Common Wood Joints You’ll See in Amish Furniture

There is always more to Amish furniture than meets the eye. Whether you’re talking about the expert craftsmanship, the high-quality stain, or the joinery, there is always something amazing to see, and the best Amish furniture can last a lifetime. Today we are going to take a quick look at the joints that hold Amish furniture together and delve into how it all works.

Dado Joints – The Staple of Amish Furniture

Amish Furniture - Common Wood JointsA dado joint is simply a slot that is cut into a piece of wood, and from the cross-section, it has three sides. Dado’s joints are cut perpendicular to the grain and it has a few different types:

Through Dado – Passes through the surface with ends remaining open

Stopped Dado – One or both ends stop before the edge of the surface.

Dados are used to connect shelves in most cases, so, for example, you could be using it to build a bookcase, or you might simply be building a pantry in your kitchen.

The Dovetail Joint

This is usually referred to simply as a ‘dovetail’, and it is a joint well known for its tensile strength. For this reason, you will usually find it in drawers or other pieces that will be under constant stress. The joint features a series of tails, each tail matching up to a slot. Once these are glued together, the joined is permanent and does not require any additional mechanical fastener. Its strength makes it a driving force in many pieces of Amish furniture for sale and will help to ensure that the furniture piece in question lasts for many years to come.

Finger Joints – A Popular but Weaker Joint

This is one of the most popular woodworking joints in the industry and it is much like a dovetail joint, but without the angling on the pins. Instead, the pins are square and do not have the same mechanical strength of their sister joint. This is not the most common joint in Amish furniture but it may be used in pieces that will not see a lot of stress – it all depends on the situation and the builder’s prerogative.

These are three common types of joints used in Amish furniture online and in pieces at any physical Amish furniture store. The omission of butt joints and other low-quality joinery methods have helped to ensure that Amish furniture will not only look great but will stand the test of time! If you want quality pieces for your home, and if you want something that you can pass down from generation to generation, then you’ve come to the right place, and you certainly have the right furniture. Look through our store and start planning your next renovation or remodel.

 

Catalyzed Conversion Varnish – The Toughest Finish Solution

When you buy Amish furniture you are expecting the best – no questions asked. With any type of hardwood furniture, Amish furniture included, the finish will be the first line of defense, and you need to make sure that yours is ready to withstand some of the harshest conditions whether it is in your home, office, school, or elsewhere.

The most important thing to remember, especially when you are refinishing your furniture, is that not all finishes are equal – not by any stretch of the imagination. A good finish will prevent the wood underneath from rotting, becoming stained, and in the process will give it all a bit of color. The problem is that not all finishes will get the job done right and they will certainly not hold up for the long term. This is where post-catalyst conversion varnish comes into play.

The Most Durable Finish for Amish Furniture

Amish Furniture - Catalyzed Conversion VarnisCatalyzed conversion finish is able to resist moisture and damage from common items around the house, and it can provide that protection for years.

Before you install this type of finish on your Amish furniture, remember that it is not an instant fix for all of your immediate problems. In fact, this type of varnish will require a thirty-day set-in period if it is to cure completely, and it needs to be done at a temperature of 70 degrees or greater. Failure to do so will result in it not curing completely, making this one of the most difficult installations.

Maintaining your Finish

If you do choose to use this type of varnish on the best Amish furniture then you will need to make sure that you are properly taking care of it. This begins with keeping it out of direct sunlight as much as possible as failing to do so will cause the finish to fade over time. In addition to that, you will want to keep from performing excess waxing as this will cause a bad reaction to moisture. Finally, avoid using cleaners that contain bleach or ammonia once you have applied your finish as this can discolor certain species of wood.

There is some upkeep involved, as you can see, but it will help to ensure that the best Amish furniture for sale online lasts a lifetime rather than just a few years. The right finish can make all of the difference in the world!

