What was recalled
If you have recently purchased outdoor furniture from Home Depot, it is important to pause and check your items carefully. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a recall on January 31, 2017, involving specific models of swivel patio chairs manufactured by Casual Living Worldwide. This recall affects a wide range of products sold under two distinct brand names: Hampton Bay and Martha Stewart Living. These brands are exclusively distributed through Home Depot stores across the United States, meaning these items were not sold in other retail outlets.
The recalled products are specifically the Hampton Bay Anselmo, Calabria, and Dana Point swivel patio chairs, as well as the Martha Stewart Living branded Cardona, Grand Bank, and Wellington swivel patio chairs. These chairs share a common design aesthetic and construction method. They are built using a combination of aluminum and steel materials, which typically gives them a sleek, modern look suitable for patios and decks. A defining feature of these models is their round swivel base, which allows the seat to rotate smoothly, along with attached arm rests that provide additional support and comfort. The chairs were marketed as durable outdoor seating options, but the structural integrity of the base became the primary concern leading to this large-scale recall.
These items were not just sold individually; they were also included in larger patio furniture packages. Consumers may have purchased these chairs as part of a seven-piece patio set that came with accompanying tables. Because they were often bundled together, it is possible that you have the recalled chairs even if you bought them as part of a complete dining or conversation set rather than as standalone pieces. The sale of these items was exclusive to Home Depot, which simplifies the process of verifying where you made your purchase, but it does not simplify the need to inspect the hardware.
The scope of this recall is significant. While the exact total number of units sold globally might be difficult to pinpoint without internal sales data, the volume of reports received by the company indicates a widespread distribution. Casual Living Worldwide has received 25 distinct reports regarding these chairs breaking during normal use. This number of incidents, while seemingly small in the context of millions of furniture pieces sold, is substantial enough to warrant immediate action because each report represents a potential injury event. The fact that these failures occurred during "normal use" suggests that the defect was not due to misuse or extreme conditions, but rather an inherent flaw in the manufacturing or design of the base component.
If you are unsure whether your chairs are part of this recall, look for the specific model names listed above. The combination of the brand name (Hampton Bay or Martha Stewart Living), the model name (such as Anselmo or Cardona), and the construction material (aluminum and steel with a round swivel base) serves as the primary identifier. Since these chairs were sold exclusively at Home Depot, your receipt or order confirmation from that retailer will be the first place to look for proof of purchase, though the physical product itself is the definitive source of truth.
The hazard, explained
When you settle into a swivel patio chair, you are relying on the structural integrity of its base to support not just your weight, but also the dynamic forces created by movement. In the case of the recalled Hampton Bay and Martha Stewart Living swivel chairs, the specific failure point is the connection between the seat mechanism and the ground. The product description notes that these chairs feature a round swivel base made of aluminum and steel. While steel is generally strong, the joints where different metal components are welded or bolted together can become points of vulnerability over time. In this instance, the base itself has been found to break during normal use. This means that the structural support simply gives way under typical conditions—such as sitting down, standing up, or gently turning your body while seated.
The physical mechanism of harm here is a sudden loss of stability. When the base fractures, the chair does not merely tip over slowly; it collapses or shifts unpredictably. Because these chairs are designed to swivel, they often have a central pivot point. If the base supporting that pivot fails, the user loses their seat entirely in an instant. This is particularly dangerous because patio furniture is typically used outdoors on hard surfaces like concrete, stone, or wooden decks. A fall from the height of a standard patio chair onto such surfaces can result in significant impact forces concentrated on the hips, wrists, knees, and head.
The incident reports confirm that this physical failure leads directly to personal injury. Casual Living Worldwide has documented 25 specific instances where the chairs broke, resulting in bruises and scrapes for the users. While these particular injuries are described as minor, they highlight a critical truth about fall hazards: the outcome depends heavily on luck, age, bone density, and reaction time. A "simple" scrape might be all that happens to a young, agile adult who instinctively puts their hands out to break a fall. However, for older adults or those with balance issues, the same mechanical failure could lead to more severe trauma, such as fractures or head injuries. The hazard is not just the broken metal; it is the unexpected nature of the collapse while you are relaxed and unaware of any impending danger.
It is also important to understand why this happens even when the chair appears undamaged on the surface. Metal fatigue can occur at stress points, especially where heavy loads are concentrated or where there are sharp angles in the welding that create weak spots. Over time, the repeated motion of swiveling and the weight of users can exacerbate these microscopic flaws until catastrophic failure occurs. This is why the hazard persists even if you have owned the chair for a while without issue; the risk increases with use, making immediate cessation of use the only safe course of action.
