Long before CNC machines and laminates, woodworkers used steam to coax straight boards into graceful curves. The process is simple in theory — apply heat and moisture until the wood becomes pliable, then clamp it into shape until it cools and dries.
For small projects, a homemade steam box can be fashioned from PVC pipe or a sealed wooden trough, with a kettle or wallpaper steamer supplying the heat. Species like ash, oak, and beech bend particularly well.
The magic happens when you remove the clamps — you’ve turned a rigid piece of wood into a flowing form without cuts or joins. Chair backs, boat ribs, and even decorative frames come to life with this centuries-old technique.
It’s messy, a little unpredictable, and deeply satisfying — exactly the kind of challenge makers love.