Crysta Dwf
map-marker North Port, Florida

Berkline "Bonded-leather" peeling off of chairs.

We purchased Berkline motorized theater chairs with bonded leather. About 16 months later the "leather" started to crack. The company said, "Sorry your warranty is up. It sounds like you didn't take care of it properly. The directions said to clean with a damp cloth and dry with a soft cloth. Apply a conditioner when needed.

The furniture was not inexpensive and we purchased four chairs. The leather is peeling off much like peeling the skin off someone's back after getting a sunburn. The "leather" is thin like skin. Underneath is a yellowish material. Looks awful. Very embarrassing. The chairs still work well. Can't afford new.

Has anyone had a similar experience?

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6 comments
Guest

I have the same problem don’t know who to contact.

Guest

Same thing has happened to my set of four Berkline 12003 Reno that I bought 4 years ago...total junk...bonded leather is pealing and the company I bought them from (4 seating) in So California says sorry...to bad...thinking about having them reupholstered but it may be cheaper just to take the hit and move on.

Guest

Bought mine in July 2011 from Sears and leather peeling off one chair so far and looks horrible. I had 5 year extended warranty through Guardsman and they told me it's normal wear & tear so not covered.

What this is normal!! Sears tell me it had 1 year warranty so it has expired but I haven't given up yet

Guest

We also have a Berkline reclining sofa. 2 years later leather peeled right off, $1800 down the drain. Never will I buy a bonded leather product ever again.

Guest

Yes, I had the same issue with a bonded "leather" sofa and love seat from Art Van Furniture (Michigan). Cracking and peeling off a couple of months after the one year warranty expired.

Spoke with a leather repair specialist who basically told me that bonded leather is *** and only lasts about a year and a half. He says it's an illegal product in many countries.

I wander if these companies know about it and still sell it without warning consumers. Wish there were a class action lawsuit we could join.

Guest

Berkline is out of business. When you call there number they have no one to answer the phone.

I am stuck with my theater chairs with the bonded leather peeling off. They look horrific.

I have to cover them with bath towels. The lumber areas are all broken down, but as I stated before, the electric motors are still working well...thank God.

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Anonymous
map-marker Olive Branch, Mississippi

No compliants here

I have a Berkline Recliner I bought at Furniture Fair in Cincinnati Oh in 1993.19 years old! Its still in good condition and very comfortable. Im looking for a store in Lexington ky that sells the reclining loveseats/console. It is cloth material with no tears. It does not sag at all. It springs out when you hit the button . I've used it a lot. I've slept in it many time. I've never seen a Recliner last this long anywhere. I just hope I can buy a reclining loveseat that will last have this long. Thanks for reading.
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wiseconsumer
map-marker Vallejo, California

Berkline terrible quality

We purchased a Berkline loveseat several years ago, being told by the sales person that its nearly as good as La-Z-Boy, and started having problems with it within months of delivery. All problems have been focused on the lift mechanism, to make a long story short, Berkline told me I had to fix it myself and sent me a set of springs twice which seemed to help slightly but did not fix the problem completely. So both lift mechanisms are now wobbly and do not lift all the way (and make creaking and sprint popping sounds) when the left side lift mechanism made a metallic snapping sound when my wife actuated it, the mechanism only lifted partially so the foot rest was now at a 45 degree angle to the left. We called to demand that someone come out and mechanically repair the unit only to find out that Berkline is out of business. The reason I am post in this story is that I found dozens of furniture places, especially home theater stores, that sell Berkline chairs. Folks you have better think twice before buying a chair from a company that does not take care of its existing customers. Yes, I read that some new company was backing some of these new chair slew, but think about it, what will you do in a few years when your chair breaks down and these guys decide that it was not worth paying for all these repairs and leaves you in the lurch, the same as all existing Berkline customers? It just does not make any sense. Sure these chairs look nice, but you don't judge a book by its cover, do you? You shouldn't judge chairs by how nice the fabric looks, or how cushy it looks, forget Berkline and spend you money on a high quality chair, you'll be better off in the long run
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2 comments
Guest

We purchased 2 Berkline recliners from a furniture store in Seymor, IN 3.5 years ago. The navy leather one has a large, broken PLASTIC part (as in found big pieces on carpet)which causes the chair to sit on the ground and of course the mechanism won't work at all.

I called a chair repair shop and was nformed that Berkline went out of business abput 5 years ago. We are retired and can't afford to go out and buy another leather recliner. It (was) a very comfortable chair. I'm so tired of the inferior quality with which consumers are presented these days.

