Timber Click-on Battens Tech Info
The information on this page is specific to steam bent timber battens. For all other information on the use of timber battens, see our Timber Click-on Battens technical information page. These products can be used together – eg. ceiling to curved bulkheads.
Profiles available for Steam Bending
Block
*32x32mm not available in Spotted Gum
Dome
*Integrated kerfing required for Spotted Gum
Curve Direction Options
Concave means “hollowed out or rounded inward” and is easily remembered because these surfaces “cave” in. The opposite is convex meaning “curved or rounded outward.” Both words have been around for centuries but are often mixed up.
Standard Radii
Each radius requires specialised equipment (formers) in order to produce the curved timber battens. To save on costs, we offer a range of radii as standard. Any custom radius within the parameters can be achieved, contact us to discuss your specific project requirements.
Please also refer to the steam bending parameters table below to see what the actual profile and species combination can bend too. Eg 300mm is a standard radius, but you cant bend a 32x19mm batten in white oak in the convex direction more than 500mm. The standard radius figures shown are subordinated to the parameters table below.
Standard Inner Radii
- 300mm
- 400mm
- 500mm
- 600mm
- 800mm
- 1000mm
Steam bending parametres
White Oak
Profile | Minimum Inner Radius (Concave) | Minimum Inner Radius (Convex) | Maximum Angle |
---|---|---|---|
Block 32x19mm | 300mm | 500mm | 180° |
Block 42x19mm | 300mm | 500mm | 180° |
Block 60x19mm | 300mm | 500mm | 180° |
Block 32x32mm | 500mm | 700mm | 90° |
Dome 32x32mm | 500mm | 700mm | 90° |
Dome 32x32mm | 500mm | 700mm | 90° |
Spotted Gum
Profile | Minimum Inner Radius (Concave) | Minimum Inner Radius (Convex) | Maximum Angle |
---|---|---|---|
Block 32x19mm | 500mm | 700mm | 180° |
Block 42x19mm | 500mm | 700mm | 180° |
Block 60x19mm | 500mm | 700mm | 180° |
Dome 32x32mm (requires integrated kerfing*) | N/A | 900mm | 90° |
Dome 42x32mm (requires integrated kerfing*) | N/A | 900mm | 90° |
Customised solutions are always available. Please contact us to discuss your specific project requirements.
*Kerfing is the method of putting small cuts in the back of the back of the batten to assist the steam bending process.
Join Line Options
Aligned Joins
Aligned joins maintain the join line throughout the wall or ceiling, ensuring consistency.
Staggered Joins
Staggering the joins in the curved timber can lessen the disruption to the aesthetic, making it a perfect option for a ‘seamless’ look. 2 – 3 alternating curved battens are supplied, allowing the joins to be located at different locations which helps to blend the join line. The length of your required curved battens could affect your ability to achieve this. Please refer to our maximum and minimum length section.
Steam Bent Timber Details
Bulkhead Detail
Ceiling to Wall Transition
Minimum and Maximum Lengths
Our curved timber process limits the lengths of timber achievable. The maximum length achievable is 2000mm, where the minimum length is 1300mm. This can be trimmed on-site to suit requirements.
Minimum Order Quantity
We enforce a minimum order quantity of 100 steam bent battens to ensure the technical process remains viable. This works in conjunction with our overall MOQ of AU $5000. Find out more here.
Other Considerations
Compression Marks
Due to the compression taking place in the grain of the timber during the stream bending process, compression marks may occur.
Imperfections in the curve
While the steam bending and cooling process ensure the timber will hold the curve, grain and density variations can affect the overall curve. This is unavoidable due to the natural variation in timber.