With financing, you can take your new furniture home as soon as you make your purchase!

Another benefit of financing furniture is that it allows you to spread the cost of your purchase over time. This can make it more affordable for you in the long run since you will not have to pay for your furniture all at once.

Does La-Z-Boy offer financing?

Yes, La-Z-Boy does offer Financing options: 

On in-store purchases made with your La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries credit card. Equal monthly payments are required for 12 months. Minimum purchase may apply.

A dedicated credit limit to use again and again at La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries.

  • Convenient monthly payments 
  • Payment options—online or by mail
  • Special financing available from Synchrony Bank**
  • Special in-store & online deals

Does Ashley Furniture offer financing?

Yes, Ashley Furniture offers 3 different types of financing options:

Financing Options                                                   Minimum Purchase
6 months special financing                                 No min. purchase required for Synchrony

                                                                                    $150 min. purchase required for GAFCO

12 months special financing                                No min. purchase required for Synchrony

                                                                                    $1200 min. purchase required for GAFCO

No interest for 60 months                                      In-Store Only

Delivery

Unless you own a very large truck and have 4 strong friends on standby you are going to be in need of delivery services. Below we will breakdown what La-Z-Boy and Ashley Furniture offer for delivery services.

La-Z-Boy

Ashley Furniture

Local Delivery & Set Up=$139.99+

Free shipping of smaller orders in 48 states

Shipping= $137-$183

No Hassle Delivery + Assembly= $100-$350 

(depends on size of order)

Free In-Store Pick Up

Doorstep Delivery (You set up)= $100-$200

(depends on size of order)

 

Free In Store Pick Up

Both companies: 

  • Offer to deliver and set up your new furniture and dispose of all packaging as well as remove any old, unwanted furniture for an additional cost. 
  • Require you to schedule your delivery when someone over the age of 18 is present at home

Regardless of the manufacturer you choose, making sure your investment arrives and is assembled is a great way to conduct a quality check. 

Warranty

La-Z-Boy and Ashley Furniture both offer warranties on their furniture. The key differences between La-Z-Boy and Ashley Furniture Warranties would be the length of time that each company warranties the structural components of each piece of furniture specifically.

La-Z-Boy Warranty

Click here for more information on La-Z-Boy Warranty

Ashley Furniture Warranty


Click here for more information on Ashley Furniture Warranty

What's Next?

Now that you have a good understanding of the Cost, Quality, Services, Delivery and Warranty differences between La-Z-Boy and Ashley Furniture, we recommend you visit the stores in person.

La-Z_Boy South Texas proudly serves New Braunfels, San Antonio, Corpus Chrisiti and McAllen for all of your Recliner, Sofa, Loveseat, Sectional, Dining Room and Bedroom furniture and design needs!

Visit us online or in-store to schedule your consultation with our Design Team today for more information about La-Z-Boy products and services in your area! 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Some sofas, couches, and recliners are even offered with heat and massage!

While Ashley Furniture does not offer customizable furniture it does offer a variety of styles, designs, colors and fabrics to choose from.