 

Amish Furniture – A Classic Tradition in Modern Times

The modern home design is taking over, but you don’t need us to tell you that. You’ve been seeing it everywhere, from bathrooms to bedrooms, and beyond. There is a significant difference between a modern and contemporary look, which we are going to spend some time before we get into Amish furniture and how it can completely change your home.

Amish Furniture – Not Suitable for the Modern Look

When you visit an Amish furniture store, the modern theme is not the first thing that is going to go through your head. So what is the modern theme exactly? What does it mean? The first thing you need to know is that the modern theme generally uses highly reflective surfaces such as glass or steel, but it is also a very minimalist theme. It consists of smooth edges and a very specific type of flow. Basically, it is the opposite of the contemporary or antique themes that Amish furniture for sale encompasses.

Maintaining that Classic Look

Amish furnitureOnce you figure out where to buy Amish furniture you will quickly realize that it hearkens back to a different time, and you will understand that moving forward into the modern theme isn’t necessary, at least not yet. There are several aspects of Amish furniture that make it stand out among all of the other pieces of classic furniture including:

Solid Wood Design

You can always expect Amish furniture prices to reflect the material that they were made from. For example, you aren’t going to find any Amish furniture that is made from particle board. Instead, you can expect pieces made from the hardest woods, from oak to maple, mahogany, and much more.

Inspired Construction Methods

Amish furniture is not made on a production line and it is not mass produced. Instead, it is made by hand by experienced carpenters who use methods passed down from generation to generation. These methods allow the furniture to last for a very long time, and also make it easy for it to withstand some of the harshest indoor conditions.

Multiple Styles

Amish furniture stores carry two different types, mission and shaker. The mission is the simplistic look that can fit in with a modern design so long as you are mindful of the environment around you. Shaker is the more ornate variant that fit in perfectly with any antique room design.

Build your Space Today

In an age where modern design is taking over the scene left and right, Amish furniture is holding is own and helping to uphold the traditional values of room design. In our store, you are certain to find something that you like, and it won’t be long before your renovation project is complete!

 

How to Coordinate your Office Furniture

Setting up a new office is always going to be a challenge, but you don’t need us to tell you that, do you? You’ve probably spent quite a bit of time considering your layout, and when it comes right down to it, you might just need a little bit of help to get it all done correctly. So, what should you do? How should you get your office set up? Today we’re going to talk about the importance of proper coordination and the use of Amish furniture in creating the perfect office layout.

Use Amish Furniture to Create a Common Theme

The first piece of advice that we want to give you is to create a common theme throughout your office. If you are using items from our Amish furniture store then we would strongly recommend going with a more conservative design as you need to appeal to anyone that walks through your doors. In the past, we have found that most offices benefit significantly from the Mission style, which is very plain but still very effective. For less formal settings you could consider the more ornate Shaker style, but ultimately it will be up to you.

Color is Everything in Design

Amish furniture onlineAs you look at our Amish furniture online you will probably notice that it comes in different colors, for example, the Alamo desk versus the Artesa desk, with the Alamo being quite a bit lighter. The items you find among Amish furniture for sale online are not painted, but stained, meaning the tint of the stain and the color of the wood beneath shine through. These two combined will create either a darker or lighter design but in the end, it has a lot to do with the type of wood that is being used. When you are choosing a color or theme, you should make sure to contrast the types of woods that you choose so that there is some variance in your environment.

Get the Right Size

Whether you are buying online Amish furniture or some other style, you still need to make sure that you are getting the right size. Amish furniture comes in different styles, different sizes, and different colors, but you don’t need us to tell you that. Before you purchase any furniture, take measurements of your office and make sure that everything fits properly. The last thing you want to do is purchase a chair or a desk that is far too large for your space and makes it painful to navigate.

All in all, Amish furniture is a great choice for your office. It will give you the authentic wood feel that you are looking for, and it will even be comfortable. Shop our store today and get exactly what you need.

