Category: Wood Types and Finishes

Cherry vs. Walnut Wood for Furniture

Beth Rice 10/06/2021

We take another close look at comparing wood types, and this time it’s cherry versus walnut wood for furniture. Two popular wood types that are known and loved for their rich colors and distinguished looks, cherry and walnut have characteristics that make each of them unique. Let’s look at what these woods bring in terms of colors, grain pattern, workability and style. Cherry vs. Walnut Some conversations might revolve around the stunning reds of cherry… Cherry vs. Walnut Wood for Furniture

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Oak vs. Brown Maple: How They Compare for Wood Furniture

Beth Rice 25/03/2021

It’s time for oak versus brown maple, where we’ll take on the two least expensive hardwood types that offer a world of possibilities for Amish furniture, and we’ll compare their strengths and weaknesses. The ultimate goal is to help you decide if one of these wood types would be the best fit for your vision of new wood furniture. Comparing Colors Oak Wood Colors There are several different species of oak trees. The two main… Oak vs. Brown Maple: How They Compare for Wood Furniture

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Cherry vs. Maple: Does One Make Better Wood Furniture?

Beth Rice 28/01/2021

There’s a lot to know about wood types when it comes to building custom wood furniture. Durability, color, cost and features should all be considered before selecting a wood type for your new table, bed, desk or chair. Two wood types, both quite popular in Amish furniture, are cherry wood and maple wood. When it comes to cherry vs maple, does one make better wood furniture? Let’s take a look. First we have cherry wood,… Cherry vs. Maple: Does One Make Better Wood Furniture?

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The Best Wood Polish for Cleaning Wood Furniture

Beth Rice 21/01/2021

What is the best wood polish for cleaning wood furniture? When you’ve made a significant investment in solid wood furniture, waited for it to be built and delivered, made it a part of your family story, and proudly displayed it in your home, there will come the time to clean it. And when it comes to high end, solid wood furniture you might hesitate. None of us wants to use the wrong cleaner on wood… The Best Wood Polish for Cleaning Wood Furniture

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The Best Woods for Rustic Log Furniture

Beth Rice 12/11/2020

Rustic log furniture brings home a natural, outdoor woodsy feel. You feel that you’ve been removed from the everyday and launched to log cabin life, complete with log beds, barstools and rustic coffee tables full of natural knots and markings. Rustic furniture helps set the scene and with it comes certain types of woods. Furniture woods vary a great deal in their characteristics, benefits and challenges. What woods are best for rustic log furniture? Let’s… The Best Woods for Rustic Log Furniture

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Cedar vs. Pine: Which is Best for Outdoor Furniture?

Beth Rice 05/03/2020

So you’ve decided you like the look of outdoor wood furniture and perhaps you’ve heard of the qualities that cedar and pine outdoor furniture possess. How do you choose? What does one have that the other doesn’t? We’re taking a look at outdoor cedar furniture versus outdoor pine furniture to see which one has the edge. Things to Love About Outdoor Cedar Furniture The Shades of Red Outdoor cedar furniture displays shades of reddish/pinkish brown… Cedar vs. Pine: Which is Best for Outdoor Furniture?

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Distressed Furniture: How Old Do You Want It to Look?

Beth Rice 06/02/2020

Furniture that’s weathered and worn can feel like it has a story to tell. Something aged like a dining table with nicks and worn edges that’s been loved and used feels familiar and welcoming. Coffee tables that show signs of enduring the kids’ coloring and nicks from Jenga spills indicate that they have been part of the family story for years. Furniture with some age to it develops its own character. Why Choose Distressing? Distressed… Distressed Furniture: How Old Do You Want It to Look?

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The Urban Barnwood Collection

Beth Rice 23/01/2020

Sustainable, warm and unique, barnwood furniture is making its mark. At DutchCrafters, our Amish woodworkers take pride in their sustainable practices and crafting with reclaimed wood embraces sustainability on a whole new level. While there’s no doubt barnwood furniture is beautiful, the story goes much deeper than just knocking down barns and making furniture out of them. The Urban Barnwood Collection here at DutchCrafters is in high demand, and when Jonathan Fell, the sales manager… The Urban Barnwood Collection

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Cherry Wood Furniture vs. Rustic Cherry Wood Furniture

Beth Rice 19/12/2019

One’s a little bit country, and the other well, is not. The other rocks a sophisticated solid wood that wears red well. In both instances we’re talking cherry wood furniture, loved for its smooth grain, timeless look and elegant feel that can either wear a smooth finish or let loose with rustic fervor. Would you like your cherry with a few knots on top? Or does the only cherry wood furniture that comes to mind… Cherry Wood Furniture vs. Rustic Cherry Wood Furniture

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Does Pine Wood Really Make Good Furniture?

Beth Rice 12/09/2019

Pine furniture. What is it about pine that differs from the big players in Amish furniture like cherry, maple and oak wood? Why does it cost less? Even at a lower cost, are you getting your money’s worth for furniture made with pine wood? Will pine furniture last? Is it versatile? The direct answer: Yes, pine wood does make good furniture. Pine is durable, there’s room to get creative with it, and its versatile nature… Does Pine Wood Really Make Good Furniture?

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Meet the Maples: Facts About Brown Maple

Beth Rice 27/06/2019

Here at DutchCrafters we deal with a lot of maple, brown maple wood in particular. The maple family, while beautiful, is a cast of characters that can cause a bit of confusion. Brown Maple Confusion If brown maple is so durable, why is it called soft maple? Is it a good choice for wood furniture or not? Is it harder than cherry? And what is soft maple then? What about hard maple? Are the maples… Meet the Maples: Facts About Brown Maple

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What You Need to Know About Walnut Wood

Beth Rice 02/05/2019

Solid wood furniture made with walnut wood is meant to impress and it never falls short of the mark. In the world of custom furniture, walnut wood is a dream as it is easy to work with and finishes beautifully. Want to know more about walnut wood? Let’s take a look at what makes it a luxury. Walnut wood is revered for its rich, dark color. There are many varieties of walnut trees, but just… What You Need to Know About Walnut Wood

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The Benefits of Solid Wood Furniture

Beth Rice 04/04/2019

I enjoy a good bargain, sure. During one of our community yard sales, I remember taking a walk around the neighborhood and finding a colorful beach umbrella. I had never treated myself to one and living in Florida, I take my two daughters to the beach quite often. The owner wanted $8 for it, which is pricey for a yard sale. I tried to bargain with him, but he wouldn’t budge. I opened and closed… The Benefits of Solid Wood Furniture

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Quarter Sawn White Oak Wood Q & A

Beth Rice 21/03/2019

Quarter sawn white oak wood is known among solid wood furniture for its durability, strength and firm texture. We receive a lot of questions about it. Why is it called quarter sawn? What type of furniture is it best for? What’s with the quarter sawn grain pattern? Here are the answers to popular quarter sawn white oak wood questions in our QSWO Q & A. Q: Why is it called quarter sawn white oak? A:… Quarter Sawn White Oak Wood Q & A

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A Quality Finish For Solid Wood Furniture: What Is Catalyzed Conversion Varnish?

Beth Rice 31/01/2019

We’ve heard it straight from our Amish craftsmen–finish either makes a product or breaks a product. When it comes to the finish on your solid wood furniture, nothing’s more important than a quality finish that’s applied correctly. The standard finish for our Amish furniture is a catalyzed conversion varnish applied over the finish color. We use it because simply put…..it’s the best. What Is Catalyzed Conversion Varnish? The varnish that’s applied over the finish color… A Quality Finish For Solid Wood Furniture: What Is Catalyzed Conversion Varnish?

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