The Story of Woodbender: A Journey of Craftsmanship
Woodbender’s story is one of passion, persistence, and innovation. From the beginning, we’ve been dedicated to merging traditional craftsmanship with modern design principles. Steam bending, with its long history and its potential for creating beautiful, sustainable furniture, became the cornerstone of our approach.
From humble beginnings, we have evolved into a company known for its high-quality furniture and commitment to longevity. Early on, we recognised that Ash timber was perfectly suited to our vision, with its exceptional bending properties and its ability to produce furniture that is both beautiful and durable.
Mastering steam bending has not been without its challenges. We’ve spent countless hours experimenting with different steaming times, temperatures, and bending techniques. There were moments of frustration, but through perseverance and a relentless commitment to quality, we have developed a mastery that allows us to push the boundaries of what is possible with wood. Today, every piece that leaves our workshop is a testament to that journey.
What is Steam Bending?
Steam bending is a method of bending timber by using heat and moisture. By exposing the wood to steam, the natural fibres become soft and pliable, allowing us to bend the timber into curved shapes around a mould or form. Once cooled and dried, the wood retains its new shape permanently.
While the process seems simple, achieving successful bends requires expertise and a keen understanding of the material. At Woodbender, we work exclusively with Ash timber, which is renowned for its flexibility and strength. Ash responds exceptionally well to steam bending, allowing for clean, smooth curves while maintaining the structural integrity of the wood. Knowing how long to steam the timber, how to manipulate it without causing fractures, and how to ensure that each piece dries without warping are all essential skills we’ve honed through years of dedication.
The Benefits of Steam Bending
Steam bending offers a number of benefits over other woodworking methods, both in terms of design and sustainability. One of the key advantages is the ability to create elegant, curved forms from a single piece of timber, minimising waste and avoiding the need for joints or additional materials.
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Strength and Durability: When bending timber along its natural grain, the wood’s strength is preserved. Steam-bent wood is often stronger than pieces that have been cut and joined, making it ideal for long-lasting furniture.
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Sustainability: Steam bending reduces waste by allowing us to create complex shapes without cutting or gluing multiple pieces. This method maximises the use of each piece of timber, aligning with Woodbender’s commitment to sustainable practices.
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Natural Aesthetics: The smooth, organic curves achieved through steam bending offer a timeless aesthetic that highlights the natural beauty of the wood. Each piece we create showcases the unique grain of Ash timber, making every chair or table truly one-of-a-kind.
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Lightweight and Strong: Steam-bent wood can be formed into sleek, lightweight designs that retain their strength and durability. This allows us to craft furniture that is not only visually appealing but also functional and long-lasting.
The Woodbender Collection: A Celebration of Design and Craftsmanship
The Woodbender Collection reflects everything we’ve learned over the years, our deep respect for the material, our commitment to sustainability, and our passion for innovation. Each piece is designed to highlight the natural beauty of Ash timber, while also offering the functionality and comfort our customers expect.
Our bentwood chairs, for example, are a perfect marriage of form and function. They feature smooth, flowing lines that complement any interior, while the strength and durability of steam-bent Ash ensure they are built to last. Whether it’s the sleek lines of a dining chair or the bold curves of a bar stool, our Collection showcases the versatility of steam bending and the craftsmanship that goes into each piece.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Woodbender
At Woodbender, we’re always looking to the future, continually refining our techniques and exploring new design possibilities. We continue to source our Ash timber responsibly and strive to create furniture that will stand the test of time, both in terms of durability and style.
The process of steam bending is as much about honouring tradition as it is about pushing the boundaries of modern design. As we move forward, we remain dedicated to evolving our craft, creating furniture that is not only beautiful and functional but also deeply respectful of the environment.
Browse our Collection of Dining Chairs, Stools and Tables.