Ohio's Amish Country Furniture Trails

ON THE COVER:

On the cover: If there was any doubt, the “Palm Springs” collection sends the message that Amish-built furniture has changed. With a huge nod to Mid-Century modern, the case goods feature clean, simple lines, accented by large drawer pulls and inset drawers. Even with its large headboard, the bed adds to the clean look of this collection, which is shown here in beautiful Rustic Walnut wood and a natural stain. Presented by Berlin Furnishings. —See ad on page 5

PUBLISHER’S MESSAGE

Welcome to Ohio’s Amish Country!

Although this region has been famous for its beautiful rolling countryside, mouth-watering (and waistlineexpanding!) comfort food and quality-made crafts for generations, it is now also the largest hardwood furniture-producing district in the nation.

Wait…what?

Yes, you read that right: more solid-wood furniture is built in the area, which we call “Ohio’s Amish Country Furniture District,” than anywhere else in the USA.We call it “The Furniture Trail.”

You can shop for Amish-built furniture in stores from coast to coast, but nowhere will you find so many stores that specialize in showcasing the high-quality, handcrafted products built here. Entire stores are filled exclusively with products designed and built here. By our count there are currently 50+ local furniture stores that specialize in Amish-built furniture.

A little background: There are approximately 300 furniture manufacturers in this region. Most are in Holmes and Wayne counties, but there are others in the surrounding counties. The shops range in size from oneperson operations to businesses that employ dozens. The average furniture builder in this area has five

employees, including the owner.

In addition, there are hundreds of support businesses in this region as well — finish shops, trucking companies, sawmills, dry kilns and others such as component makers who build items that are made into furniture. No one knows for certain how many jobs are directly or indirectly dependent upon the furniture industry, but it’s easily in the thousands.

The furniture “boom” began in Ohio’s Amish Country with the Baby Boomer generation and has grown steadily — sometimes rapidly — for the last 30 years. During that time the styles, designs, colors and finish choices have changed remarkably. Today, you can find Amish-built furniture to go with virtually any decor, from country to ultra-modern.

One final word: If you don’t see exactly what you like, ask someone! Every retail furniture store in this region has direct access to the hundreds of furniture manufacturers and can work with one of them to create exactly what you want for your home or office. As you’ll read later in this magazine, “If it can’t be done in Amish Country, it can’t be done!”

Thanks for reading, and enjoy your visit.

— Jerry Klingerman, Publisher

This publication and

content are copyright 2023, Dutch Country Publishing, LLC. Individual copyrighted items, trademarks, etc. contained within are the property of their respective copyright holders. No part of this publication may be reproduced or redistributed by any means with the expressed, written authorization of the publisher.

Furniture Trails stores offer

“Made to Order” furniture

don’t forget that almost everything you see can be customized for size, as well.

That’s a common question along Amish Country’s Furniture Trails, and most often the answer is, “No, we’re going to make your just for you!”

The vast majority of handcrafted, Amish-built furniture sold here is produced on a made-to-order basis. Think of it like this: In days gone buy, it was very common for people to order new cars from a dealer, who would in turn place the order with the factory. After a month or so, the dealer would call you and let you know that your car had arrived at their lot.

While that still happens occasionally in the auto world, this order and fulfillment process is standard practice along the Furniture Trails: Each piece is built and sold directly for and to the family that buys it on a “made to order” basis.

Believe it or not, much of the hardwood furniture industry along Ohio’s Amish Country Furniture Trails is made with wood and other materials that are supplied on a “just in time” manner that most of the auto industry follows (and that was pioneered in this country by Honda). Wood, hardware and other supplies are ordered in lots or even individually as the local builders receive and fill orders.

The good news is, you get to choose the following, almost without exception:

• Wood species (Oak, Cherry, Maple, Hickory, Quartersawn White Oak, etc.)

• Stain color (including many new “multistep” finishes)

• Hardware – knobs, drawer pulls, etc.

Believe it or not, varying just these choices can produce furniture that looks quite different! And

The only bad news is, you need to plan your purchase. Unless you select a discontinued item or overstock piece, normally you should plan to wait between six to 10 weeks for your furniture. Six weeks should be considered a minimum. Some stores along the Furniture Trails (including Stone Barn Furniture) maintain a selection of “warehouse” items that are available for immediate delivery, but most do not.

Also, it would be very rare to choose something from the floor and have the owner or employee respond, “We have that in stock for immediate delivery.” An exception might be at stores that also offer their customers upholstered or leather furniture. Some local Amish furniture manufacturers have developed “quick ship” programs for their most-popular items, but this is not widespread.

Occasionally, a potential buyer is disappointed to learn they cannot come into a store a week or two before Thanksgiving or Christmas and purchase a new dining room suite in time for the family’s holiday gathering. But with all that being said, the vast majority of consumers are very pleased to learn that their furniture will be made “just for us.”

Yes, it may take just a little longer than making a purchase somewhere outside Ohio’s Amish Country Furniture Trails, but the wait is worth it! So when you’re ready to choose high-quality, handcrafted Amish-built furniture that allows you to customize your choices to meet your exact needs and desires, use this publication to plan your trip and enjoy your adventure along Ohio’s Amish Country Furniture Trails!

“You mean I can’t just buy this one?”

