Based on experimentation with the steam bending of wood to curved shapes, this thesis describes my involvement with three basic aspects of the process. First is the procurement, assimilation, and construction of the equipment and apparatus necessary for the steam bending of wood. Secondly, the determination of certain qualities of particular woods in reference to steam bending is made. This includes: woods easily bent; woods not easily bent; the time required to plasticize stock; and the time required to set curves. Also noted are some of the physical limitations involved in bending stock with steam in the craftsman's studio. Thirdly, steam bent wood is related to furniture design in terms of the craftsman's approach to the design and to the problems inherent in this process.