What wood types are used for Amish furniture?

Amish furniture is known for its durability and beauty. But what wood types are used for Amish furniture? Many different hardwoods can be used, each with its own characteristics and appearance. Each type of wood has its own characteristics and looks. Here are a few of the most common Amish furniture wood types:
  1. Oak: Oak is a common choice for furniture for its strength and durability. It has prominent grain patterns and is available in red and white varieties. Oak furniture often has a traditional or rustic appearance.
  2. Maple: Maple wood is dense and has a fine, uniform grain. It is frequently used for furniture that requires a smooth, even surface for painting or staining. Hard maple is especially durable.
  3. Cherry: Cherry wood is a rich, reddish-brown color that darkens with age. It has a fine, straight grain and is favored for its elegant and classic appearance.
  4. Walnut: Walnut wood is known for its dark, chocolate-brown color and striking grain patterns. Due to its unique appearance, it’s often used for high-end and contemporary furniture.
  5. Mahogany: Mahogany is a tropical hardwood prized for its reddish-brown to deep-red color and beautiful grain patterns. It’s commonly used in traditional and antique-style furniture.
  6. Birch: Birch is a light-colored hardwood with a fine grain. It’s often used for less expensive furniture and is a good option for painted pieces.
  7. Ash: Ash wood is strong and has a light to pale yellow color with an open, pronounced grain. It’s a good choice for traditional and contemporary furniture.
  8. Hickory: Hickory wood is incredibly tough and durable. Due to its natural, rustic appearance, it is often used for rustic or country-style furniture.
  9. Elm: Elm wood features a unique, interlocking grain pattern and can vary in color from light to medium brown. It’s used in both contemporary and traditional furniture designs.
When deciding on a wood species for your Amish-made furniture, consider the look you want, how it will be used, and where it will be in your home. Different woods have various hardness levels, colors, and grain patterns, so you can select the one that best suits your design preferences and functional requirements. 
Choosing the right hardwood for your furniture can also depend on the stain or paint color you plan to use. Different wood types let the stain penetrate deeper into the wood, depending on the wood’s hardness and color. Depending on which wood you choose, this can cause the same stain to look different. Our sales team at our furniture store in Elida, Ohio, can help you decide which hardwood and stain will best complement the look you want for your Amish-made furniture.