Popular Hardwood Species for Amish Furniture
You can choose from many wood species when purchasing your Amish furniture. We’ve included some of the most popular options below. Each species is available in multiple finishes, from lighter to darker and anywhere in between. Please note, however, these are just a selection of species and finishes available. When visiting one of our locations, you can see actual samples as well as floor displays. Be aware that viewing electronic renditions of stain samples is no substitute for viewing actual stain samples.
If interested in knowing more about the hardness of each species and which may be best suited for your needs, visit our Janka Hardness Scale.
Brown Maple features a fine, uniform grain and a smooth, consistent texture. Along with Oak, it is typically one of the most affordable choices for solid hardwood furniture. This lower cost does not reflect its quality, but rather the natural economics of supply and demand. When finished with traditional dark stains, Brown Maple provides an attractive and cost-effective alternative to Cherry, offering a similar appearance at a lower price point.
Cherry is a quintessential American hardwood, treasured for generations by fine woodworkers and furniture makers. Its graceful grain patterns and warm, reddish undertones bring a sense of richness and sophistication to any piece. Over time, Cherry matures beautifully, deepening in color as it’s exposed to light—developing a patina that adds depth, warmth, and character. With its combination of strength, smooth texture, and timeless appeal, Cherry wood remains a favorite choice for those seeking enduring beauty and classic craftsmanship.
Elm is a durable hardwood celebrated for its distinctive grain patterns and exceptional strength, making it a favorite among woodworkers. Its warm, reddish-brown tones and smooth texture bring a sense of timeless elegance to furniture and crafted pieces.
Hard Maple is a favored hardwood among woodworkers for its exceptional strength and density, offering remarkable durability and stability to crafted pieces. Its solid composition makes it ideal for applications that demand long-lasting performance and resistance to wear, combining functionality with timeless appeal.
Hickory is the hardest of the woods we offer. It is dense and heavy. Its grain is more pronounced than cherry and maple but milder than red oak. Hickory is ideal for obtaining a rustic look.
Oak is a timeless hardwood, celebrated for its bold, distinctive grain and enduring strength. Revered by woodworkers and designers alike, its unmistakable patterns add character and sophistication to any piece. Naturally abundant, Oak offers an accessible option without compromising quality. It takes stains beautifully, resulting in a smooth, even finish that highlights the wood’s inherent beauty, making it a versatile and enduring choice for furniture, cabinetry, and fine woodworking.
Oak is a timeless hardwood, celebrated for its bold, distinctive grain and enduring strength. Revered by woodworkers and designers alike, its unmistakable patterns add character and sophistication to any piece. Naturally abundant, Oak offers an accessible option without compromising quality. It takes stains beautifully, resulting in a smooth, even finish that highlights the wood’s inherent beauty, making it a versatile and enduring choice for furniture, cabinetry, and fine woodworking.
Reclaimed barnwood comes from carefully salvaged timbers taken from old barns and structures across the East Coast. Each piece carries a weathered, rustic charm, featuring unique details such as nail holes, knots, and a naturally aged patina. This wood brings character, history, and a sense of authenticity to any interior design.
Cherry is a quintessential American hardwood, treasured for generations by fine woodworkers and furniture makers. Its graceful grain patterns and warm, reddish undertones bring a sense of richness and sophistication to any piece. Over time, Cherry matures beautifully, deepening in color as it’s exposed to light—developing a patina that adds depth, warmth, and character. With its combination of strength, smooth texture, and timeless appeal, Cherry wood remains a favorite choice for those seeking enduring beauty and classic craftsmanship.
Walnut is a premium hardwood celebrated for its deep, rich brown hues and striking, intricate grain patterns. Its natural luster and exceptional workability make it a favorite for fine furniture, cabinetry, and decorative details, bringing an air of elegance and refined sophistication to any interior.
Wormy Maple, also known as Ambrosia or Ghost Maple, is typically a soft maple featuring a creamy backdrop, though it can also display pink or red heartwood. Its striking character comes from natural streaks of brown, gray, blue, or green, created by the ambrosia beetle, which leaves behind a fungus that gently colors the wood. Tiny holes from the beetle’s burrowing add to the wood’s distinctive charm, but kiln drying ensures the wood is completely safe for use. A favorite finish for Wormy Maple is Bel-Air, which highlights and celebrates the wood’s unique natural variations.