Quick Verdict: La-Z-Boy Trafford Big and Tall
The La-Z-Boy Trafford brings the brand's famous recliner comfort to the office. It is a big and tall executive chair rated for 400 pounds, with ComfortCore memory foam, pivoting AIR lumbar cushions, padded armrests, wood accents and bonded leather upholstery. It suits larger and taller people who want a plush, cushioned executive chair rather than a technical mesh design. The trade-offs are typical of executive chairs: limited adjustment, bonded leather that runs warm and some owner reports of cushions flattening over time. If you want premium ergonomics in a big and tall chair, the Steelcase Leap Plus is the better long-term investment.
What Is the La-Z-Boy Trafford?
La-Z-Boy is best known for recliners, and its licensed office chair range brings that cushioned comfort to home offices. The Trafford is a big and tall model in its executive line, featuring AIR technology: lumbar cushions that pivot and flex as you move, rather than a fixed lumbar pad. It comes in black and chestnut brown bonded leather.
Trafford Specifications
| Upholstery | Bonded leather |
|---|---|
| Seat | ComfortCore memory foam |
| Lumbar | AIR technology pivoting lumbar cushions |
| Arms | Padded armrests with wood accents |
| Seat height | About 21"–23" |
| Seat depth | About 19" |
| Recline | Tilt and recline controlled by seat-side levers |
| Weight capacity | 400 lbs |
| Chair weight | About 64 lbs |
| Price tier | Value ($$); MSRP about $500 |
Figures are from independent roundups and La-Z-Boy listings.
Design and Build
The Trafford looks like a classic executive chair, with thick cushions, a high back, padded arms and dark wood accents. It is heavy at about 64 pounds, and some customers report that assembly is tricky. Bonded leather looks smart but is made from leather fibers bonded to a backing, so it is less durable and less breathable than full-grain leather.
Comfort and Support
Cushioning
The memory foam seat and plush back are the main attraction. Roundups describe it as comfortable for heavier and taller users and say the design helps reduce pressure on the sitting bones.
AIR Lumbar
The AIR lumbar cushions pivot with you, offering gentle, flexible lower-back support. They are not adjustable in height or firmness, so people with specific needs should compare the chairs in our lumbar support guide.
Seat Height
The 21-to-23-inch seat height suits taller people, but it is high for average and shorter users.
Adjustability
Like most executive chairs, the Trafford offers basic adjustments: height, tilt and recline. It lacks seat depth adjustment and fully adjustable arms.
Manufacturer-published figures.
Trafford vs. Other Big and Tall Chairs
| La-Z-Boy Trafford | HON Ignition 2.0 Big and Tall | Steelcase Leap Plus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Style | Cushioned executive | Ergonomic task | Premium ergonomic |
| Capacity | 400 lbs | 450 lbs | 500 lbs |
| Lumbar | Pivoting AIR cushions | Adjustable | Height + firmness |
| Seat depth | Fixed | Seat glide | Adjustable |
| Check price | Check Latest Price | Check Latest Price | Check Latest Price |
See all our picks in our guide to the best big and tall office chairs.
Who Should Buy the Trafford?
- Larger and taller people who want a plush, cushioned chair.
- Anyone who wants an executive look with wood accents.
- People who prefer soft seating to mesh.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Shorter users: the 21-inch minimum seat height is high.
- People who run warm: bonded leather traps heat.
- All-day sitters who need precise adjustment: try the Leap Plus.
What Reviewers and Owners Commonly Mention
Owners and roundups praise the Trafford's plush comfort, suitability for larger and taller users and smart design. Common complaints include its weight, tricky assembly, seat cushions that can flatten over time, armrests that may crack and inconsistent customer service.
Trafford Pros and Cons
Pros
- 400 lb capacity
- Plush memory foam seat
- Pivoting AIR lumbar cushions
- Classic executive look
- High seat suits tall users
Cons
- Limited adjustment
- Bonded leather runs warm and wears faster
- Heavy, tricky assembly
- Reports of cushions flattening over time
Is the La-Z-Boy Trafford Worth It?
For larger people who want cushioned executive comfort at a moderate price, it is a reasonable choice. For long workdays, a chair with more adjustment and a longer warranty, such as the Steelcase Leap Plus or HON Ignition 2.0 Big and Tall, will serve you better over time.
Assembly and Care
The Trafford weighs about 64 pounds, and some customers find assembly tricky, so plan for two people. To help bonded leather last, keep the chair out of direct sunlight, wipe spills promptly and avoid harsh cleaners.
How to Set Up the Trafford
- Seat height: adjust for your desk; taller users will find the range suits them best.
- Tilt tension: use the seat-side controls so the recline supports you without effort.
- Footrest: shorter users may need one, given the high seat.
- Sit back fully: let the AIR lumbar cushions meet your lower back.
Alternatives to the Trafford
- Steelcase Leap Plus: premium ergonomics rated for 500 lbs.
- HON Ignition 2.0 Big and Tall: 450 lbs with ergonomic adjustments.
- Amazon Basics Big and Tall Mesh: 400 lbs on a tight budget.
- Secretlab Titan Evo XL: a high-back gaming-style chair for larger users.
La-Z-Boy Trafford FAQs
What Is the La-Z-Boy Trafford's Weight Capacity?
It is rated for 400 pounds.
What Is La-Z-Boy AIR Technology?
It refers to lumbar cushions that pivot and flex as you move, providing flexible lower-back support.
Is the Trafford Good for Short People?
Its 21-inch minimum seat height is high for shorter users.
Is Bonded Leather Durable?
Bonded leather is less durable than full-grain leather and can peel over time with heavy use.