Reclaimed and “character” woods take center stage Reclaimed and “character” woods take center stage

The Rise of The Rise of Rustics Rustics

By Jerry Klingerman

Yearsago, I was working at an exhibit of Amish-built furniture at a home and garden show in a large city. An elderly person came into our display and told us an amazing story about a dining room suite that had been in her family a long time.

It seems that her grandfather had been married once before, very briefly. The bride’s parents gave the newlyweds a beautiful new dining room suite as a wedding gift. Tragically, the bride became ill only weeks after the marriage and passed away. The heartbroken groom did what he

felt was the honorable thing, and returned the gift to the bride’s parents.

Several years later, the man remarried. When he did, his first wife’s parents once again gave the newlyweds the dining suite. It stayed in the new family for generations, and remains so today.

That is definitely the best case of “furniture with a story”I’ve ever heard. Today in the heart of Ohio’s Amish Country Furniture District “furniture with a story” has taken an exciting new form: reclaimed wood from historic barns and other structures.

^^^ The table shown here is an excellent example of both “live edge” furniture as well as a “character” grade of wood. It’s shown in beautiful rustic Walnut, which shows all of the imperfections, which not so long ago would have prevented it from being used in furniture. Today, pieces like this are in high demand.

The first of these pieces started showing up more than 10 years ago now, when only one local manufacturer was making reclaimed barnwood furniture. What began here with a lone craftsman’s efforts has steadily grown to the point where today a growing number of manufacturers offer reclaimed furniture,

either exclusively or as part of their overall product offerings. You can see the result of those efforts in retail showrooms throughout the region.

Reclaimed wood is even finding its way into kitchen cabinetry and hardwood flooring as well. Wherever possible the wood is sourced locally, and comes mostly from pioneer-era barns. In some cases older manufacturing facilities (primarily in the eastern US) are the source. While barn siding isn’t thick enough to be repurposed, flooring, beams, rafters and other building components can be transformed into beautiful “new” furniture for any room in the house.

The resulting pieces are sturdy,

beautiful and give a hint to their previous lives.

“Rustic” lumber also popular

But reclaimed wood isn’t the only “rustic” option for shoppers looking for a less-than-traditional approach to home furnishings. Additional grades of lumber are finding their way into retail showrooms, too. “Sap Cherry” and “Rustic” or “Character” Quarter-Sawn White Oak, Red Oak, Walnut and Brown Maple all are found in lots of manufacturer’s product lines. “Live edge” choices, which show the true curves of a piece of lumber (such as those shown in the photo on the opposite page), also are very popular right now. These wood choices show all the “character” of the wood

that once would have disqualified them from use in fine furniture. But today? Furniture shoppers are eating it up.

But, lest you think that the appeal of this look is limited to the urban-dwelling “hipster” crowd who inhabit converted lofts and other trendy living spaces, you’d be mistaken. A recent chat with one local manufacturer revealed that the reclaimed/rustic lines have a strong cross-demographic appeal. He just introduced a line of occasional furniture crafted from reclaimed wood and said it’s not just trendy younger folks who are buying these woods.

In fact, our source revealed that he would be hard-pressed to say that the reclaimed/rustic line

>>> Continued on page 10

Rise of Rustics

Continued from page 9

had a stronger appeal to any particular group, and it’s being sold to consumers of all ages.

The entire trend likely is the result of a number of changes in shoppers’ tastes: Consumers now are well aware of the quality associated with Amish-built furniture. And where that might have been satisfaction enough for some of the earliest customers (think: 90s-era Baby Boomers) today’s consumers not only want the same quality, but also styles and color choices that complement their home’s décor. They’re thinking well outside the decorating box these days, and reclaimed/rustics fall nicely out of that box.

Of course, there is the conservation factor as well. With reclaimed woods it’s obvious that the wood hits a target squarely in the middle of the “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” mindset. And while no one likes the idea of the grand structures of our nation’s past falling to the wrecking ball, reusing those pioneer-era hardwoods is something that seems to please everyone.

With respect to rustics that aren’t from reclaimed lumber, but rather from “new” wood, consumers can easily identify with the idea that only five or 10 years ago, this wood would have

been considered scrap, or at best, #2 grade lumber; definitely not furniture grade.

When making selections from reclaimed or rustics, perhaps the only caveat for customers is this: As with other true hardwood furniture selections, no two pieces of any of these wood choices are exactly alike.

When it comes to making final selections, shoppers should be aware that no retailer or manufacturer can guarantee a piece will look exactly like the one in the showroom or catalogue.

Pricing spectrum varies

Pricing for reclaimed/rustics covers a broad range. If consumers want “the story,” and choose reclaimed wood, that will come with a premium price.

Reclaimed woods require a lot of attention before they are into furniture. Sourcing can be the first challenge that drives price.

Then the wood must be very carefully examined for nails, screws or other metals before it’s re-milled, because expensive equipment can be damaged by those metal pieces.

For example: This author had a local company re-mill some reclaimed barn siding a couple years ago.

Each piece was carefully examined, and even gone over with a metal detector. But when I picked up the newly milled lumber, the owner of the business handed me a bundle of cutoffs and other small pieces of wood, all of which contained

This entire set, including the chairs, is constructed from reclaimed barnwood. The wood used is “denailed” using powerful metal detectors, then kiln dried to eliminate any insects, and then finally transformed into furniture. The extra steps involved in sourcing reclaimed wood, and then processing it, makes this a premium choice.

metal, as well as a plastic bag filled with small nails.

