Heirloom-Quality Amish Furniture Just a Click Away

Heirloom Quality Amish Furniture Just a Click Away

Of all the adjectives used to describe furniture, ‘heirloom-quality’ is arguably the most important. That’s because acquiring furniture is a big investment. And while words such as ‘furniture style’ are important, the durability of furniture is always a top concern. What’s the point of buying a fancy mid-century piece if the joints begin to get loose after the first year? Heirloom-quality describes the construction, durability, and longevity of furniture. And such furniture, made by Amish cabinetmakers, is easily found on your smartphone or laptop. Stated differently, heirloom-quality Amish furniture is just a click away!

What is heirloom-quality furniture?

A heirloom, or family heirloom, is simply a special or valuable item that is handed down from one generation to the next, sometimes through a will. Items like jewelry and paintings often come to mind when one mentions an ‘heirloom item’. How does a piece of furniture qualify as an heirloom? When it’s built to last long enough that several generations can enjoy it.

Is Amish furniture heirloom-quality?

Yes. Amish furniture is generally considered to be heirloom quality due to a number of reasons. These include superior craftsmanship, use of solid hardwood and other quality materials, timeless designs, and uniqueness.

Is furniture sold in big-box stores heirloom-quality?

No. Furniture sold in big-box stores typically is not heirloom-quality due to several factors, including the level of craftsmanship, the quality of materials, and the method of construction. To reach a wide market that focuses on affordable pricing, big-box stores tend to sacrifice quality for lower price points. As a result, furniture sold in big-box stores is typically built on an assembly line. Using some automation, manufactured woods like particleboard and medium-density fiberboard (MDF) are used. As well as cardboard, brads, staples, thin veneers, and heavy coats of varnish.

In contrast, Amish cabinetmakers build furniture using their hands, manual and some power tools, plus traditional construction methods. These include using dovetail and mortise and tenon joints, plus countersunk screws. Amish cabinetmakers also use solid hardwoods like oak, maple, cherry, and hickory. So, it’s little wonder Amish furniture is renowned for heirloom-quality durability. Amish furniture is frequently passed down from generation to generation!

Does Amish handcrafted construction mean better quality?

It certainly does. Most furniture items sold in big-box and popular franchise furniture stores are put together on an assembly line. In contrast, Amish cabinetmakers slowly, painstakingly handcraft furniture in small cabinetmaking shops. And they draw from a long tradition of building furniture with their own hands and some modern tools. Also, Amish craftsmen make full use of techniques taught to them by their elders. For example, they build drawers with sturdy dovetail joints. Also, they secure slats and spindles with mortise-and-tenon joints. No wonder Amish furniture is renowned for durability!

Is solid hardwood important to the durability of furniture?

You better believe it! Amish cabinetmakers use hardwoods like oak, maple, cherry, hickory, and walnut. These woods come from broad-leaf trees that grow slowly (compared to softwoods like fir, pine, and spruce). So, hardwoods are dense and tough. As a result, they can handle the stress and strain of daily use. Solid hardwood furniture typically lasts for decades or even centuries. Consider the hardwoods that still retain their luster in ancient cathedrals, museums, and government buildings around the world!

Is manufactured wood used to make heirloom-quality furniture?

For several reasons, manufactured woods, such as particleboard and medium-density fiberboard (MDF), are NOT used in building heirloom-quality furniture. Manufactured wood is made from materials like sawdust. As well as wood chips, plastics, and lubricants. As a result, manufactured wood is prone to chipping and is susceptible to dents and scratches. Blemishes like scratches are difficult or impossible to repair on fake wood pieces because the composite material below the smooth surface is rough and resists sanding. In contrast, solid wood can be resanded and stained. So, an old piece can look brand new again! What’s more, composite wood often emits chemicals like formaldehyde, which irritate people’s eyes, noses, and sinuses. For all these reasons, heirloom-quality furniture is usually made with solid hardwood.

Do Amish cabinetmakers use quality materials?

Amish cabinetmakers tend to integrate quality materials as well as modern gizmos into their furniture. This includes durable hardware, ‘hidden’ Euro hinges, and quality glass for mirrors and doors. Many pieces of Amish furniture also feature quality side- and/or under-mounted drawer slides for easy access to all the items inside, plus ‘soft-touch’ closing. In addition, some Amish artisans equip dining tables with an easy-expansion butterfly leaf mechanism or geared equalizer slides. What’s more, you’ll find some pieces with electronic controls and USB charging stations.

Is Amish solid wood furniture mass-produced?

No. Most Amish furniture is handcrafted by Amish cabinetmakers using tried-and-proven woodworking skills. Ones that are handed down from their ancestors. The craftsmen work in small, family-run woodshops, where they use traditional tools and give careful attention to details. What’s more, Amish builders use solid hardwoods like maple, cherry, and oak. They also use high-quality fabrics, leather, and hardware. As a result, Amish furniture has earned a reputation for excellence and durability. Conversely, mass-produced furniture is typically produced on an assembly line. They use pre-cut pieces of manufactured wood like particleboard and medium-density fiberboard (MDF). This process prioritizes speed and efficiency over quality.

Does furniture design enhance its heirloom appeal?

While furniture design does not necessarily influence its strength and durability, it certainly makes furniture more visually appealing. This is why Amish cabinetmakers handcraft furniture in styles that are valued for their timeless look. These styles include Mission, Shaker, and Queen Anne designs. Amish builders also create these styles with eye-catching adaptations that ensure the furniture will keep looking up-to-date as the years go by.

Is Amish heirloom-quality furniture unique?

For the most part, yes. Each piece of furniture is handcrafted by Amish artisans. Every piece inevitably has variations in wood grain, knot pattern, and other details. Also, uniqueness becomes even more vivid in pieces that have features like visible saw marks and a ‘live edge’.

How easy is it to find heirloom-quality Amish furniture online?

As pointed out in How to Buy Amish Furniture Online, the process is rather easy. Go online and ask for ‘Amish heirloom-quality furniture’ or similar words. You’ll see a list of Amish furniture retailers on your screen. Among them is e-Amish Furniture. They offer finished heirloom-quality Amish furniture directly from their large inventory. Or, you can order pieces with limited customization and receive them fast through their Quick Ship program.