Who is most at risk
The individuals most immediately vulnerable to this recall are those who have purchased and installed the specific Hampton Bay and Martha Stewart Living swivel patio chairs mentioned above. Because these items were sold exclusively at Home Depot, your risk is directly tied to whether you own one of the affected models: the Hampton Bay Anselmo, Calabria, or Dana Point chairs, or the Martha Stewart Living Cardona, Grand Bank, or Wellington swivel chairs. If you bought a seven-piece patio set that included these chairs, or if you purchased the chairs individually in pairs, you fall squarely into the group that needs to act now. The hazard is inherent to the product’s design and material integrity, meaning that simply owning the item places you in potential danger, regardless of how carefully you have maintained it.
Beyond mere ownership, certain physical characteristics and age groups face a heightened risk of serious injury from this specific failure mode. The recalled chairs feature a round swivel base made of aluminum and steel. While these materials are chosen for their weather resistance and lightweight nature, the recall indicates that the base can break during normal use. For elderly users or anyone with balance issues, joint problems, or mobility challenges, a sudden collapse of the chair’s foundation is particularly dangerous. When the base fails, the user does not have time to brace themselves or step away safely. The resulting fall often leads to bruising and scrapes, but for older adults, the impact can easily result in more severe outcomes such as hip fractures, wrist breaks from trying to catch their weight, or head injuries.
Children are also at significant risk when using these types of patio furniture. Even if the chair is not marketed specifically for children, they are often drawn to outdoor seating areas and may climb on armrests or swing in the chairs with more force than an adult would. The swivel mechanism adds another layer of complexity; if a child is spinning in the chair and the base fractures under the dynamic load, the unpredictability of the fall increases the likelihood of injury. Furthermore, because these chairs were often sold as part of larger patio sets, they are frequently placed in high-traffic family gathering areas. This means that multiple household members, including guests who may be unfamiliar with the specific wobbly or worn condition of a chair, could be exposed to the hazard without realizing it.
It is important to note that the CPSC has already received 25 reports of these chairs breaking, resulting in falls. This data confirms that the risk is not theoretical but active and ongoing. Therefore, anyone who possesses these items, regardless of their physical ability, should be considered at risk until the problem is remedied. The danger does not discriminate based on how "strong" you feel; it depends entirely on the structural integrity of the metal base, which has proven to be unreliable in real-world conditions. Prompt identification and removal of this hazard are essential for protecting all users, from the most agile young adult to the most fragile senior citizen.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
Determining whether the patio furniture in your backyard is part of this specific recall requires a careful look at both the branding and the physical construction of the chairs. Because these items were sold under multiple brand names, relying solely on the product name might not be enough. You need to verify two main things: who made them and exactly what they look like. The primary manufacturer for all affected units is Casual Living Worldwide. If you do not see this specific manufacturer’s mark, it is likely safe from this particular recall, though always good practice to check other safety notices.
The first step in identification is checking the brand labels attached to the chairs. This recall covers two distinct groups of branded furniture sold exclusively at Home Depot. The first group includes Hampton Bay branded chairs in the Anselmo, Calabria, and Dana Point models. The second group features Martha Stewart Living branded swivel patio chairs in the Cardona, Grand Bank, and Wellington styles. If you have any of these specific model names associated with either of those two brands, you should proceed to inspect the physical attributes of the chair.
Next, examine the construction materials and design. The recalled chairs are constructed from a combination of aluminum and steel. A key identifying feature is the base; all affected units have a round swivel base. This means the chair sits on a circular platform that allows it to rotate 360 degrees. If your patio set has a square or rectangular stationary base, it is not part of this recall. Additionally, look for arm rests. The recalled items are described as having arm rests and being sold either as individual pairs or as part of a larger seven-piece patio set that includes accompanying tables.
Since these items were sold exclusively at Home Depot, if you purchased them from a different retailer like Lowe’s or Wayfair, they are not included in this specific safety notice. The recall does not specify exact prices, but knowing the point of purchase helps narrow down your search. To be absolutely certain, locate the manufacturer’s label on the underside or back of the chair frame. Look for "Casual Living Worldwide" along with one of the model names listed above. If you find a match, stop using the chair immediately and contact the company for a free repair kit. Do not wait to see if the base breaks; the hazard is that the base can fail during normal use, which has already resulted in bruising and scrapes from falls in reported incidents.