It costs twice as much as it should and lasts half or less of the time it should. Is there ANYWHERE I could find this plastic part?

Guest

I have a berkline 3 piece reclining sofa i purchased in late 2008,and i'm already having recurring troubles with it,namely the springs underneath the cushions,the brackets that hold them in place are not secured well enough,and randonmly a springs pops off [because the chinsy bracket let go off the plywood mounting piece,,,2 different times on the middle cushion,3 different springs popped out of place,and twice[i have the extended warranty]the store were i purchased it from reset resecured the spring in place with new mounting hardware..low and behold now the left side end cushion blew one this morning,i'm gonna have to turn the whole *** couch over AGAIN,,and try to reset and resecure it in place,,,mind you this sofa is only four years old,and it is not like an 800 pound elephant is sleeping,sitting,or jumping on it!!!,,,,poor quality,nothing more now than a hassle,,as i'm just waiting for pop!! goes another spring bracket!!!,,aggravated with this condition is saying the least

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jackieheron H
map-marker Detroit, Michigan

Berkline lift chair piece of junk

Purchased a Berkline lift chair from 4seating about a year ago. The chair has creaked and popped almost since day 1. About a month ago the lower massage stopped working. E-mailed 4seating requesting assist zero response. Next the left side of the chair gave way and 4 screws were laying on the floor & the foot rest wouldn't function properly. Sent a second e-mail to 4seating, no response. Today, 3/1/12, the motor quit so the lift chair doesn't work at all. The foot rest is in the up position. I have medical conditions that make the chair a necessity. I live on social Security. I'm 5'7'' & about 130 pounds. That shouldn't have broken the chair. Unfortunately, I don't have the proof of purchase because I wasn't home day of delivery but I'm certain 4seating has a record. Please advise as to how to get this chair replaced. Someone please contact me.
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1 comment
Guest

contact okin.com they will help

lib.simpson s
map-marker Mooresville, North Carolina

Uncomfortable, Disgraceful Berkline Recliners!

I own two Berkline Recliners. The problem is they kill your back, and being as old as I am (67), They just do NOT feel comfortable. I have fibromyalgia AND two discs in my neck/ upper back that are kind of out of place and I thought that these Berkline Recliners being a good brand name and all, would help me feel comfortable when relaxing, but this is crazy. And they seem to "eat up" ALL of my things. I reccomend you to not get these recliners unless you are willing to put up with having a sore back. It's a disgrace.
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Loss:
$600
2 comments
Guest

yah, well, we have owned the same berkline rocker recliner for at least 15 years. i sleep on it every nite, sometimes the entire nite.

i also have a bad back, and lying in bed brings pain to my lower back(select comfort bed). my wife also sleeps in this recliner every day.

we also have a lazy boy glider/recliner that sucks, and cost twice as much. we are currently looking for another berkline to replace the lazy boy.

Guest

I cannot attribute it to anything else but sitting in this poorly-thought out, cheaply constructed reclining theater seat. :( :sigh

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Anonymous
map-marker Norfolk, Virginia

Berkline is getting unfairly piled on

I purchased a Berkline rocker recliner last April. I am not a light weight person. I have had 4 lazy boys that been pieces of junk compared to this Berkline rockerlounger chair. I love the swivel feature and quiet operation. All lazy boys wake the dead when putting the foot rest up or down.I special ordered this with a beautiful brown fabric from their selection and they had it made and delivered to our local store in less time then promised. COME ON PEOPLE THIS IS AN AMERICAN COMPANY HIRING PEOPLE HERE AT HOME. AND IT IS "MADE IN AMERICA" In these economic times get with American companies. Don't bash them.
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5 comments
Guest

I've had a berkline recliner sofa for years 2006 that is 8 years with no issues. It is a microfiber sofa so I can't speak for leather products.

It is great and with both of us being on the heavy size we have never had problems with the recliner mechanisms. My upholstery attachment on my Hoover floor mate does a great cleaning job on it as well. I would buy another couch just like it and started to look at the chairs recently.

It is the most comfortable couch and my favorite place to take an afternoon snooze. It is Sunday and that sounds like a great idea.

Guest

Berkline declared bankruptcy in 2011 and voided all the warranties on their products. So much for American companies.

Guest

This furniture sucks!!! We bought a two seat recliner and chair from Roomfull Express in Pittsburgh PA 2007.

We had them re-deliver 3 times and then gave up. The NEW furniture delivered looked used an smelled. The last time we requested replacement they sent us all this fricken material. Like what are we going to do with this.