He said with a wry smile that they “always like to give those pieces back to customers.” Apparently they used a much stronger metal detector!

Reclaimed woods also must be kiln dried, lest customers “rehome” wood-dwelling insects that once had called their new furniture home!

At the other end of the price spectrum, rustic choices from new wood offer a nice surprise: They normally cost less, or similar to than their “Grade A” counterparts. The added bonus is, consumers almost universally seem to enjoy seeing the knots, mineral deposits and other im-

perfections that now give the wood “character.”

Why the newfound love of “imperfect” wood? It’s hard to say, really, but it might be fair to speculate that in a world full of veneers, sawdust and plastic, seeing “real” wood is very aesthetically pleasing.

Prices for all of these choices vary — and remember that wood is a commodity, so prices can definitely fluctuate. But in terms of new wood from rustic/character grades, they can easily put Quarter-Sawn White Oak or Cherry selections into contention, whereas top grade selections of the same wood might be pricier.

Finally, when you compare

these unique, incredibly attractive offerings with Big Box or mass-produced furniture lines, reclaimed and rustic/character choices have no equal.

This is fine-crafted furniture, that falls squarely in the “something different” category. You can see, feel and touch the difference and instantly understand that it really has no equal. Add to that, the fact that it is produced by USA-based small businesses, and you can begin to understand the popularity of and “Rise of Rustics.”

A discussion of popular hardwood species

In the publisher’s message we said that this region (Ohio’s Amish Country) is the largest producer of hardwood furniture in the nation. That’s hardwood. But, what does that mean?

Hardwood, first and foremost, is a solid wood — as opposed to particle board, or “composite” wood, which is widely used in both together furniture from places like Ikea. Hardwood is cut directly from trees, dried, milled into usable lumber and made into the components that make up furniture.

Popular hardwood species include Oak, Cherry, Maple, “Brown” Maple, Hickory, Walnut and Elm.

Some antique furniture used veneers, a thin layer of hardwood, as a top piece that would be adhered to a lesser-quality wood, but we are not aware of any local furniture builders who use veneers. (While veneers can be quite attractive, and trees harvested for veneers command top dollar, it also is much more susceptible to damage in everyday use.)

So, when we refer to “Hardwood” we are talking about furniture constructed from solid wood, from one of the above-named wood species. Hardwood furniture is, by far, the most durable (and attractive) type of furniture available.

With that in mind, here is a rundown of some of the popular choices available.

Red Oak

Characterized by a wide, “open” grain that you actually can feel, Red Oak has

been popular for generations. In fact, Red Oak accounts for half of all hardwood furniture purchases. It’s durable, plentiful and is among the most cost-effective choices to build with. It’s no wonder then, that Oak is still the most popular choice for furniture.

Cherry

Perhaps best exemplified by the classic formal dining room with a Queen Anne-style dining table finished in a dark stain, Cherry has always had an upscale look and feel — and for good reason. It’s normally priced at approx. 40 percent higher than Oak, and it has a smooth glass-like feeling that evokes quality. But today’s buyers want style in addition to quality, so lighter, more natural colors are popular choices in addition to the classic looks. “Character” grades that show knots and other imperfections can level the playing field, though, because they tend to be priced similar to Oak. Translation: “Character” or “Sap” Cherry looks great, can be finished in any color and is priced similar to Oak. Along with Oak, Cherry remains the most popular choice for hardwood furniture.

Hard Maple

Although it is not the hardest wood available (see: Hickory) Hard Maple is indeed very durable and approximately 50 percent harder than Red Oak, for example. It’s a great choice for areas that might receive a lot of daily use (kitchen or dining tables) and is quite often finished in natural stains that allow its

light tones to be the focus of the piece. With its higher price tag and relative plain looks, Hard Maple is likely not going to be most consumers’ most-popular choice, but it definitely has its fans, and its place among the lineup of hardwood choices.

We should note that “Wormy Maple” a character grade of wood has blossomed in popularity in recent years. As the name implies, Wormy Maple shows imperfections, including some interesting color variations, from insects. It’s often combined with Walnut, to create an interesting look.

Brown maple

If you sit a piece of Brown Maple furniture next to a piece of Cherry furniture with the same finish, the casual observer will not be able to tell the difference between the two. In a nutshell, that explains the popularity of “Soft” or Brown Maple, which is a relative newcomer on the hardwood furniture scene. It looks and feels like Cherry, but is priced similar to Oak. For many consumers, Brown Maple is an easy choice because only the most discerning eyes will pick up the subtle differences in color between Brown Maple and Cherry, with the former featuring more “chocolate” tones when finished in

Amish Country Retail Furniture Stores List

Amish Oak Furniture

268 W. Main St.

Loudonville OH, 44842

800-686-8855

www.amishoak.com

Andreas Furniture 114 Dover Rd. NE

Sugarcreek, OH 44681

330-852-2494

andreasfurniture.com

Barn View Furniture

11600 Emerson Rd.

Apple Creek, OH 44606

Berlin Furnishings*

4612 CR 120

Millersburg, OH 44654

330-600-4456

facebook.com/BerlinFurnishings

Bowman Sales (Mattresses)

