Amish Made Furniture: A Guide to the Different Woods Used in Amish Furniture

Amish made furniture is known for its exceptional quality and timeless beauty. The secret to its durability lies in the choice of wood used to craft each piece. In this article, we will take a look at the seven most common woods used in Amish made furniture – Cherry, Brown Maple, Walnut, Grey Elm, White Oak (Quartersawn), Red Oak, and Hickory – and explore their unique properties and advantages, ordered from softest to hardest.

The Janka Scale: The Janka Scale is a measure of the hardness of different woods. The scale was created to help consumers and manufacturers determine the relative hardness of different woods, and it is expressed in pounds of force required to push a steel ball halfway into the wood. The higher the Janka rating, the harder and more durable the wood is.

Grey Elm: Grey Elm is a hardwood with a distinctive, distinctive grain pattern and grey-brown color. It has a Janka hardness rating of 730, making it a relatively softer hardwood. Despite its softness, Grey Elm is still a popular choice for Amish made furniture due to its unique appearance and durability.

Cherry: Cherry is known for its warm, reddish-brown color and attractive grain pattern. It has a Janka hardness rating of 950, making it a relatively softer hardwood. Despite its softness, Cherry is still a popular choice for Amish made furniture due to its beauty and warmth, which will deepen over time as the wood ages.

Brown Maple: Brown Maple is a versatile and hard-wearing wood that is ideal for a variety of furniture styles. Its Janka hardness rating of 950 makes it a more affordable alternative to other hardwoods. Brown Maple has a uniform light brown color, making it an excellent choice for furniture that requires a lighter, more neutral finish.

Walnut: Walnut is a rich and elegant hardwood that is prized for its unique grain pattern and deep, chocolate-brown color. With a Janka hardness rating of 1010, it is a relatively hard hardwood, but it is still an excellent choice for Amish made furniture due to its beauty and durability.

Red Oak: Red Oak is a popular choice for Amish made furniture due to its strength and durability. It has a Janka hardness scale rating of 1290, making it one of the stronger and more durable hardwoods. Its distinctive grain pattern and reddish-brown color make it an attractive choice for many furniture styles, from traditional to contemporary.

White Oak (Quartersawn): Quartersawn White Oak is prized for its distinctive grain pattern, which features prominent rays that give the wood a unique and beautiful appearance. This wood has a Janka hardness rating of 1360, making it one of the stronger and more durable hardwoods available. It is ideal for furniture that will be exposed to heavy use, as it is resistant to wear and tear.

Hickory: Hickory is a strong and durable hardwood that is often used in Amish made furniture. With a Janka hardness rating of 1820, it is one of the hardest and most durable hardwoods available. Hickory has a distinctive, rugged appearance that makes it an ideal choice for furniture that is exposed to heavy use.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Why are Amish made furniture made of hardwoods? Hardwoods are prized for their strength, durability, and beauty. They are ideal for furniture because they can withstand heavy use and maintain their beauty for years to come.
2. Are hardwoods more expensive than softwoods? In general, hardwoods are more expensive than softwoods because they are more durable and more difficult to work with. However, this is not always the case, and the price of hardwoods can vary greatly depending on the species and the availability of the wood.
3. Are Amish made furniture pieces treated to protect against moisture and rot? Yes, many Amish furniture makers use special finishes and treatments to protect their furniture against moisture and rot. Some furniture is treated with oils and waxes, while others may be treated with a clear protective finish. This helps to ensure that the furniture will last for many years, even when exposed to moisture and other environmental factors.
4. Can Amish made furniture be customized to my specific needs and preferences? Yes, many Amish furniture makers offer custom furniture options that can be tailored to your specific needs and preferences. Whether you need a piece of furniture that is a specific size, color, or style, you can work with an Amish furniture maker to create a one-of-a-kind piece that is perfectly suited to your needs.
5. Is Amish made furniture eco-friendly? Yes, many Amish furniture makers use sustainable and eco-friendly practices in the production of their furniture. They often source their wood from sustainably managed forests, and they use traditional techniques that minimize waste and reduce the impact on the environment.

In conclusion, Amish made furniture is a great investment for anyone looking for beautiful and durable furniture that will last for many years. Whether you are looking for a classic piece of furniture made from Red Oak or a unique and personalized piece made from Walnut, there is an Amish made furniture piece out there that is perfect for your needs. So if you're in the market for new furniture, consider investing in a piece of Amish made furniture – you won't be disappointed!