If you are unsure or cannot find the label, it is safer to assume caution. You can verify your specific model by visiting www.casuallivingoutdoors.com and clicking on "Recall Information" for detailed photos and serial number ranges if available. This visual confirmation is crucial because furniture styles can look similar from a distance, but the structural integrity of the swivel base is the critical factor here. By carefully checking the brand, model name, material composition, and base shape, you can confidently determine whether your patio furniture needs immediate attention.
What to do — step by step
If you own one of the recalled swivel patio chairs from Casual Living Worldwide or the Martha Stewart Living brand, your first and most critical action is to stop using them immediately. This is not a suggestion; it is a necessary safety measure. The base of these chairs has been identified as a structural failure point that can break during normal use, which creates an immediate risk of falling and subsequent injury. By removing the chair from your daily routine right now, you eliminate the chance of that mechanism failing while you are seated. Do not wait for a sign of wear or a creak in the metal; the hazard is inherent to the design of the specific units involved in this recall. Place the chairs in storage or cover them securely so they are not accidentally used by family members, guests, or children who might not be aware of the danger. Once you have secured the items and ensured no one is sitting in them, your next step is to contact Casual Living Worldwide to arrange for your remedy. The company is offering a free repair kit to address this issue, which is a significant benefit that allows you to continue using the furniture safely rather than having to dispose of it entirely. To obtain this kit, you have two convenient options. You can call their dedicated consumer support line at 855-899-2127. When you call, be sure to do so between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday, to ensure you reach an available representative who can assist you with the process. Alternatively, if you prefer to handle this online, visit www.casuallivingoutdoors.com and navigate to the "Recall Information" section on their website. This digital route is often efficient for gathering details and initiating the claim without waiting on hold. When you reach out to Casual Living Worldwide, have your purchase information ready if possible, such as proof of purchase from Home Depot or the specific model numbers (Hampton Bay Anselmo, Calabria, Dana Point, or Martha Stewart Living Cardona, Grand Bank, Wellington). While the recall notice emphasizes contacting them for the repair kit, having these details will help the support team verify your product quickly and expedite the shipment of your repair parts. Follow their instructions carefully to receive the kit. Once it arrives, inspect the contents to ensure you have all necessary components to reinforce the base. If you encounter any difficulties during this process, remain patient but persistent; customer service teams handling mass recalls can experience high volumes, but they are there specifically to resolve these issues for affected consumers.Your refund, repair, or replacement options
If you have identified that your swivel patio chair is part of this recall, the first and most important step in securing your remedy is to stop using the product immediately. The manufacturer, Casual Living Worldwide, has established a specific remedy for this safety issue: they will provide consumers with a free repair kit. This approach is designed to address the structural flaw in the base without requiring you to completely replace the furniture, which can be both time-consuming and costly. However, to access this remedy, you must follow the official channels outlined by the company. Do not attempt to fix the chair yourself using generic hardware or parts from a local store, as these may not meet the specific engineering requirements needed to restore safety.
To obtain your free repair kit, you need to contact Casual Living Worldwide directly. You can reach them by calling their toll-free number at 855-899-2127. It is important to note that this line is operational from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. If you prefer to handle the process digitally, you can visit their official website at www.casuallivingoutdoors.com. Once on the site, look for the "Recall Information" section to find further details and instructions on how to proceed. When you contact them, be prepared to provide specific details about your chair to help them verify that it is indeed part of the recall. This typically includes the brand name, the model number (such as Hampton Bay Anselmo, Calabria, Dana Point, or Martha Stewart Living Cardona, Grand Bank, Wellington), and potentially proof of purchase, although the primary focus will be on confirming the product model.
The "why" behind this specific remedy lies in the nature of the hazard. The recall was issued because the base of these chairs can break during normal use, posing a significant fall hazard. By providing a repair kit, the manufacturer is addressing the root cause of the failure—the integrity of the base connection. This is not a superficial fix but a structural one intended to prevent the base from breaking under the weight and movement typical of swivel patio furniture. It is crucial to understand that this recall does not offer an automatic refund or a full replacement chair as a first resort. The company has determined that repairing the existing unit is the most efficient way to resolve the safety concern while minimizing waste and inconvenience for the consumer.
As you go through the process of claiming your remedy, keep in mind that the recall covers chairs sold exclusively at Home Depot, both individually as pairs and as part of seven-piece patio sets. If you have any difficulty reaching the manufacturer or if their website is temporarily unavailable, try contacting Home Depot’s customer service as well, though they will likely direct you back to Casual Living Worldwide for the actual repair kit. Remember that the safety of your family and guests depends on this chair being safe to use. Once you have received and installed the repair kit according to the provided instructions, ensure that all connections are tight and secure before allowing anyone to sit in the chair again. This step-by-step approach ensures that you are not just treating the symptom but fully eliminating the fall hazard.