Needless to say the furniture store and maker declared bankruptcy. Stay away from Ashley furniture because they now own the Berkline name.

Guest

Unfairly piled on I beg to differ.... When You sell a product that boast lifetime warranty on frame and they frame is what coming apart a consumer have every right to complain and voice their disatisfaction I have had broken sofa and love seat over 2 years and I am not financially able to get new ones so in my opinion Berkline is terrible furniture maker I dont care if it is MADE IN AMERICA or not its an expensive POS

Guest

I agree to some extent that Berkline is unfairly dumped on. My loveseat and oversized chair are 10 years old and doing pretty well.

The matching sofa, however, not so good. But that's due to a very overweight man plunking down in it every night. I'd love to get it repaired, bec.

the 3 pieces match, but there seems to be no such thing. Guess I'm supposed to throw it out and buy new?

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Theresa B Gek
map-marker Dallas, Texas

Berkline

my husband and i purchased a reclining sofa and love-seat from Berkline 12 years ago we both weigh around 170 pounds . i am now looking to replace ir. I did get a letter from a lawyer about 6 years ago about a lawsuit against Berkline. I guess I should have filled it out . my husband had to tight all the screw and bolts n the furniture. every year since we have owned it. if a heavier person sits on it. it kind of gets a gap in upper part between the sections. looking for a replacement. Any suggestions ?????? Help
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Loss:
$1200
2 comments
Guest

You missed the point, 12 years does sound ok. Dianne and husband did a good job nursing the furniture along and conducting annual preventive maintenace. Seriously,

Guest

12 years, seriously!! I can't believe you got 12 years out of this furniture and you're complaining!

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Anonymous
map-marker Tampa, Florida

BERKLINE LEATHER LOVE SEAT & SOFA

PURCHASED BERLINE LEATHER LOVE SEAT #176-7L99-91/029481 & SOFA #IN 2005 AT LOCAL FURNITURE STORE HERE IN HUDSON,FLORIDA...ONLY TWO ADULTS LIVE HERE WHO ARE EXTREMELY CAREFUL WITH ALL HOME BELONGINGS. THE SOFA LEATHER ON ONE SIDE OF ARM HAS CRACKED AND LOOKS LIKE ITS AT LEAST 20 YEARS OLD. ALSO, THE LEATHER ITSELF ON BOTH PIECES DOES NOT CLEAN AND HAS SOILED, PICKING UP WHAT APPEARS TO BE EVEN COLORS FROM CLOTHES. BOTH PIECES LOOK LIKE *** AND ARE NOT QUALITY PIECES, GIVEN THE COST ESPECIALLY. ALSO, PIECES ARE NOT COMFORTABLE AT ALL....WOULD "NEVER" BUY AGAIN AND SUGGEST NO ONE ELSE DOES EITHER. WARRANTY ON MATERIAL ONE YEAR...RIDICULOUS!!!
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drsteph
map-marker Madison, Wisconsin

Berkline Furniture is very poor Quality

We had purchased a Berkline Sofa and Love seat with recliners on each end of each unit. We had 3 of the pulls for the recliners break in less than a year. Now a forth one broke and I can not find replacement parts. We work hard for our money and paying this much was a real stretch for us, but we were hoping it would last us quite a few years. I guess not. Berkline is truly a disappointment to us, and don't know whgat we are going to do. Has anyone been able to find parts for this product?
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Anonymous
map-marker Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

I was sold berkline couch that is junk!!

I too am in the same boat with others when i purchased a berkline sofa. My sofa started pulling apart at the seams and the stuffing is loose within a few months. Now my dealer can't get replacement parts. I am so upset! We thought we were buying a quality piece of furniture that would last for many years. Now we are stuck with a piece of junk. I want to contact someone about being taken advantage of. Does anyone know what i can do. Please someone help me this is not fair!! Berkline is a piece of ***!
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karenwright
map-marker Los Angeles, California

Berkine

My Berkline recliner sofa is broken. Berkline's telephone number is out of service. How do I contact Berkline? Will they repair my recliner sofa? I am upset that this is happening. I paid big bucks for the Berkline furnitures. What is my recourse. Consumers be aware.The furniture dealer who sold me the Berkline furniture say he can not help me and told me that Berkline went bankrupt and wished me good luck. Berkline should be decent enough to post their contact info and help customers who trusted their products.Is anyone monitoring these business who rip customers off?
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2 comments
Guest

Montage Furniture Services at 800-686-**** is supposed to be handeling warranty work for Berkline. The process is a very slow one to get service.