 

The Difference Between Laminate, Veneer, and Solid Wood

When buying Amish furniture, choosing the right type of wood is a definite challenge, so what should you be doing? It is crucial that you know the difference between the types of wood that you will encounter at an Amish furniture store, but you should also know exactly what you shouldn’t be found. With that in mind, today we are going to take a look at the difference between laminates, veneers, and solid wood.

Veneer – One Thing you Should Never Find at an Amish Furniture Store

Amish Furniture StoreVeneer is not a solid wood – it is a thin layer of hardwood that normally measures 1/8 of an inch thick. In most cases, it is bonded or glued to a cheaper surface, or, in many cases, a particle board. In other words, it looks good, but once you get beneath the surface, it’s a far cheaper piece of furniture. This practice allows furniture to be built at a lower cost an will still retain the beauty of the solid wood furniture.

Objectively, particle board lasts longer in humidity, which often means that it is a better choice for bathroom vanities, but if you are here, then you are looking for the real deal. It is also important to remember that unlike Amish furniture for sale, veneers cannot be sanded as you will break through the top layer and end up at the particle board.

Laminate – A Synthetic Nightmare

We introduce you to another piece that you will not be found among online Amish furniture as you shop. Laminate is made from thinly sliced pieces of wood, or synthetic materials, and it is designed to completely imitate wood grain. It has a shiny finish and is often used in low-end furniture pieces that need more durable surfaces. How durable it really is, and how long it is going to last, will depend on how often it is used.

Solid Wood – The Gold Standard in Furniture

Authentic Amish furniture will always be made from solid wood, there are no exceptions. Unlike those we mentioned above, it can be more expensive but also more durable. In addition to that, it can be easily worked on, ensuring that it can stand the test of time and be a part of your home for many years rather than being replaced at the first sign of damage.

We will always recommend solid wood over any other type of wood on the market, and now you can see why. Make sure that you find the right piece of furniture for your home and most importantly, make sure that it is constructed from the right materials.

 

How to Decide If your Amish Furniture Needs to Be Refinished

You hear a lot about refinishing Amish furniture, but here’s a good question: does yours really need to be done? It is undoubtedly up in the air for you, and you probably have quite a few questions that need to be answered. Before you start stripping the finish off of your furniture, you should decide, first and foremost, whether or not it should be stripped. In some cases, wood does not need the finish to be stripped away; you can instead use a clear coat. Beyond that, however, there are two different schools of thought when it comes to refinishing solid wood furniture.

Should you Refinish Amish Furniture?

As we mentioned earlier there are two different schools of thought, each one with different implications for your solid wood furniture. The first states that you shouldn’t refinish wooden furniture as it could potentially reduce the monetary value. The second, however, believes that refinishing will give the piece a longer lifespan, and is, therefore, a highly valuable asset. If you feel that monetary gain is not a factor here, then refinishing will allow you to get more out of any Amish furniture for sale.

How to Make your Decision

There are a few important questions that you will need to ask yourself before you can actually make a decision, so consider the following:

Painted Pieces from the Amish Furniture Store

Amish furniture storeWhile you won’t find any painted pieces at an Amish furniture store, you will find that there are pieces being resold that have been painted over rather than stained. What does this mean exactly? In most cases, it means that that the previous owner was attempting to hide some serious damage, which you will uncover if you choose to strip the paint off. In these cases, it might be best to simply leave it alone.

Is it Stable?

How stable is the piece? Will it need to be repaired before you refinish it? Most Amish furniture for sale is sturdy but if you reach a point where it needs to be refinished, then it might also be time to give it a few repairs. Test its stability by trying to sway it from side to side, wiggle the legs, and see if it is coming apart at the seams. If you find any of these imperfections, you may need to have it repaired first.

What Will it Look Like?

The final question that you need to ask yourself, is what will the furniture look like once it has been refinished? If you are refinishing an antique, it will usually turn out a shade darker, so, when you are refinishing, expect it to be a little bit different once you are done.

