Steam-Bending, Veneering, or Mortise-and-Tenon? Picking the Right Technique
When it comes to woodworking, the technique is never just about tradition—it’s about intention. Every joint, curve, or surface finish serves a purpose, and knowing which approach to use is what separates thoughtful craftsmanship from decorative guesswork.
At Moss House Interiors, we often get asked why we’ve used one technique over another, especially when the result looks deceptively simple. So here’s a breakdown of three core methods we use—steam-bending, veneering, and mortise-and-tenon joinery—and how we decide when to use them.
🔥 Steam-Bending: For Natural Curves Without Compromise
What it is:
Steam-bending involves heating wood with steam to soften its fibres, then shaping it around a form until it cools and holds its new curve.
When we use it:
When we want organic, flowing shapes that feel like they grew into place. Steam-bending allows us to avoid unnecessary cuts and joins, keeping the integrity and grain continuity of the wood.
Why it’s great:
• No glue lines or laminations
• Strength is retained through the curve
• Visually striking but quietly elegant
• More sustainable than cutting curves from large solid stock
Best for:
Sculptural furniture, subtle details in cabinetry, handles or panels that peel or wrap.
✨ Veneering: For Visual Impact & Material Efficiency
What it is:
Veneering is the art of applying thin slices of wood to a surface—usually a stable core like birch ply or MDF—to achieve a desired grain pattern, colour, or texture.
When we use it:
When we want to create highly expressive or consistent surfaces, especially in large pieces where solid timber might be unstable or prohibitively expensive.
Why it’s great:
• Allows use of rare or dramatic timber sustainably
• Greater control over grain layout and matching
• More stable over time (less prone to warping)
• Offers design flexibility at larger scale
Best for:
Cabinet fronts, wall panelling, matched grain doors, intricate inlay work.
🔩 Mortise-and-Tenon: For Strength That’s Meant to Last
What it is:
A time-tested method where a projecting tenon fits tightly into a corresponding mortise—a staple of traditional joinery.
When we use it:
Anytime we want strong, mechanical joints that will hold up over decades. Especially for structural components or where glue alone isn’t enough.
Why it’s great:
• Incredibly strong, even without fasteners
• Excellent for load-bearing applications
• Timeless, proven, and beautiful in its honesty
• Can be left exposed for a visible nod to craft
Best for:
Doors, window frames, table bases, chair legs, cabinetry frames.
So—How Do We Choose?
It depends on three things:
1. What the piece needs to do (structure, movement, weight-bearing?)
2. What the space calls for (aesthetic clarity, natural curves, seamlessness?)
3. How the material wants to behave (wood has opinions—we listen to them)
Sometimes we’ll use all three techniques in one project. It’s not about sticking to a rulebook—it’s about finding the most elegant, effective, and long-lasting solution for the brief.
Want to see these techniques in action?
Follow us on Instagram @mosshousehq or get in touch to talk through how we approach your next project.