Amish Craftsmanship

At the workshop on my farm, initial preparations for the Amish custom furniture and cabinets are performed using power tools such as planers and table saws. From there, the Amish perform the rest of furniture and cabinetry construction at their own workshop which has no electricity, generators, engines or power tools. Just a few hand tools including hand planes and chisels, quality lumber, and the spirit of true craftsmanship prevail. It is sometimes difficult to remember that the much sought after early American antiques were once brand new, and made in just this way.

Hand tooling provides a unique lasting beauty to each piece of custom Amish furniture and cabinetry. You can feel the difference. All furniture is made from solid premium grade wood. Choose from a variety of woods for your custom Amish furniture and custom Amish cabinetry. Cherry, ash, pine, maple, hickory, walnut, butternut, poplar, and white/red oak (plain sawn and quarter sawn) are all choices. Most items are made entirely from solid wood lumber. However, at the customer's request, we will use high quality veneered plywood for drawer bottoms and backings in order to keep the cost down for certain items such as entertainment centers and kitchen cabinet boxes.

For our custom Amish furniture, wood is usually left to its natural color, hand rubbed with 4 coats of natural linseed and tung oil finish and followed by a hand buffed wax finish. This method enhances the beauty and unique grain of the wood, and is easy to maintain throughout the years. Air and sunlight will naturally color the wood. With time, each piece will develop a rich patina and an even deeper glow. Other finishes (such as custom stains, polyurethane gels, varnishes, paints or milk paint) are also available at the customer's request. We also offer special non-toxic finishing options for chemically sensitive people. Read more about our Available Finishes for custom Amish furniture and cabinetry.

Joinery is important

Traditional hand dovetailing, mortise and tenon joints, as well as wooden pegs, are used throughout our furniture, offering strength, beauty and integrity. Our solid wood bookcase shelves can support heavy reference volumes.

Each piece of Amish furniture or cabinetry, planned carefully according to your needs, acquires its own individuality. All of our custom Amish furniture, custom Amish cabinets, and Amish quilts are meticulously made by hand, one at a time, a unique work of art reflecting your character as well as the character of the craftsman.

All furniture and cabinetry are guaranteed against any possible construction defects. It is important to realize, however, that quality custom craftsmanship does not mean perfection, especially when many hand tools are being used. Minor imperfections will occur. These may include color and grain variations in the wood, hand planer marks, a slight wavy feel to hand planed surfaces, or minor refinishing touchups. These minor imperfections do not detract from the functionality or beauty of the piece. Many of our customers have remarked that the variations of natural wood and proof of hand craftsmanship is exactly what gives our furniture character and beauty. It is important to remember that antiques were once made in this fashion and their beauty enhances through the years.

All our custom Amish furniture pieces are branded with our logo and signed and dated by the Amish craftsman.

Hear from a recent customer

Just had to tell you how much I am enjoying my furniture. Finally started to put a few things in the drawers last night. All I wanted to do was admire it as fine art. The bed went together like precision machinery. It is so solid, no wiggle or play, feels like it was carved from a single piece of wood. I love every piece but the dresser is becoming my favorite. It is beautiful and, like the bed, the drawers fit together flawlessly. I open the drawers just to look at the dovetail joints made from the different woods. Thank you for your guidance with wood selection, sizes and construction methods. The furniture placement looks great together in the bedroom. The enjoyment of working with Branch Hill Joinery had been an experience I shall always remember fondly. Regards, Jeff

Copyright Branch Hill Joinery Amish Furniture, Cabinetry & Quilts 2009