Would they need to be steamed to get the bend or could we just soak them for a few hours?
I guess I need to go look at those plans again.
I have only ever tried bending wood once,(clear pine) by steam, on a short 8' kayak and that was with wrapping the bend location with a towel and then pouring boiling water over it for about 10 min, had a couple of failures but did manage to get it finished. Would say a 1/4" x 1/2" strip of poplar or birch bend with just soaking? maybe overnight?

: Hi Melissa,
: You can still build with the plans you can find, you don't have to
: use willow for the ribs. Straight grained hardwood, oak, ash,
: etc will work just as well, maybe better.
: If you don't want to work timber or want to use 'natural'
: materials, other species would do instead of willow. Hazel would
: work but it can go brittle or black from mold if it's left damp
: for long. Almost any woody plant/tree/bush with long straight
: shoots can be used for ribs as long as it bends cleanly. Light
: holly shoots work well if you can find them.

: Hope this helps,
: Mike Savage
: South West Cork