What kinds of wood can be used for Amish furniture?

Amish-made furniture is known for its durability, beauty, and longevity. There are many different types of hardwoods that can be used to make Amish furniture. Each type of wood has its own characteristics and looks. Here are a few of the most common types of hardwoods that are used to make our Amish furniture:
  1. Oak: Oak is a common choice for furniture due to 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 has 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. It’s often used for high-end and contemporary furniture due to its unique appearance.
  5. Mahogany: Mahogany is a tropical hardwood that is 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. It is often used for rustic or country-style furniture due to its natural, rustic appearance.
  9. Elm: Elm wood has 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, it is good to think about the look you want, how your furniture will be used, and where it will be located in your home. It’s also essential to consider sustainability and the source of the wood to ensure responsible and eco-friendly choices. Different woods have various levels of hardness, color, 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 that you are planning to use. Different wood types let the stain penetrate deeper into the wood depending on the hardness and color of the wood. This can cause the same stain to look different depending on the hardwood you choose. Our sales team at our furniture store in Elida, Ohio can help you decide on which hardwood and stain will best compliment the look you are wanting for your Amish-made furniture.