5150 TR 618

Millersburg, OH 44654

330-674-4017

Brandywine Furniture 2482 Pyle Rd. NW

Dover, OH 44662

330-343-5224

Brookside Furniture 2949 State Route 93

Sugarcreek, OH 44681

330-852-4528

Coblentz Furniture

12573 Dover Rd.

Apple Creek, OH 44606

330-857-0200

coblentzfurniture.com

Country Furniture

4329 County Road 168

Millersburg, OH 44654

330-893-4455

Keim’s Country Furniture

16325 Millersburg Rd. (US 62)

Danville, OH 43014

740-599-7597

Country Hill Furnishings* 4375 CR 160

Millersburg, OH 44654

330-275-7641

Dublin Valley Wood*

4198 TR 606

Fredericksburg, OH 44627

330-359-5172

Dutch Craft Furniture

4774 US 62

Berlin, OH 44610

330-893-4041

dutchcraftfurniture.com

Dutch Family Furniture

6016 County Road 77

Millersburg, OH 44654

330-390-5575

Eastwood Furniture

4722 Kidron Rd.

Kidron, OH 44636

330-857-2009

eastwoodfurniture.com

Erb’s Hickory Wood Products*

6926 CR 407

Millersburg, OH 44654

Erbs Stove Center (Lawn Furniture) 4100 St. Rte. 39

Millersburg, OH 44654

330-893-3903

facebook.com/erbsstovecenter

Farmerstown Upholstered Furniture

2791 TR 181

Baltic, OH 43804

Farmstead Furniture*

6720 County Road 77

Millersburg, OH 44654-7901

Fax: 330-390-8311

Frontier Style Log Furniture

3452 TR 124

Millersburg, OH 44654

330-893-4092

Hershberger Lawn Structures Ltd.

8990 State Route 39

Millersburg, OH 44654

330-674-3900

Hidden View Furnishings*

9433 TR 614

Fredericksburg, OH 44627

Fax: 844-415-1686

Homestead Furniture

8233 St. Rte. 241

Fredericksburg, OH 44627

866-674-4902

homesteadfurnitureonline.com

Jake’s Amish Furniture

1255 Kidron Rd.

Orrville, OH 44667

330-857-4756

www.jakesamishfurniture.com

Kauffman Lawn Furniture*

4540 US 62

Millersburg, OH 44654

330-893-3149

kauffmanlawnfurniture.com

Wildridge Poly Furniture

4070 St.Rte. 39

Millersburg, OH 44654

330-893-4212

wildridge.com

Maysville Furniture Showcase*

10429 Harrison Rd.

Apple Creek, OH 44606

330-600-4819

maysvillefurnitureshowcase.com

Mid-Ohio Backyard LLC

9160 St. Rte. 241

Fredericksburg, OH 44627

330-231-8636

midohiobackyard.business.site

Miller's Quality Crafts*

2950 CR 114

Sugarcreek, OH 44681

330-897-6004

Miller's Rustic Furniture*

6101 CR 68

Millersburg, OH 44654

330-674-9709

millersrusticfurniture.com

Pine Tree Barn

4374 Shreve Rd.

Wooster, OH 44691

330-264-1014

pinetreebarn.com

Pleasant View Furniture*

3599 US 62

Dundee, OH 44624

330-893-4322

pleasantviewfurniturellc.com

Prairie Lane Furniture

13390 St. Rte. 39

Big Prairie, OH 44611

330-378-5313

prairielanefurniture.us

Raber’s Poly Rockers*

7310 TR 668

Millersburg, OH 44654

330-600-2446

Rainbow Bedding

3417 TR 166

Sugarcreek, OH 44681

330-852-3127

Rustic Creations Log Furniture*

12002 Berg Rd.

Apple Creek, OH 44606

330-465-0740

Salt Creek Bedding 13155 Salt Creek Road

Fredericksburg, OH 44627

Scenic Hills Furniture

1885 State Route 39

Sugarcreek, OH 44681

330-473-5702

affordableamishfurniture.com

Schrock’s Heritage Furniture 4760 E. Main St. Berlin, OH 44610

330-893-2242

schrocksheritagefurniture.com

Stone Barn Furnishings

8613 TR 635/PO Box 15

Mount Hope, OH 44660

330-674-2064

www.stonebarnfurnishings.com

Studio 4 Designs 4810 E Main St. Berlin, OH 44610

330-893-1140

studio4designs.com

Swiss Country Lawn And Crafts

2131 St. Rte. 39

Sugarcreek, OH 44681

330-852-2031

swisscountrylawn.com

Swiss Valley Furniture 2431 St. Rte. 39

Sugarcreek, OH 44681

330-403-4271

swissvalleyfurniture.com

The Cabin Store*

7860 St. Rte. 241

Millersburg, OH 44654

330-674-1838

Troyer's Furniture

985 West Main St.

Sugarcreek, OH 44681

330-852-4752

troyerfurniture.com

Twin Locust Furniture* 11575 Salt Creek Rd.

Fredericksburg, OH 44627

330-695-2240

Twin Oaks Barns (Outdoor)

3337 US 62

Dundee, OH 44624

330-893-3126

twinoaksbarnsllc.com

Weaver Playsets Ltd. 5854 County Road 201 Millersburg, OH 44654

330-893-0800

weaverplaysets.com

Weaver’s Fine Furniture 7011 Old Route 39 NW

Sugarcreek, OH 44681

330-852-2701

weaverfurniturestore.com

Woodland Furniture* 10540 Abraham Rd. Fredericksburg, OH 44627

Yoder’s Oak And Cherry* 5911 South Kansas Rd. Apple Creek, OH 44606

330-473-2837

*Denotes advertiser

Note: Times change. Businesses get bought, sold or close down for various reasons. The information here is current to the best of our knowledge as of September, 2023. Wherever possible, we encourage you to verify business hours, etc. in advance of making a trip.

