How Can You Tell If Furniture is Amish Made?

Amish built dining room table setHave you ever admired a piece a of furniture that feels special, sturdy, warm and built to last? If so, it’s likely Amish craftsmanship at work. But how can you really tell for sure that a furniture piece was made Amish made?

Notably, there are a few clear signs that separate true Amish-made furniture from mass-produced lookalikes. Our shop has spent years working directly with Amish builders across Lancaster County, PA, and we know the difference quality craftsmanship makes. Here’s what to look for when identifying genuine Amish furniture.

The Mark of True Craftsmanship

The first and most telling sign of Amish-made furniture is the craftsmanship. Amish furniture isn’t built on an assembly line. Instead, it’s built in a workshop, piece by piece, often by family-run operations that have been perfecting their skills for generations.

One way to gauge the quality of the craftsmanship is to look at the joints. True Amish furniture relies on traditional joinery techniques like dovetail or mortise-and-tenon joints, which create incredible strength without the need for visible nails or screws. Run your hand along the surface, and you’ll feel the smooth finish that only comes from hand-sanding and staining each piece with care.

Solid Hardwoods, Not Veneers

Amish craftsmen believe in using the best materials, which means solid wood rather than particleboard or veneers. When you’re examining a piece, flip it over or check the underside. You should see the same quality wood and finish throughout, not a thin surface layer glued over a cheaper base.

Amish furniture is commonly made from premium hardwoods such as oak, cherry, maple, and hickory. Each wood type brings its own personality, as oak is known for its strength and grain, cherry for its rich, deep tones, and maple for its smooth, timeless look.

Because these artisans select and cut their own lumber, no two pieces are ever identical, ensuring you have truly unique furniture.

A Timeless Look

You can often recognize Amish-made furniture by its style alone. After all, the lines are clean, the designs are balanced and Amish made furniture is both stylish and functional. As such, it fits seamlessly into ay home décor.

Carriage House Furnishing offers a wide range of authentic Amish-made pieces, including everything from dining room tables and bedroom sets to outdoor furniture and unique accent furniture, all of which is handcrafted in Lancaster County, PA.

If you’re ready to bring home a piece of true Amish tradition, visit our showroom in Lancaster, PA, or contact us today to learn more about our collection.