Make your Decision

These factors should help you to come to a decision – just remember that once you refinish a piece you are committing to keeping it rather than selling it. At the end of the day, it’s going to be worth it, especially if you plan to pass a piece down to the next generation.

If you do choose to refinish your furniture, you will undoubtedly find yourself with a beautiful piece, even if it is a little bit darker. Make your decision and get started!

 

How to Choose the Perfect Dining Room Table

While the living room might be the center of your home, the dining room is a close second and you need to make sure that you have a good table. As you are browsing the Amish furniture store you will rather quickly find that there are a lot of different and outstanding options out here and choosing between them can be quite the challenge. So, how do you go about it? How do you choose the perfect Amish dining room table? It’s not as hard as you might think, and we’re going to go ahead and cover it right now.

Amish Furniture is All About Size

When you look at Amish furniture for sale, tables especially, you will want to make sure that you are taking a long, hard look at the size of the furniture. When it comes to a kitchen table this is especially important, as you need room to walk through your space. We would strongly recommend that you measure your kitchen before you start looking for the best Amish furniture out there. This, however, is only the start of the equation.

Make Sure it is tall Enough

Amish dining room tableThis goes right along with the overall size – you want to make sure that any table you choose is going to be tall enough, and this goes hand in hand with the chairs that you want to pick for your table. Remember, the chairs need to be high enough to meet the surface of the table and allow for you and your guests to sit comfortably.

Get the Right Style

We can’t say it enough: when you shop for Amish furniture online or in a store, you absolutely need to make sure that you are getting the right style. We don’t advocate for either Mission or Shaker; we leave that choice up to you. We will say that most typically you would want to choose something that goes with the rest of your décor, so keep that in mind as you are shopping.

Right along with getting something that matches the rest of your décor, we would strongly recommend checking the wood stain of the furniture that you are getting. There are both dark stains and light stains for you to consider, either of which can be a welcome addition to your dining room. If you don’t want to stick with either one, you can create a contrasting theme throughout your dining room, using your table as a piece of anchor furniture. You will find that there is quite a bit to take into consideration when you are choosing a table, so don’t do it haphazardly! Choose the right table and enjoy it for many years to come.

 

Little Known Facts About Amish Furniture Building Technique

You already know that Amish furniture is a great investment and you are probably looking through several Amish furniture stores for the right type of furniture, but what don’t you know about it? Today we’re going to go over a few little-known facts that will most definitely increase your appreciation of any Amish furniture online that you browse or even choose to buy. Let’s go ahead and take a look at these fun facts that will really bring your furniture to life.

Amish Furniture is Made from 100% Wood

Even with the more expensive furniture retailers, you will often find furniture that is NOT made from 100% wood and this tends to be disappointing to say the least. Many of the more modern furniture designers will use high-end MDF board to simulate real wood, but if it’s not the real deal, then you don’t want it in your house. The Amish are accustomed to using oak, maple, cedar, and even mahogany to create some of the most beautiful pieces of furniture on the market.

All Amish Furniture for Sale is Handcrafted

Amish FurnitureAmish furniture for sale is handcrafted; there are no exceptions to the rule. Each piece of material used is chosen specifically, and your furniture will not come off of an assembly line. You can rest assured that your new chair, table, or coffee table was a labor of love.

Built Without Electricity

Have you ever wondered why Amish furniture is so expensive? Each and every piece is handcrafted without the aid of electricity which easily sets it apart from nearly every other type of furniture on the market today.

It’s an Old Tradition

Amish furniture uses old techniques because it IS old. The building methods that are being sued to create your house full of furniture are passed down from generation to generation, and the techniques don’t change much over time. You’re buying something that is tried and true, and it is something that could sit in your living room for the rest of your life.

