Answer:
Bending of wet wood into chair legs, bows, arms. Not to be confused with molded plywood. The furniture term Bentwood refers to a technique commonly used in furniture-making that involves bending solid wood into curved shapes. This technique was made popular by Austrian furniture manufacturer Michael Thonet in the 19th century.
Bentwood furniture is typically made by steaming or soaking thin strips of wood, such as beech, until they become pliable. These strips are then bent and shaped over a mold, creating curved and flowing designs. Bentwood furniture is known for its elegance, lightness, and strength, and it is commonly used in chairs, tables, and other pieces of furniture.
Bentwood is a furniture term that refers to a design and construction technique in which strips of wood are steamed and then bent into curved shapes. This technique allows for the creation of furniture pieces with elegant and fluid curves, giving them a unique and sophisticated appearance.
The process of creating bentwood furniture typically involves several steps. First, thin strips of wood, usually around 1-2 inches wide, are cut from a solid piece of wood. The type of wood used can vary, but often beech, birch, or walnut are used due to their flexibility and strength.
Once the strips are cut, they are then soaked in water or inserted into a steam box to make them pliable. Heating the wood softens the lignin, a natural polymer in the wood that holds the fibers together, allowing the wood to become more flexible without breaking. The length of time needed for steaming or soaking can vary depending on the thickness and type of wood being used.
After the wood strips have been sufficiently soaked or steamed, they are quickly transferred to a bending form or mold. The mold is typically made from metal or wood and has the desired shape or curve that the wood is to be bent into. The strips are carefully placed onto the mold, and clamps or straps are used to hold them in place tightly, allowing the wood to retain its shape as it dries.
Once the wood strips have dried, the bentwood components are removed from the mold. They can then be sanded, smoothed, and assembled to create a variety of furniture pieces such as chairs, tables, rocking chairs, or even lighting fixtures.
The use of bentwood in furniture design has many advantages. The curved shapes created by this technique are not only visually appealing but also provide ergonomic support and comfort. The flexibility of the wood allows for the creation of lightweight and durable furniture pieces. Additionally, the bending process makes the wood stronger by aligning the grain in a curved pattern, which enhances its resistance to stress and warping.
Bentwood furniture has a rich history and has been extensively used by famous designers and manufacturers throughout the years. One of the pioneers of bentwood furniture is Michael Thonet, a German-Austrian cabinetmaker, who invented a steam bending process in the 19th century. His iconic No. 14 chair, also known as the bistro chair, became one of the most commercially successful furniture designs in history.
Bentwood is a furniture term that describes the process of bending thin strips of wood using steam or water to create elegant and curved shapes. This technique has been utilized for centuries and continues to be popular in contemporary furniture design due to its versatility, strength, and aesthetic appeal.