top of page
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram

Plywood or PVC? 💨Steam box materials for bending wood

  • Writer: Flexmakr
    Flexmakr
  • May 5
  • 3 min read

Updated: May 11

When it comes to bending wood using steam, a steam box is one of the most important pieces of equipment you’ll need. Choosing the right material for your steam box is a critical decision to make in your steam bending journey.

 

Plywood and PVC pipe are the two most commonly used materials used for building a steam box for bending wood, each with their own advantages and disadvantages.


But now with the introduction of the Flexmakr Modular Steam Box, woodworkers have the option of using an innovative, modular steam box solution that offers better performance and durability, while being highly versatile, compact and portable as compared to conventional steam boxes.

 

In this article, we will compare the different steam box options across critical factors like: Ease of construction, performance, durability, portability and ease of storage.

 

🛠️ Ease of construction - Based on the time, skill and tools required to build


Plywood: 2/5


  • Requires measuring, cutting, screwing/gluing panels

  • Needs sealant or weather stripping for airtightness

  • Requires more tools, skill and several hours to build

    Also Read: How to make your own plywood steam box

 

PVC: 4/5


 

Flexmakr: 5/5


  • Assembly takes a few minutes and only with basic tools like a screwdriver

  • The first off-the-shelf steam box available on market

  • Easily join various modules to make a steam box of any length


    Also Read: Key features of the Flexmakr modular steam box



📈 Performance - Based on the thermal efficiency

 

Plywood: 3/5


  • Offers better heat retention than PVC

  • Available in various thicknesses for better insulation

 

PVC: 2/5


  • Low heat retention compared to plywood

  • Limited options for pipe wall thickness

 

Flexmakr: 4/5


  • Can be quickly adjusted to the size of the workpiece for the best efficiency

  • Comes with additional thermal insulation jackets for better heat retention

 

 

💪 Durability - To withstand long term use without significant deterioration


Plywood: 4/5


  • Certain grades of plywood can withstand heat and moisture long term

  • Retains structural integrity under high temperature

  • Resistant to UV exposure for outdoor use

 

PVC: 1/5


  • Good moisture resistance but poor temperature resistance

  • Can sag or deform after extended use

  • Degrades under long term UV exposure

 

Flexmakr: 4/5


  • Designed to withstand high temperature and moisture for extended periods

  • Metal frames with durable, industrial grade materials

  • Adequate UV resistance

 


🧰 Ease of storage & Portability


Plywood: 2/5


  • Bulky, takes up valuable shop space

  • Difficult to carry due to size and weight

 

PVC: 3/5


  • Lighter than plywood but not easy to store

  • More portable than plywood due to lower weight

 

Flexmakr: 5/5


  • Can be compressed down to a fraction of its size for easy storage

  • Light, compact and convenient to carry



📋 Comparison Overview


Plywood

PVC

Flexmakr

Ease of construction

2

4

5

Performance

3

2

4

Durability

4

1

4

Ease of Storage

2

3

5

Total Score

11

10

18



🌿 Conclusion


A plywood steam box provides excellent durability and optimal performance for most use cases but is bulky and time-consuming to make.


A PVC steam box is popular for its ease of construction and affordability (if using low grade PVC) but provides sub-optimal performance and poor durability.


The Flexmakr modular steam box emerges as the overall winner and excels in every parameter due to its quick and easy assembly, ability to adapt according to the workpiece length for the best efficiency, use of long-lasting industrial materials and collapsible design that is portable and saves valuable shop space.





 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page