Abstract: Disclosed herein is a cellulosic composite article and steam injection press methods of making the same by combining a resin binder with cellulosic material to form a mixture and, thereafter, forming a mat from the cellulosic material/resin binder mixture and consolidating the mat in a pressing apparatus under heat, steam, and pressure to form the consolidated cellulosic product. A steam injection platen includes elongated openings for injection of steam to the mat through an adjacent steam distribution plate. The steam distribution plate includes slots in fluid communication with the steam injection platen openings and is disposed over the openings in the steam injection platen to achieve homogeneous and complete steam distribution throughout the mat during consolidation.