^^^ Ready for a fresh new look? Sitting our Hall Seat in your entryway could very well set the tone for your entire house. With a modern/rustic look and a bold color variation it is sure to catch everyone’s eye. Also available with drawer instead of cubbyholes. By Rustic Creations Log Furniture — See ad on page 11

^^^ The Lakeland Collection from Country Hill Furnishings is highlighted by the large square legs, and burnished edges on the top. It looks like a solid top table, but in cludes two leaves. Pair with the ladder back­style chairs for a timeless look you’ll enjoy for years. Shown in hickory with Tan Bark stain. — See ad on back cover

<<<Yoder’s Oak and Cherry

offers plenty of choices in its showroom, such as this TV stand with sliding barn doors, wrought­style hardware and distressed top. But if you don’t nd exactly what you want, you can choose from almost limitless designs and 10 available wood species. — See ad on page 27

^^^The Palm Springs Bedroom collection is as stylish as it is minimalist. With strong cues from the Mid­Century Modern look, its understated styling is sure to please for many years to come. Shown here in Rustic Walnut in Natural finish, this set is offered by Berlin Furnishings — See ad on page 5

^^^ With overstuffed arms, dual reclining ends and a matching reclining chair, it’s easy to see why this combination is consistently the best­seller at Hidden View Furnishings. Available in a variety of color and fabric choices, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home, too!

— See ad on page 9

<<<For the man who has everything (or needs a place to store it) we suggest the Farmhouse Gentleman’s Chest from Farmstead Furniture

Shown here in in distressed Quarter Sawn White Oak, this beautiful piece features inset drawers and wrought/antique­style hardware. A beautiful addition to any bedroom. See ad on page 7

<<<The Knox Hutch from Miller’s Quality Crafts is a perfect complement for those who need storage, but aren’t willing to compromise on style. Baskets, copper insets and contrasting stain colors all combine for a very pleasing look. Shown in Cream Rustic and “Boston” on the tops and back. — See ad on page 29

>>> This stunning fireplace/ mantel combination from The Cabin Store will quickly become the centerpiece of you home or cabin. Constructed entirely of reclaimed wood from pioneerera barns, it is simply breathtaking! — See ad on page 2

ve base. Poly lumber furniture is durable, on for your outdoor dining needs. — See ad on page 13

— See ad on page 31

^^^The Cavallo Bedroom suite from Maysville Furniture Showcase is a definite eye­catcher! Featuring sawmark distressing, this grouping also showcases large bold legs in the bed and case goods, and a headboard with angled design. Shown in Brown Maple with Long Oak stain; also available in a variety of wood and stain choices.

>>>This stunning piece, constructed entirely of reclaimed barn wood, is the perfect centerpiece not only for you flat screen TV, but also as the centerpiece of your entire living room. Offered by Miller’s Rustic Furniture, the 60­inch Reclaimed Oak 60'' tv stand that is built onsite in their own workshop. — See ad on page 31

^^^Looking for the perfect dining option for a smaller space? Look no further than the Brookstyle table from Twin Locust Furniture! It has a small footprint, but is big on style, particularly when paired with the Fostoria chairs. Shown in Brown Maple in Rich Tobacco stain. — See ad on page 23

^^^Whether office means “home office” or a downtown suite, Woodland Furniture has just the right furniture for your space. The “Wedge Desk” offers lots of storage in a relatively small footprint. This is only a sample of what we can do, so bring your ideas, and let us help you create the office of your dreams! — See ad on page 27

>>>You and your guests are sure to love the new Catawba Wine Tower from Dublin Valley Wood clever twist on this stylish piece is, the bottles are stored in the “glass,” and the glasses are stored in the “bo here in Brown Maple wood and Asbury stain.

page 7

Rustic Brown Maple wood, finished in Light Charcoal stain, shows all of the wood’s natural beauty. The matching dressers offer plenty of storage, and the low footboard lets you showcase your favorite comforter, as well as the large headboard. — See ad on page 13

Purchasing high-quality hardwood furniture is a longterm investment that also is a larger financial commitment than buying “replaceable” furniture.

The word “heirloom” often is used when referring to Amishbuilt furniture, and you’ll find that virtually all Amish-built furniture along Ohio’s Amish Country Furniture Trails is heirloom-quality — if you take care of it!

So what’s the best way to ensure your beautiful, handcrafted, Amish-built furniture survives for future generations? Below are a few important suggestions.

If you live in a “winter house” (one where the interior trim was completed in the colder months) you may have doors or drawers throughout your home that close or open with greater difficulty at certain times during the year. That’s because the proper temperature and humidity levels were not maintained during construction.

Furniture is built with great attention to those temperature and moisture levels, long before the wood used enters a craftsman’s workshop. You should maintain that careful attention by understanding that solid-wood furniture is almost like a living, breathing object, and reacts to changing temperature and humidity conditions in your home.

The best thing you can do is avoid exposing your hardwood furniture directly to temperature

extremes. This would include furnace registers, fireplaces, unheated spaces or other areas that could be subject to wide temperature swings. Other considerations include:

• Try to keep the humidity level in your home at or near 35 percent. Below that, there is a danger that the wood could crack or warp. (Furniture is made of “glued-up” wood strips of varying smaller widths; this has eliminated almost all warping problems.)

