About Woodbending

The Art of Steam Bending Wood

Selecting the appropriate wood for steam bending is a critical consideration. Not all species are equally suited to this process; only certain woods are capable of bending successfully without splitting or fracturing. Experienced artisans typically choose straight-grained, air-dried hardwoods such as ash, oak, maple, or hickory, as these types possess uninterrupted fibers conducive to bending. Air-dried lumber retains optimal internal moisture, enhancing its pliability, whereas kiln-dried wood is more prone to brittleness and failure during bending. It is advisable to select boards that are free from knots and other imperfections, as these can act as points of weakness. The dimensions of the stock—its thickness and width—also play a significant role: thinner pieces generally bend with greater ease, but achieving robust, lasting curves requires careful calculation of both strength and flexibility.

A steam box, humble yet essential, becomes the chamber of transformation. Fueled by a boiler that burns our waste, it fills with hot vapor, saturating the wood, coaxing the fibers to relax. One hour per inch of board thickness.

When the moment comes, there’s no time to waste. Gloves on, we draw the softened wood from its clouded cocoon and guide it against the form with hydraulic or manual power, relying on straps and clamps to shape the arc. The wood cools, the curve sets, and what was once straight now sings with a new line—a testament to the alchemy of heat, moisture, and human will. After the wood cools it will be allowed final air drying in the shop or in some cases several days or weeks in a kiln. Once the drying is completed the wood can then be machined or sanded as needed.