Their address is 107 Flynn Dr. Suite 500, Milbank SD 57252

GOOD LUCK!

Guest

Berkline closed at the end of March. So they cannot help.

You're best option is to find a former Berkline dealer in your area. They can repair the broken pieces or replace them.

Since Berkline is out of business, you will have to pay for the repairs. But it can certainly be fixed.

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Anonymous
map-marker Newark, New Jersey

Parts unavailable for warranty repair

Purchased leather sofa 3/26/06 and now one of the recliners has broken part. Need new recliner but no parts available. Bought at Boscovs and they don't want to assist in repair. Recliner had lifetime warranty. Rotten luck and I wont buy from Boscovs anymore!!!!!!! Now I have a couch I can't use and I paid one thousand dollars for it. I will definitely purchase from another company and try a Lane reclining sofa. Good luck to all the people that have furniture from Berkline because they have been shafted. Nothing more to say so my spewing is over!
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Loss:
$1000
12 comments
Guest

Most furniture stores do not have spare parts on hand, parts have to be ordered by the manufacturer.

If a manufacturer goes out of business, the warranty is void.

Furniture stores are not in control of this. Do not blame them.

Guest

benchcraft massage chair model 3266p need to know how to program the upper and lower limits because it will only step 3 times and error out

Guest

I purchased replacement parts for Berkline from liftchairsrus.com. They were helpful with other parts that aren't listed online too.

Guest

Berkline is out of business!!

Guest

For a China made power recliner get a Birkliner smart box bypass kit from Medicalcentersupply. Cost $133 new better controller. Old controller still works for massage functions.

Guest

I don't know if anyone is still looking for replacement parts for Berkline but I just bought some from LiftChairsRus.com.

Guest

@ Former Berkline Employee, my controll needs replaced do u know of a supplier for it. Thanks

Guest

I bought a Berkline Recliner from Bizchair in Dec 2010 and the reclining mechanism broke in Nov. 2011 and when I called Bizchair they told me they could not do anything because Berkline was going out of business.

I tried calling Berkline and they confirmed they were liquidating.

I tried to "put the credit card charge in dispute" and was told that Bizchair had upheld their part of the warranty and they could not assist me. So I have a $600 chair that is junk.

Guest

Mechanism on Berkline expensive couch broke after a year. It was rarely used.

Now the company is out of business and Brownie Furniture, Mt. Iron, MN will not do anything.

Lousy product and lousy customer service! Avoid Berkline and do not buy from Brownie's Furniture!!!

Guest

Most likely the reclining mechanism is from Legget and Platt. Do a little research and you should be able to find a source that will sell you the part you need.

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Disgusted M Evy
map-marker Reston, Virginia

Berkline a Nightmare on elm street

I have had a Berkline since 2002. I had problems with the delivery I waited 6 months for the 2 recliner sofas to come . Then wood splinters, screws and foam kept falling out of the open bottom. The springs started releasing and pokeing out we bent them back but over the years one by one spring released. The screws were hard to put back and would keep coming out. It cost me over 3,000 for the 2 sofas. I was never able to afford another one.The place where purchased on airport rd in Allentown went bankrupt 6 months after purchase. Now I have a bad back because of this sofa with the springs caving in and disinigrating foam interior The springs are sticking me now on both sides and I have to use bed pillows to sit on them. The recliner won't fully recline and basically I'm afraid it might stabb me while I sit . So I sit gently. If you like nightmares buy Berkline. Disgusted consumer
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Loss:
$3
Renald Czm
map-marker Greensboro, North Carolina

Berkline

i bought a recliner and sofa in dec. 2010 and the recliner sounds like it is breaking when i recline in it and now i am having a problem getting the store that i bought it from to honor the warranty that i paid additional money for in case something did go wrong with this furniture. i think i am being treated wrongly since i trusted the company that i purchased it from and berkline who made it with my hard earned money that i could have used to buy a better product. YES I AM PISSED!!!!!!!!!!!!! O K what can the public do to keep from getting screwed?????????????
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Loss:
$3000
jemray K
map-marker Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Berkline Theater Seats

I purchased two rows of three theater seats. I had problems from the start. With two months of contact with the original seller and with Berkline, three problem sections were replaced. On the day they were replaced we noticed that one of the recliner's footrests was uneven. This causes it to catch and not close well. Now we have noticed that there are spots on the bottoms of two other footrests that the leather is torn from rubbing and catching as well. Consumers be warned, Berkline is not manufacturing quality furniture and not at all concerned with its obligations with the warranty.
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Loss:
$2800