Caring for your hardwood furniture

• Water spills are not the end of the world! The finishes used today are very resistant to water damage. In most cases, even water or condensation left overnight will not cause permanent damage. Even if you see a discoloration, the best thing to do is just wipe away the excess water and then leave it alone. More often than not, any water rings, etc. will disappear within 24 hours.

• Avoid placing hot items directly on finished wood surfaces. Wood surfaces are durable, which means they don’t necessarily need table pads or other protection, but use common sense, and place a barrier between hot items and any finished surfaces.

• Your furniture’s finish is most vulnerable to damage in its first 30 days or so. Even though the catalyzed finishes are extremely durable, they are not indestructible. Temperature and humidity swings during those first 30 days of “curing” should definitely be avoided. Also avoid placing very hot or very cold items, or glasses that could sweat on any surfaces in the curing period.

• Cleaning: A damp cloth is best for finished wood surfaces. Note: use a true microfiber cloth to avoid leaving particles of the cloth behind. There are specialized cleaners and polishers available, and you can ask your retailer about those. But many common dusting/polishing compounds (“Pledge,” for example) will cause an unwanted buildup over time that actually can diminish the durability of the finish.

If the finish does become damaged, contact the store where you made your purchase to discuss the best way to make repairs. Some can be done very simply, so don’t panic — or take drastic measures on your own — before you talk to the experts!

As someone who has been involved in the Amish-built furniture industry for 20 years — and just published a third book about Ohio’s Amish Country — I’m still kind of taken aback when I talk to friends or colleagues across the country, and they say things like, “But…they don’t believe in electricity. How do they build furniture?”

It’s questions like this which remind me that, the farther away peope live from large Amish populations, the less they understand about Amish culture and practices.

So it’s not surprising that first-time visitors to Ohio’s Amish Country normally have questions (and more often have misconceptions) about the Amish and their use of technology or modern tools.

“don’t use” those items isn’t really the case anymore.

But for those who are not familiar with Amish culture, the question may arise: How do they make furniture without electricity and modern tools? The simple answer is, Amish furniture makers do use modern equipment. What sets them apart from their “English” counterparts is how those tools are powered.

Modern tools, old-world quality

Thanks in large part to Hollywood and the media’s superficial treatment of the Amish, visitors sometimes believe they’ll see people churning butter or milking cows by hand around every corner in the road. TV, movies (and even news reports) tend to not differentiate between the various sects, and generalize based on information that may or may not have been accurate at one time, but isn’t accurate today.

By Jerry Klingerman By Jerry Klingerman

First, it’s important to note that not all Amish abide by the same practices with respect to tools and technology. In fact, there are several of major sects among the Amish, and there is a wide variance of practices, between those sects, particularly here in Ohio.

For example, news reports about the Amish almost always includes the generalization that the Amish “don’t use electricity or telephones.” In 2023, this is not the case, but rather a common misperception rooted in what once was true.

The reality is, the Amish do not connect to the power grid and have long avoided land line telephones for anything other than strictly business purposes. But to say that they “don’t believe in” or

Instead of using electricity from the power grid, Amish furniture makers use large motors to produce their own electricity, or compressed air, or to drive line shafts. Then, depending upon what their specific church district requires or allows, they use tools powered by one or more of those methods. Examples: Line shafts are used to power belt-driven tools, while compressed air is stored in large tanks, and run through hoses that attach to air-powered tools.

In the past, most of those large engines were diesel-powered. But the fuel price spikes that occurred 10 years ago, combined with the low price and easy availability of natural gas, caused many local furniture manufacturers to make the switch from diesel to natural gas.

The payback takes several years, and it’s a large up front capital investment to make the switch. But

^^^Inside an Amish-owned furniture building shop. The tools used — including an EPA-approved dust collection system — are state-of-the-art, but powered using a variety of alternative methods.

Modern Tools

Continued from page 22

a lot of manufacturers made the switch and are enjoying the savings today.

So, a table saw, drill press or large belt sander might look the same in an Amish-owned shop as it does in a non-Amish shop; it just gets powered differently, and in accordance with what the craftsman’s church district allows.

Beyond tools

But large woodworking tools are not the only “modern” tools in use. In addition to production, there also is bookkeeping, inventory and marketing. Business is business, after all, and less and less of that work is being done by hand. Instead, it is being performed on word processors or one of a special line of Amish computers.

Amish computers? Yes.

In response to the growing number of Amishowned businesses that require word processing, accounting, spreadsheet or even drafting functions, several enterprising companies have developed lines of computers that handle the needs of Amish businesses. The key to most of these specialized computers is that they have very limited functionality in terms of sound, video and graphics. Plus, they do not connect to the Internet.

But as quickly as we say that, we must add that

“regular” computers also are in use, and even connected to the Internet. What’s important to keep in mind is that each individual church district (there are more than 500 across Ohio) sets technology guidelines for its members. Church districts are comprised of roughly 30 to 40 families, and within the overall guidelines of their “branch,” each one determines what its members may or may not use. Can you hear me now?

In addition to questions regarding power and tools, prospective furniture buyers almost always have questions about their ability to communicate with Amish-owned businesses. This varies as well. Again, depending upon the particular sect/district to which the owner belongs. Although some stores featured in this magazine are not Amish-owned, a healthy number are, and communication methods can vary a great deal among them.