These are just a few great facts about Amish furniture and as you research it for yourself you are bound to come up with many more. Keep reading our blog to learn more about Amish furniture, and don’t forget to check out the offerings over in our Amish furniture store. You’re bound to find something you like before you know it!

 

Essential Tips for Decorating with Amish Furniture

Before you head out to the Amish furniture store you need to figure out just where you’re going with your interior decorating, and it’s not always the easiest thing in the world. We have to face it, decorating with solid wood is always going to be a lot harder than decorating with MDF or anything that you might have purchased from a typical retail store. We’re going to go over a few essential tips you need to know before you start decorating your room with Amish furniture.

Amish Furniture Tip 1: Contrast your Colors

We’ve said in other blogs that it is important to stick with a similar color scheme when you are setting up your furniture, but sometimes it is okay to move away from that, especially if you want a more interesting experience. For example, you could use a darker color wood as your anchor and then move outward, adding lighter color furniture. Creating a contrast can help to lighten the mood and make sure that the room doesn’t look dull.

Amish Furniture Tip 2: Keep the Same Style

Amish FurnitureWe cannot emphasize enough the importance of sticking with the same style, especially in the same room. One of the biggest mistakes people tend to make when setting up their living rooms, especially with the best Amish furniture, is mixing Mission and Shaker styles together. While this might okay for an interior decorator, it probably isn’t something you want to try if you are a beginner.

Amish Furniture Tip 3: Make use of Lighting

Do you know why Amish furniture for sale looks so great in the store? It’s because of the lighting. Pieces on display tend to be better lit than pieces in your living room, so if you can, try to add some better lighting and make your living room pieces look absolutely amazing.

Amish Furniture Tip 4: Use Accents to Bring out the Best in your Furniture

Once you learn where to buy Amish furniture, start looking for accents to outfit your room with. Area rugs are a great start, but you can also try adding some end tables, among other things to really make your room look amazing.

These four great tips will help you to get your space where you need it to be, and it will help to make sure you don’t commit any rookie mistakes, so to speak. Amish furniture can be a bit more difficult to arrange, but it is well worth it in the end! Head over to our Amish furniture store and start picking out the best pieces for your renovation project.

 

Create a Warm, Welcoming Living Room Environment

The living room is without a doubt one of the most important parts of your home and with good reason. To be quite honest it’s one of the first rooms that people are going to see when they enter your domicile and if you’re looking to impress, then it would be a good idea for you to look into warm, welcoming Amish furniture. We’re going to cover a few tips that you need to follow when you buy Amish furniture if you wish to create a living room that people are comfortable with, and one that both you and your guests can stand using for many years to come.

Amish Furniture is All About Color

Amish Furniture Living RoomThe first thing that you need to concentrate on when you are working on filling your living room with Amish furniture for sale is color. You need to take into account the color of the wood, but you also need to make sure that you are looking at the stain. If you want to create a warmer environment you will want to go for a slightly darted wood but you don’t want to go too overboard. Remember, too dark can be too cold. If you want to add to the warmth, then you might try going with rustic furniture instead.

The Rustic Choice

While rustic Amish furniture prices can be a bit higher they tend to be well worth it for a few reasons. The biggest reason is that they really bring that frontier hunting lodge feel to your home. If you want to add to it, try adding a roaring fire and some ornate looking scenery. You’re going find that the rustic choice is one of the best that you can make if you want to create that beautiful, warm environment.

Choose the Right Upholstery

The last point we’re going to bring up is the upholstery that you use with your furniture. For more formal settings it’s not necessarily the warmest choice that you can make, but you do have the option of going with fabric upholstery which tends to look better. The fabric is much warmer and it tends to retain heat better, so you get both the physician and aesthetic aspects o the equation.

Finally, though it has little to do with the furniture itself, try choosing softer lighting as it will bring out the best features of your furniture. Once you get the right environment, you will find that the furniture does a great job of adding to it. Use the tips that we mentioned above and make sure that you have the right environment set up to bring out the best in your furniture piece selection.