The Best Woods for Beds
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 looks and functions. Curious why solid wood is a wise investment? See The Benefits of Solid Wood Furniture.
As the former Bedroom Category Manager at DutchCrafters, I worked closely with Amish builders to develop new bed designs, refine product presentations, and manage our full bedroom collection. These insights come from hands-on experience with the materials, trends, and craftsmanship behind these beds.
Let’s look at the top woods Amish craftsmen use to build beds that last.
Why Oak is One of The Best Woods For Beds
Oak is the most popular wood choice for Amish furniture. It’s strong, durable, and built to last. Oak beds have a bold, open grain that adds texture and timeless appeal. It works well in traditional, farmhouse, or rustic rooms. Oak is versatile enough for almost any style and strong enough to last for generations. That and the unique and beautiful grain patterns have combined to make oak the most popular wood type in Amish furniture.
One standout variety is quarter sawn white oak, known for its flake grain and stability. This cut resists warping and fits mission and craftsman-style beds. Want to know how it compares to standard oak? See Oak vs. Quarter Sawn Oak for Wood Furniture.
There are two main types: red oak and white oak. Red oak has a warm tone and bold grain. White oak is denser, cooler in color, and often chosen for mission styles. For more on the difference, read Red Oak vs. White Oak. Both types take stain beautifully. For finishing ideas, check out the 5 Best Stains for Oak Wood. And don’t miss our Best Oak Bedroom Sets.
Oak is especially associated with the wildly popular mission style bedroom furniture. However, it is not limited to any specific style.
Is oak a good wood for bed frames?
Yes. Oak is strong, long-lasting, and versatile. It resists wear and works with many styles.
Why Cherry is One of The Best Woods For Beds
Cherry has a warm, reddish tone that darkens over time. This aging process adds character and makes cherry beds feel elegant. Its smooth grain gives it a refined look. Cherry is perfect for formal or heirloom bedroom sets.
Want help picking a finish? Our 5 Best Finishes for Cherry Wood guide can help. For more inspiration, read Put a Cherry on Top.
Is cherry wood a good choice for a bed frame?
Yes. Cherry has rich color, smooth grain, and beautiful aging with an element of class.
Compare the Wood: See Cherry vs. Oak for Wood Furniture.
Why Maple is One of The Best Woods For Beds
Maple has a clean, modern look. It’s strong, dense, and smooth. The subtle grain makes it a favorite for minimalist styles. Maple looks fantastic with a grain-enriching stain, but brown maple grain is porous enough to make it a popular wood choice for painted wood.
There are two main types: hard maple and brown maple. Hard maple is strong. Brown maple is more affordable and great for painted or two-tone beds. Learn more in Meet the Maples.
See how it takes stain in our 5 Best Stains for Maple Wood guide.
Is maple wood strong enough for bed frames?
Yes. Maple is durable, smooth, and adaptable to many styles.
Compare the Wood: See Oak vs. Brown Maple and Cherry vs. Maple.
Why Walnut is One of The Best Woods For Beds
Walnut offers dark, rich tones and flowing grain, adding instant sophistication. Walnut beds are rarely stained. The link below provides evidence of that. Based on our data, the number one finish for walnut furniture is to preserve its natural state. It’s a truly natural thing of beauty.
Explore the 5 Best Finishes for Walnut Wood to enhance its look.
Is walnut wood good for bed frames?
Yes. Walnut is strong, elegant, and ideal for high-end designs.
Compare the Wood: See Cherry vs. Walnut or Walnut vs. Brown Maple.
Why Pine is One of The Best Woods For Beds
Pine is a softwood with a rustic look. It’s light, easy to move, and more affordable than hardwoods. It’s easier to assemble, affordable, and lighter to lift, making it ideal for flexible, growing spaces.
Pine is popular for bunk beds because it’s easy to work with. Builders can create fun shapes, storage, and themes. It’s also great for painted finishes or distressed looks. Pine has knots and character that add charm.
Pine is often used for children’s beds and bunk beds. I bought pine bunk beds for my kids when they were growing up. My son still uses his half of the bunk bed as his regular bed. It has lasted his entire childhood and on into early adulthood. The softer nature of pine has preserved some of his carvings and activity marks.
Learn more about the pros and cons of pine wood furniture.
Is pine a good wood for a bed frame?
Yes. Pine is great for kids’ rooms or rustic styles. It’s soft, so expect some wear, but many love the look and price.
Shop our Children’s pine beds.
Conclusion
The best wood for your bed frame depends on your style and needs. Want something bold, light, elegant, or rustic? There’s a wood for that.
You can’t go wrong with Amish craftsmanship, whether you choose oak, cherry, maple, walnut, pine, or another premium hardwood! At DutchCrafters, every bed is made in the USA using time-tested joinery and premium wood.
If you need help deciding which wood type is the best fit for your made-to-order bedroom furniture, contact one of our trained specialists for more assistance!
More Resources on Amish Bedroom Furniture:
- Shop: Amish Beds
- Shop: Amish Bedroom Sets
- Dresser vs. Chest of Drawers
- Should I Get a Sleigh Bed?
- History of the Hope Chest
- 6 Reasons to Choose American-Made Furniture
- Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Bedroom Set
- How to Fix a Squeaky Bed Frame
- 5 Types of Murphy Beds
- How to Choose a Wooden Bed Frame for an Adjustable Mattress
- Panel Beds vs. Platform Beds
- How to Select the Right Bed Frame
- 5 Reasons to Get a Headboard Only
- Bed Size and Dimensions Guide
- Bedroom Furniture Buying Guide
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Seth Carter has been with DutchCrafters since 2020. Seth has won multiple awards for his work in Amish furniture while with DutchCrafters. He has advised and partnered with more than 150 Amish wood shops on furniture presentation, design, industry trends, product options, and the development of exclusive products. He is originally from Indiana and even lived in Amish country (LaGrange, Indiana) for an extended period of time while working with DutchCrafters. Seth was previously in charge of DutchCrafters' Amish bedroom furniture category. He was eventually promoted to lead the team that managed every product in DutchCrafters' world's largest online collection of Amish furniture.
