The Amish Outlet

Amish woodworkers are widely known for their exceptionally handcrafted solid-wood furniture. With time-tested traditional woodworking techniques, they create pieces that are strong and durable, and last for many generations. Amish workmanship stands out in the modern market, where nearly every product is mass-produced in factories around the world. The Amish produce these high-quality products, not so much as a matter of personal pride, but as a way to worship their God through their actions.

Quality wood is foundational to any exceptional piece of furniture. Amish furniture is crafted only from the best quality wood, which is milled using superior techniques. Oak timber is at its best when quartersawn and is preferred by Amish furniture makers for its beautiful rayflake grain designs and its resistance to the effects of atmospheric moisture. White oak cut in this way is very durable. When properly finished, it will not likely rot, decay, cup, twist, or crack.

The quartersawn milling technique is notable for the labor it demands. A whole log is first cut into quarter rounds lengthwise. The next step is to cut each quarter-round length perpendicular to the growth rings, employing a technique that rotates the length 90 degrees back and forth with each cut. This creates a feathered or furry grain that is both beautiful and strong. Once the cutting process is complete, the lumber spends a measured amount of time seasoning in an open-air shelter. Then it is carefully kiln-dried. When expertly dried, lumber will not split, crack, or warp.

Mill offerings are carefully picked over by the Amish craftsman to find the perfect lumber for each unique piece of furniture. Forever mindful of design, he will select pieces that complement each other to create a lasting masterpiece for any home. Each custom piece is crafted using generations-old techniques, which guarantee both strength and durability. Rather than using screws, parts are permanently fastened together with English dovetail joints, either through or half-blind, and wood glue, along with mortise and tenon. Joints are carefully hand-cut to fit precisely with their match. These methods are enduring and have been around for centuries. They were actually used in the construction of furniture found in ancient Egyptian and Chinese tombs.

Inset doors and drawer fronts are likewise crafted using this fit-to-perfection design. In fact, if you wanted to remove all the drawers from an Amish-made dresser, you would be wise to carefully track their positions, for each was custom-made to fit its own opening. Amish craftsmen use multiple sanding and finish-application steps, resulting in exceptional finish work for every piece. An Amish piece of furniture will retain its original finish for its lifetime when properly cared for.

These traditional methods of creating handmade solid-wood Amish furniture produce long-lasting quality pieces, which stands in direct contrast to the mass-produced furniture imported from overseas that is usually made of particle board and veneer, and either fastened with screws or left for the purchaser to assemble. Be sure to carefully inspect any furniture you are considering purchasing, for there are many of these imitation Amish-style furniture items being sold on the market today. Genuine Amish furniture constitutes an investment in an item of decorative utility to grace your home that will last for generations.