What can happen if you ignore it
It is completely understandable why you might hesitate to stop using a piece of furniture that looks perfectly fine and has been providing you with comfort for months. The base of the Casual Living Worldwide swivel patio chairs may not show any visible signs of wear, which can create a false sense of security. However, ignoring this recall carries significant physical risks that go far beyond mere inconvenience. The core issue is structural failure: the base of the chair can break during normal use. This is not a minor defect that results in a wobble or a squeak; it is a catastrophic failure of the support system that holds your body weight.
When you continue to sit in, lean on, or swivel in these chairs, you are placing yourself at direct risk of an unexpected fall. The mechanism that allows the chair to rotate relies entirely on the integrity of that base. If the material fractures under the stress of daily movement, the support vanishes instantly. You do not have time to brace yourself or catch your balance. The result is a sudden drop to the ground or patio surface. As noted in the reports received by the company, this has already resulted in 25 documented incidents where users suffered bruising and scrapes from the falls. While these reported injuries might seem minor on paper, the reality of falling from a seated height onto hard concrete or stone can be much more severe. A fall that results in a scraped knee for one person could result in a broken wrist, hip fracture, or head injury for another, depending on age, bone density, and how the body lands.
Beyond the immediate physical pain, there is the risk of secondary injuries. If you are holding drinks, food, or children when the chair fails, those items can become projectiles or cause additional harm during the fall. Furthermore, consider the context in which these chairs are typically used: outdoors, often near pools, grills, or hard landscaping features. A slip caused by the sudden collapse of your seating support could lead you into dangerous areas or onto sharp debris that might be hidden on the patio floor.
There is also a psychological toll to ignoring safety warnings. Living with a piece of furniture that you know has a known failure point creates a low-level stress every time you use it. You may find yourself avoiding certain movements, like leaning back or twisting quickly, which defeats the purpose of buying a swivel chair designed for relaxation. By choosing not to act, you are essentially gambling your physical safety against a defect that has already caused harm to dozens of others. The remedy is free and readily available, making the choice to ignore it a choice to accept unnecessary risk. Please do not let the ease of the repair process be overshadowed by the severity of the potential outcome.
Staying safe: broader tips
Purchasing high-quality outdoor furniture is just the first step in ensuring your patio remains a relaxing sanctuary rather than a source of anxiety. While manufacturers are responsible for designing durable products, the long-term safety of your outdoor space largely depends on how you maintain and use it over time. One of the most critical, yet often overlooked, aspects of patio furniture safety is regular inspection. Unlike indoor furniture that sits in climate-controlled environments, outdoor pieces endure constant exposure to sun, rain, wind, and temperature fluctuations. These elements can degrade materials, loosen joints, and weaken structural integrity long before a product is officially recalled. By making it a habit to inspect your chairs, tables, and loungers at the start of each season—and after any severe weather event—you can identify small issues like rust, cracks, or loose screws before they become major hazards.
For swivel chairs specifically, which rely on complex mechanical bases to function, proper maintenance is essential. The swivel mechanism is a high-stress component that bears your weight while allowing movement. Over time, the lubrication within these mechanisms can dry out, and the bolts securing the base to the frame can vibrate loose. Regularly tightening all visible fasteners and ensuring the chair rotates smoothly without grinding or wobbling can significantly extend its lifespan and prevent sudden failures. If you notice any instability in the base, do not wait for a repair kit; consider replacing the unit if it is no longer covered by warranty, as structural failure in swivel furniture can lead to serious injury.
Beyond individual piece maintenance, consider how your furniture interacts with its environment. Heavy wind can turn lightweight patio sets into dangerous projectiles. Always anchor or weigh down furniture appropriately, and bring smaller items inside during storm warnings. Additionally, be mindful of weight limits. Manufacturers design furniture with specific load capacities in mind, but users often exceed these limits by sitting multiple people on a single chair or placing heavy objects on tables not designed for such stress. Adhering to these limits reduces mechanical strain and prevents accidental tipping.
Finally, stay informed about product safety through official channels. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) regularly updates its database with new recalls based on consumer reports and manufacturer data. You can sign up for email alerts on the CPSC website to receive immediate notifications about recalls affecting products in your home. This proactive approach ensures that you are not caught off guard by safety issues and can take corrective action quickly, keeping your family safe without unnecessary worry.