Amish Furniture Finishes: Enhancing Beauty and Durability

The meticulous craftsmanship of Amish furniture making involves great skill and time-honored traditions that have been passed down through the generations.  Traditional finishing methods are no exception, as this step plays an integral role in both enhancing and adding to the life of each piece.  Finishing is not only the final step in the process, but can also be considered one of the most important.  From choosing the best hardwoods and ensuring each is perfectly seasoned to hand-finishing with natural products to bring out the beauty of the wood, Amish craftsmen have perfected a craft that cannot be completed by large, mass producing furniture companies.  

Many factors come into play in order to achieve the stunning stained finishes you see on Amish furniture.  Amish craftsmen begin by selecting from a variety of American hardwoods such as walnut, oak, maple, and cherry, each having a distinct color and unique grain patterns that can be enhanced during the final stages.  Once constructed, furniture surface treatment is the next important step in finalizing and personalizing each piece.  

The wood is sanded to remove any imperfections, creating a smooth and even surface to ready the piece for the next step, staining.  Staining involves changing the overall color of the wood, typically to a darker tone than it is naturally found.  Even though shade can be affected by both the wood selection as well as how it is milled, customers can choose from both natural wood tones and colored stains that are available.  Although not as common, bleaching is also done to lighten the tone of the wood,  A mixture of pigment and mineral spirits, oil-based stains are most commonly used in Amish furniture making.  Stains are then rubbed into the wood until the desired tone is reached.  Stain can also be applied to the outer edges of the piece during this phase as an added decorative touch and create a worn, antique look.      

Regional preferences in types of wood used in Amish furniture in different Amish communities exists. Commonly used woods in Amish furniture may vary by region due to the availability of certain varieties of wood. For example, Amish communities in colder states have more hardwood forests available which allows them to use other varieties of wood for Amish furniture not seen in warmer states. While the traditional wood options in Amish furniture are red oak, quarter sawn white oak, cherry, maple, hickory, and walnut the colder regions produce furniture with less common woods such as ash or beech. Since oak is very common throughout the Appalachian Mountains, Amish communities in this area will utilize this traditional wood option in Amish furniture. Cherry, hickory, and maple are typically available in the eastern states making them the popular variety of wood for Amish furniture in that region. Ultimately, customers can purchase any of these traditional wood options in Amish furniture, but it could come from a different region. Wood preferences in Amish furniture craftsmanship also influence furniture production. Individual craftsmen may prefer to work with a certain Amish furniture wood option. The types of wood used in Amish furniture may vary by region and craftsman, but the quality and durability will remain.

Traditional wood options in Amish furniture include red oak, quarter sawn white oak, cherry, maple, hickory, walnut, and elm. These commonly used woods in Amish furniture vary by price and availability. Factors that influence the price include how hard it is to work with the wood species, availability, demand, and the price of sourcing the wood. Considering a budget when making a wood selection in Amish furniture making is important due to the price differences in wood species. The lowest priced woods among the Amish furniture wood options are red oak and brown maple. Rustic varieties of these woods which include knot holes, distress cracks, and blemishes are approximately 10 to 15 percent more than oak. Quarter sawn white oak, cherry, hickory, and maple can be as much as 30 to 40 percent more than oak. Factors that influence availability includes customer demand as well as availability of the wood by region. Since sourcing locally and supporting the community is important to the Amish community, it may take more effort to find certain varieties of wood for Amish furniture.

Amish furniture and solid wood furniture is built to last, but there are several maintenance considerations to remember. The traditional wood options in Amish furniture such as red oak, quarter sawn white oak, cherry, maple, hickory, walnut, and elm are all considered to be very durable woods. All these woods require regular dusting, and it is best clean any water spills right away to avoid staining. Some of the lighter varieties of wood for Amish furniture such as maple may require a mild wood cleaner that is silicone free in order to maintain its appearance. These lighter woods may also scratch easier which is why it is important to protect the furniture with fabric, mats, or protective pads when placing items on them. Varieties of wood for Amish furniture can also be sensitive to humidity. Checking the humidity of the place where this furniture will live is an importance maintenance step. Lastly, sunlight exposure can cause any of the traditional wood options in Amish furniture to fade. Keeping furniture out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources will ensure the wood does not split.

The types of wood used in Amish furniture can sometimes depend on the type of furniture piece. While all the traditional wood options in Amish furniture are considered durable, some choices may be more suitable for specific types of furniture such as chairs, tables, and cabinets. Wood selection in Amish furniture making is heavily dependent on the functionality of the piece. Traditional wood options in Amish furniture typically consist of hardwoods. These popular hardwoods in Amish furniture include red oak, quarter sawn white oak, cherry, maple, hickory, walnut, and elm. While all of these are hardwoods known for durability, some may be prone to more scratches and breakdown. Oak is a great choice for any Amish furniture, but especially chairs because it will hold weight with frequent use. Commonly used woods in Amish furniture dining sets include oak, cherry, and walnut. Cabinets are constantly opened and closed which means a wood less prone to scratches like oak and cherry is ideal. Any of these hardwoods can be used for various furniture pieces, but customers must consider which variety of wood for Amish furniture fits their desires. 

Wood preferences in Amish furniture craftmanship often relates back to their commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly practices. Local sourcing takes priority when selecting Amish furniture wood options. In turn, long distance transportation is significantly reduced, lessening carbon emissions. Sourcing traditional wood options for Amish furniture locally also contributes positively to local businesses stimulating the economy. With great attention to detail and incredible craftsmanship, Amish furniture lasts longer than mass produced furniture making it more sustainable. With the use of natural finishes instead of harmful chemicals, less pollutants are released into the air. Sustainability and eco-friendly practices are very important for wood selection in Amish furniture making.