Steaming wood involves subjecting the wood to high-pressure steam in a controlled environment. This process helps to relieve internal stresses within the wood by softening its fibers and allowing them to realign. As a result, the wood becomes more dimensionally stable, reducing the likelihood of warping, twisting, or shrinking as it adjusts to changes in humidity and temperature. Steaming can also enhance the wood's workability by making it easier to machine and less prone to splitting or cracking.

Steaming can also alter the color of wood, often darkening it. This effect is particularly noticeable in lighter woods like maple or beech. The heat and moisture from the steam can cause chemical changes in the wood's pigments, resulting in a richer, deeper hue.