Steaming and Bending Rocking Chair Wood

Looking at a rocking chairs curved features and building the chair with hardwoods that are receptive to steam-bending are old-time methods that have been used for hundreds of years.

Any wood that is in the ring porous category is a candidate to be bent into different shapes. Rory's choice woods are red oak and walnut.

The process is quite simple but does require skill for the wood to be bent without splintering. Rory starts with "cooking" the pieces to be bent by placing them into a custom built steam chamber. After steaming for the correct amount of time and at the right temperature, the pieces are removed one at a time. The pieces are then quickly bent by placing them into a form. The form will hold the bent pieces until they have cooled and moisture content has dropped to the correct level.

The beauty of the curved piece of wood is enhanced when the grain follows the shape of the structure.

Shown in the photo is a piece being bent by Rory for the back support of a Walden rocking chair.