What Goes Into the Cost of Amish Furniture and Why It’s Worth the Expense

We’ll cut to the chase - Amish furniture isn’t cheap, especially when compared to mass-produced alternatives that use subpar materials. So, as you browse our online store or visit a local market, you may find yourself wondering why is Amish Furniture so expensive? Is it worth the cost?

How Much Does Quality Amish Furniture Typically Cost?

High-quality Amish furniture covers a full range of price points. To help give you an idea of what to expect:

• Most Amish dining room tables cost between $2,000 to $6,000 with some reaching $10,000.

• Amish hutches typically span from $3,000 to $10,000 with some costing up to $14,000.

• Amish bed frames can cost $1,000 to $6,000, though some can climb as high as $15,000 depending on the size, materials, and style of bed frame.

• An Amish coffee table can range from $800 - $2,000, though some with intricate designs or higher-end hardwoods can go for as expensive as $3,500. 

• Large Amish desks tend to cost between $3,000 - $13,000 with some nearing $20,000. The large range reflects the diversity in size and shape, add-on features like hutches, and the use of specific hardwoods. 

So, now that you know what type of expense to anticipate when shopping for Amish pieces, it’s time for us to answer the real question looming in your mind: is the furniture actually worth the cost?

Why Amish Furniture Can Be Expensive 

The price of a furniture piece can be classified in two ways: the materials and the labor, (topics we explore further in our article How Much Does a Wooden Dining Room Table Cost). To understand the cost of Amish furniture, it’s crucial to understand:

• Authentic Amish furniture uses real hardwood sourced from North America - the choice of materials is arguably one of the biggest determinants in the cost of the individual piece, as the specific wood species run the gamete from relatively affordable oak to lavish walnut. Regardless, the use of ethically sourced hardwood will always make a piece more expensive than if it uses flimsier alternatives like veneer or engineered wood. Importantly, the Amish’s standards for quality extend to other materials as well, from the choice of varnish to the use of real leather. This too can lead to higher costs compared to cheaper textiles.  

• Amish furniture makers are celebrated woodworkers - Amish craftsmen don’t use electricity, meaning that each furniture piece is the byproduct of incredible time and effort, which reflects in the cost. They utilize woodworking techniques inherited from past generations and perfected over the centuries, and pay close attention to the details at every step of the build. In turn, the produced furniture is both beautiful and sturdy. Of course, the talents of Amish artisans go beyond furniture-making. To find stores that sell Amish goods, read Our Favorite Online Stores for Amish Goods.

• Amish furniture is often custom-made and the results can be quite beautiful - Because each Amish furniture piece is made individually, it can be customized for a customers' particular needs. This freedom to choose can impact the timber and stain, and even the dimensions and special features. The end results can be quite stunning, as seen in our assortment of formal dining sets.

Examples of Amish woodworking that may be worth the extra cost include:

• Mortise & tenon joinery - the “bread and butter” of elite Amish furniture making, this technique combines two pieces of wood by creating a slot or pocket in the one and a correlating projecting piece in the other. The woodworker then slides the “tenon” into the “mortice” for an unparalleled joint. Similar to this style is the Tongue & groove joint, though the shape and positioning of the tongue and slot differ. 

• Dovetailed joints - two pieces tightly interlock at a right-angle to yield first-rate durability. Most commonly used with drawers. 

• Steam bending - Amish woodworkers use steam bending to curve hardwood, enabling unique, elegant designs. 

• Hand carving - Amish woodworkers showcase their artistic skills by creating unique patterns and details on various furniture pieces. 

• Hand sanding - Hand sanding ensures a smooth and even texture, enhancing the natural beauty of the wood. Amish craftsmen devote considerable time to hand-sanding, achieving a polished and refined surface that makes the furniture well worth the expense. 

• Hand-rubbed finishes - Rather than using mechanical methods, Amish woodworkers prefer hand-rubbed finishes. This involves applying stains, oils, or varnishes by hand, allowing for precise control over the finish and highlighting the natural characteristics of the wood.

Other Amish Furniture Benefits That Make it Worth the Expense

• You can customize your order with Countryside Amish Furniture - One of the benefits of buying furniture that is made by artisans rather than machines is that you can dictate the custom furniture specifications. For example, all furniture we sell comes in your choice of hardwood and stain. You can even dictate select details, from the knob design to added hutches or decorative enhancements. 

• Genuine Amish furniture is made in the USA - When you buy real wood furniture made in the USA, you’re more likely to be supporting fair labor wages, safe work environments, responsibly harvested resources, and the reduced use of harmful chemicals. On the flipside, it’s worth acknowledging that many companies who choose to operate in developing countries do so in order to exploit loopholes that enable lower manufacturing costs. While it may result in furniture that is less expensive, everyone suffers, from the workers to the end users. 

Amish Furniture Can Serve as a Smart Long-Term Investment

There’s no arguing that Amish furniture will never have the same low costs as what you’ll find at Ikea. However, think about how often such pieces scuff and break, needing to be replaced every few years. Comparatively, Amish furniture is meant to last a lifetime, thanks to its usage of solid wood and advanced woodworking. 

So while the upfront cost of Amish furniture may seem high, it’s a one-time purchase rather than one you’ll need to repeat. 

Ready to Buy Amish Furniture? Browse Our Online Store

We offer Amish furniture for every room of the house spanning a broad range of price points. Choose the design you like, select the wood and finish (or order samples in advance), and our Amish furniture makers will get hard to work building the piece. Have questions about shipping costs, customization options, or what it's like to buy solid wood furniture online? Our USA-based team is here to help. 

Bailiegh Basham is Lead Sales & Marketing Strategist at Countryside Amish Furniture. She's been a team member since 2014. Bailiegh is deeply passionate about furniture design and home decor.