Communication methods among Amish-owned businesses vary a great deal. Some might have a phone, fax machine and a computer with email and Internet.

In the past, some might have had a fax machine and phone located in a small, separate building adjacent to the shop or office. But changes in recent years have eliminated a lot of that.

Another variation is the “fax service,” a fax delivery service which uses a single centralized number for multiple businesses. Faxes are delivered by a driver, who has an established fax delivery route. The driver will pick up and drop off faxes received, and faxes to be sent.

The same service provider also now offers its customers the option of sending and receiving emails in the same way — in fact, we used that service to send ad proofs and other information back and forth for this magazine. Yet another twist on fax-based technology is one that allows faxes to be delivered to an email address, and vice-versa. In other words, one can send an email that gets turned into a fax, and the answer, transmitted by fax, is turned into an email.

You might be saying, “Faxes? Who uses

“Call waiting.” Cell phones and phones inside businesses are becoming become more prevalent, but scenes like this are still common. Small private phone booths — of all shapes and sizes — dot the landscape throughout Ohio’s Amish Country.

faxes these days?” The answer might surprise you! It’s not just the Amish who are still using faxes. Realtors, attorneys, banks, insurance companies and medical professionals still use faxes, because they can be used as legal documents, and also because faxes can’t be hacked. Communication via fax is still largely considered to be secure.

There are some shops that still communicate only by mail, or when the owner can get to a phone to call out. But the majority of furniture builders and retailers in Ohio’s Amish Country now use some type of electronic communication. Business as usual

The Amish take this all in stride, knowing that they are bound by the rules of their church, and are reluctant to do anything which goes outside of their church’s rules. It is fair to say that technology is a topic of ongoing discussion among Amish businesses and their respective church leaders, but again, by and large, those guidelines are followed.

What propels change and acceptance of new technology? It’s difficult for outsiders to have a complete understanding of this question, but economics and jobs definitely are factors. Less than 10 percent of the Amish now make their full-time income from farming or agriculture, and the furniture industry provides thousands of jobs.

The vast majority of the furniture produced locally is shipped and sold outside of the Holmes County area. Therefore, it’s necessary to be able to communicate with both retail and wholesale buyers around the country. But change always has been weighed and considered very carefully, and is today as well.

At first glance, all of this may seem difficult to understand or accept — but that is an outsider’s perspective. It’s extremely important to keep in mind that, above all, the Amish way of life works. These small, tight-knit communities are truly unlike any other in America. The actions they take with respect to allowing or forbidding technology are designed to keep those communities intact and thriving.

Hardwood species

Continued from page 12

the same stains as Cherry. (Sample shown on previous page, in “OCS Rich Tobacco stain.”)

Walnut

Ahhh...Walnut. If any wood species besides Cherry and Oak could be considered timeless, it would be Walnut.

Walnut has to be one of the most beautiful hardwoods available. The natural variances in grain and color are hard to beat, but they do come at a cost: Walnut is a premium-priced choice. As with other choices, though, “Character” grades can be much more affordable , and even appeal more to some buyers who love seeing wood’s natural characteristics (see “Rise of Rustics on page 8). Walnut has been a popular, albeit more expensive, furniture choice for a long time, and definitely has enjoyed a recent resurgence in popularity.

Walnut features a range of brown tones, chocolates and, like Hickory, also can show the occasional purple hue. It’s heavy, and quite durable. Like Cherry, Walnut has traditionally been associated with more-formal looks, but that has changed recently, particularly given the extremely popular combination Wormy Maple and Walnut pieces.

Quarter-Sawn White Oak (QSWO)

Visit any antique store than sells furniture and you will almost certainly see QSWO pieces. QuarterSawn White Oak was a very popular choice 100+ years ago, but

fell out of favor because more wood is required to produce the furniture because of how the log is cut: The wood is cut at angles to produce a cross-grain cut characterized by wild stripes. Now that the nation’s woodlots are replenished (and well managed), quarter-sawing is back. QSWO pieces are very dense, heavier than most other woods and extremely durable. It is most often finished in the incredibly popular “OCS 113 Michael’s Cherry” stain. As shown in the back sample, Michael’s Cherry stain produces a rich, beautiful look that likely will never go out of style. (Hint: Character grades of QSWO also can make it much more affordable.)

Elm

If you like the look of QSWO, you’re likely to be blown away when you see your first piece of furniture constructed of Grey Elm. The grain is almost indescribable. In recent years Elm has gained a new popularity and very often is paired with other woods to create an interesting contrast in style. Elm is extremely hard, and difficult to work with, so it commands prices similar to Cherry.

Hickory

Like Walnut, Hickory is a wood species that can surprise you with

its wide color variances. It has its own distinct look, and when you combine that look

with extreme color variances you have a real showstopper! Hickory can go from extremely light — like maple — to nearly black within just a few inches in the same board. Along the way you’ll see browns, reds and even in some cases an almost purple hue to the wood. There is no rhyme or reason to the color pattern in Hickory and certainly no two trees are alike, so every piece made of it is truly oneof-a-kind.

Hickory has always been a popular choice for cabinetry and flooring, but also has a strong following in the furniture world. It is incredibly hard, is certainly one of the most durable woods available and nothing else even comes close to its look. The majority of Hickory furniture is finished in a simple clear stain to showcase its natural beauty.

