Latest posts

Top 5 Most Asked Questions about Working with Amish Woodworkers

Kari-Jo Koshes 21/07/2025

As the operations director at DutchCrafters, I am often asked questions about Amish furniture in the community, and I am not surprised. Amish furniture is an intriguing subject, and few are as intimately familiar with its unique and captivating world as those in the industry. When I am networking, I champion our woodworkers, promoting their commitment to excellence and a drive to produce furniture that is unmatched in quality and design. But there is more… Top 5 Most Asked Questions about Working with Amish Woodworkers

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Storage Beds: The Smart Choice For Any Room Size

Seth Carter 02/07/2025

Storage beds are among the most practical, space-conscious, and aesthetically versatile furniture choices you can make. Whether you’re looking to free up floor space, streamline your bedroom design, or hide the clutter, a well-crafted storage bed offers more than just a place to sleep. More Storage Without More Furniture Storage beds were featured in our post about the best Amish beds for small spaces since they can help you do without additional case pieces. A… Storage Beds: The Smart Choice For Any Room Size

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Economic Impact of American-made Furniture at DutchCrafters

Jim Miller 27/06/2025

“Made in the USA” is a proud label. Lately, given the impact or at least the intent of tariffs, it is a label that is coveted by business across many sectors of the economy. This is nowhere more evident than in the furniture industry, as retailers scramble to find new domestic manufacturers to replace or supplement imports from Canada, Mexico, Vietnam and China. I’m grateful that no such adjustment is needed at DutchCrafters. For more… Economic Impact of American-made Furniture at DutchCrafters

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The Dog Sleeps in the Bed! A Guide to Dog Bed Steps and Ramps

Seth Carter 25/06/2025

If you’ve got a diminutive doggy, a canine that is long in the tooth, or a Rover in recovery after surgery or injury, you already know the struggle. Your dog is a part of the family and wants, nay, needs to be on the bed. Getting up there safely isn’t always easy. High bed frames and aging joints don’t mix, and constant lifting can strain you and your dog. That’s where handcrafted pet steps and… The Dog Sleeps in the Bed! A Guide to Dog Bed Steps and Ramps

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Are Sap Streaks in Walnut Furniture Normal?

Seth Carter 20/06/2025

Yes, sap streaks naturally occur in walnut wood. This question is a lot more common than you might think. Walnut is one of the furniture industry’s most premium, highly sought-after wood species. This post addresses any questions you might have regarding these streaks. Some people think they are a defect, and some wonder if they can order walnut furniture without the streaks. We recently received a call from a customer wondering if the light-colored streak… Are Sap Streaks in Walnut Furniture Normal?

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Why is My Cedar Chest Sapping?

Seth Carter 19/06/2025

We run into some interesting questions at DutchCrafters. Recently, a customer called us after three years to tell us their cedar hope chest was “sapping” on the inside. Is this normal? Is it dangerous? You may wonder if you caused this or if the builder made a mistake when they built it. As the former category manager for hope chests at DutchCrafters, I’ve often handled these kinds of questions. To give the best answer, I… Why is My Cedar Chest Sapping?

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Do the Amish Celebrate Holidays?

Seth Carter 16/06/2025

Many people assume that the Amish people do not celebrate holidays. There are many reasons folks might make this assumption. For example, you aren’t going to drive by an Amish community and see Christmas lights or Halloween decorations. If you aren’t entirely familiar with the Amish religion and culture, you may wonder if they celebrate holidays because you have heard of other religions that do not celebrate holidays. So let’s get into it and find… Do the Amish Celebrate Holidays?

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Can the Amish Own Guns? A Look at Faith and Firearms

Seth Carter 06/06/2025

We get a lot of questions about whether the Amish own guns. In fact, it is one of the most commonly asked questions we get. It is understandable to wonder how a community known for pacifism, humility, and nonviolence also has a reputation for owning firearms. The answer is layered, practical, and deeply rooted in their faith. So, first of all. Let’s address the most basic question before we take a deeper dive into the… Can the Amish Own Guns? A Look at Faith and Firearms

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Restaurant Furniture: What Makes a Dining Experience Authentic 

Jim Miller 04/06/2025

I love good restaurants, and judging from my waistline, I might eat out a little more often than I should. But when I say “good restaurants,” I don’t necessarily mean the most expensive places in town.  One of my favorite spots for a bite didn’t even have a name, just “Errol,” a Jamaican man with an old-fashioned barbecue pit next to the bait shop at the Osprey Harbor Marina. I keep my boat there. Few… Restaurant Furniture: What Makes a Dining Experience Authentic 

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Amish Misconceptions | 12 Myths About Amish Life Explained

Seth Carter 31/05/2025

We’re welcoming Erik Wesner, author of Success Made Simple: An Inside Look at Why Amish Businesses Thrive, back to help clear up some common Amish misconceptions and myths.  Since most Americans have little regular contact with Amish people and their ways can seem so different from ours, there are several persistent misconceptions about Amish life and beliefs. We look at seven of the most common below, some of them, and explain why they are inaccurate. *This article… Amish Misconceptions | 12 Myths About Amish Life Explained

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Best Amish Bedroom Furniture | Customer Favorites

Seth Carter 28/05/2025

Today, we will give you insight into our best Amish bedroom furniture pieces at DutchCrafters. It’s hard to define precisely what makes a product better than others. All of our pieces are of the highest, handcrafted, American-made quality. So, we will use actual sales data to tell you what our customers seem to gravitate to the most since the beginning of 2024. The pieces selected for our Best Bedroom Furniture list are among the top… Best Amish Bedroom Furniture | Customer Favorites

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Best Amish Beds for Small Spaces

Seth Carter 23/05/2025

Looking for beds for small places? You’ve come to the right place. You may be looking to make the most of a small bedroom or looking to hide a bed in plain sight in another room. We have the handcrafted beds that make the most of every inch. Finding a bed that’s the perfect fit does not mean you have to sacrifice any aesthetics when you work with DutchCrafters Amish Furniture. Murphy Beds for Small… Best Amish Beds for Small Spaces

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The Best Woods for Beds

Seth Carter 22/05/2025

When you’re choosing a bed frame that’s meant to last, wood type matters. Not just for strength, but for beauty, character, and how it fits your space. So, what are the best woods for beds? The answer depends on your style, preferences, and goals. Solid wood furniture brings durability, charm, and customizability. Mass-produced pieces can’t match it. From grain texture to finish tone, the wood you choose plays a significant role in how your bed… The Best Woods for Beds

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Amish Wooden Walking Canes Carry Meaning

Seth Carter 16/05/2025

A handcrafted gift says you care. Amish walking canes and walking sticks offer quality, usefulness, and character. They’re perfect for birthdays, holidays, or special occasions. They make great gifts, even if the recipient doesn’t need a cane to walk. A Gift of Quality Amish Craftsmanship Amish walking canes are made by hand. Skilled artisans use time-tested woodworking methods. Each cane is crafted from solid hardwood. You can feel the difference in its weight and balance.… Amish Wooden Walking Canes Carry Meaning

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Are Grandfather Clocks Outdated? Modern Uses and Buying Tips

Seth Carter 14/05/2025

Some people assume that Amish furniture, with its solid construction that lasts for generations, must be outdated. However, these beautiful floor clocks have adapted to different styles over time, keeping them timeless pieces of furniture that also keep time. Perhaps “timeless” was the wrong word. Let’s examine why grandfather clocks have been and continue to be a very popular choice. A Brief History of Grandfather Clocks Grandfather clocks have long symbolized tradition and craftsmanship. They… Are Grandfather Clocks Outdated? Modern Uses and Buying Tips

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