Rustic, “character” and “live edge”

Traditionally, only top-grade lumbers have been used in furniture production, and any piece of wood that had flaws, knots, streaks, “sap pockets” and other abnormalities, would not have been used. But the pendulum has most definitely swung in a different direction.

One of the biggest trends in Amish-built furniture in recent years is to use those grades of lumber in furniture cabinetry and even flooring. In furniture, these wood choices often are combined with distressing, for truly unique, rustic and one-of-a-kind looks. For a complete look at this, see “The Rise of Rustics” beginning on page 8.

"If it can't be done in Amish Country, it can't be done!"

That's probably one of themost important messages we can share about furniture built in Ohio's Amish Country Furniture District.

With 300 furniture builders (and 200 +/- other businesses involved in component production, finishing or other aspects of furniture production) in Ohio's Amish Country, we're the largest solid-wood furniture manufacturing district in the USA. Even though most of it is sold outside this area, more than 50 retail furniture stores exclusively feature Amish-built furniture.

One of the most frequently asked questions consumers have regarding Amish-built furniture is about customization.

People are used to a big box, one-size-fits-all world when it comes to furniture, and often are very surprised and pleased to learn that custom choices are not an issue at all here. In fact, quite the opposite is true. Customization is the norm! Virtually all Amish-built furniture is produced on a made-to-order basis, where the customer chooses the model, wood species, stain, hardware, etc.

But the choices go well beyond that. Choosing custom dimensions is no issue at all, as are “ground-up” custom pieces. With that in mind, here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions:

Q: Is this real wood?

A: YES! Amish-built furniture features 100% solid wood construction, built to last a lifetime and beyond.

Q: How durable is the finish?

A: In a word, very. Finishing is a multi-step process that involves applying the stain itself, sanding, and applying a catalyzed “top coat” that is extremely durable. For example, in years past when someone would purchase a fine-quality dining table, one of the first things they would do is purchase an expensive table pad – to cover it up! That’s no longer necessary. While common sense always reigns supreme, generally speaking the finish on Amish-built furniture stands up very well to modern living and active life-

styles. (Read: Children who leave water glasses on tables!)

Q: I really like this piece, but I just wish I could get it (wider/ smaller/shorter/taller, or in a different wood or color).

A: No problem! The retailer of your choice will work with the craftsmen to have your furniture produced, and can customize it to your exact specifications, whether it’s a minor modification, wood and stain selection, or even a 100 percent custom piece. Bring those sketches!

People are used to buying furniture at stores with (by comparison) a limited selection, and this is a real “aha” moment for lots of first-time buyers in this area. The ability to customize Amish-built furniture is a huge deal. It’s really like nowhere else.

Q: It’s a bit expensive, isn’t it?

A: Compared to what’s available at the trendy big-box retailers, yes. But compared to replacing that trendy bolt-together furniture every three or four years, no. This is a premium product designed to last a lifetime. It is handcrafted from solid USA hardwoods, with great attention to detail, so it’s naturally going to cost more. Consumers are looking for value today, and value in a big-ticket item such as furniture is an investment that will pay off for years to come. Paying a little bit more for some-

"If it can't be done in Amish Country, it can't be done!"

thing that will easily last a lifetime (and beyond) is a wise investment.

Q: How long will it take to receive my order?

A: It varies, but a good benchmark probably is eight to 10 weeks. Seasonal demand can push that out a bit further, so we recommend that you plan your purchase well in advance. For example, if you want to share a new dining suite with your family and guests at Christmastime, you should be shopping no later than the first part of October. As with many things in life, good planning avoids disappointments! Every piece, including yours, is built on a made-to-order basis. (Note: A

handful of retailers do have instock items that can be purchased directly off the sales floor.)

Once you choose your item, the wood, stain and any hardware that might be included, your order is placed with the craftsman, and will be built just for you – and, again, that doesn’t cost extra: it’s standard operating procedure for Amish-built furniture.

Q: I found a table I like at one store, but a hutch at another. Can they be made to match colors, etc.?

A: Yes! First things first: Most retailers can get exactly what you want, even if it’s not on their floor, or in a catalog they have

available. But if you want to choose from two stores, no worries. There is a wide variety of standardized stains from which to choose, so that’s not a problem. You might even be able to make sure that both pieces get finished at the same shop. (Most local builders send their furniture to finish shops. This allows them to maximize their shop’s space, and the finish shops do finishing exclusively, so they’re experts.) All you have to do is ask. In general, this community is very well networked, and everyone along the way of the process is eager to work with their customers.

New book provides an in-depth look at Ohio’s Amish Country “Amish Country Destinations”

Author Jerry Klingerman announces the publication of his third book about Ohio’s Amish Country. “

Amish Country Destinations” is an intimate portrait of the world’s largest Amish community, complete with an exclusive look inside Amish homes.

Amish Country Destinations is a 128-page full-size (8.5x11), full-color hardcover book featuring dozens of beautiful photos, as well as informative stories. Makes the perfect keepsake — or the perfect gift!

Order online: www.AmishCountryDestinations.com

Follow our Facebook page: Facebook.com/AmishCountryDestinations

Amish Country Destinations Book Order Form

Name:

Address: City/State/ZIP Phone:

_____Yes! I would like a copy of Amish Country Destinations at $24.95 (free shipping) (add $24.95 for each additional copy)

Make checks payable and send to: Dutch Country Publishing, P.O. Box 248, Fredericksburg, OH 44627