Category: Wood Types and Finishes

The Look of Low Sheen Varnish

Beth Rice 18/10/2018

What is Varnish and What Does It Do? Varnish is a transparent hard coating that provides protection for solid wood furniture. It is applied over the stain on wood furniture. As the varnish protects the wood from moisture, sunlight and dirt, it allows the wood’s natural colors and grain patterns to be seen and appreciated and creates the most natural appearance. Varnish is always recommended for inside furniture for an added layer of protection and… The Look of Low Sheen Varnish

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Things You Can Get that are Made of Poly

Beth Rice 03/05/2018

As the use of eco-friendly furniture spreads, poly outdoor furniture is taking to yards, pools, patios and more in a big way. It’s a great feeling knowing you’re contributing to a healthier environment by investing in a product made with poly lumber. Known as a type of “miracle furniture,” poly outdoor furniture offers maximum durability, requires very little maintenance, and comes in a variety of styles. What is poly? Poly is also known as poly… Things You Can Get that are Made of Poly

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Avoiding the Cracks: Why Plywood is Used in Solid Wood Furniture

Beth Rice 29/03/2018

Wait a minute. You’re buying handcrafted, heirloom quality solid wood furniture. It is intended to last and look beautiful, but it’s costing you more. You’ve heard there’s a chance that there’s some plywood used in the building of solid wood furniture. Could this be right? Is this true? What’s the deal? The answer is yes, plywood is used even in the finest solid wood furniture. But there’s a very good reason for it. Simply put,… Avoiding the Cracks: Why Plywood is Used in Solid Wood Furniture

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Worn and Weathered with Worm Holes: The Nature of Rustic and Reclaimed Furniture

Beth Rice 22/03/2018

There will be holes. There will be marks. There will be imperfections. Rustic furniture and reclaimed furniture embrace the beauty of the natural and celebrate its flaws. This is solid wood furniture that exudes warmth with organic character that gives off a relaxing vibe as it provides a connection to the past. The Amish Wildwood Rustic Wood Panel Bed. If smooth, shiny and seamless are what you’re after, then rustic and reclaimed may not be for… Worn and Weathered with Worm Holes: The Nature of Rustic and Reclaimed Furniture

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Adding Color and Finishing to Solid Wood Furniture

Beth Rice 08/03/2018

Finish either makes a product or breaks a product. –Alan, Amish woodworker at the Mt. Eaton Woodshop in Dundee, Ohio The last steps to completing a piece of solid wood Amish furniture are applying the stain and finish. Finishing solid wood furniture is a combination of sanding, staining, and sealing that must be done with a careful eye, steady hand, and a good deal of patience. Stain and finish will enhance the color, protect the… Adding Color and Finishing to Solid Wood Furniture

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Protecting Solid Wood Furniture: Managing Humidity and Dryness

Beth Rice 08/02/2018

A top concern for protecting solid wood furniture is managing the humidity and dryness that can affect it. Wood is a natural material that responds to its environment and some shrinking and swelling is to be expected. However, controlling the humidity and dryness is essential for preventing damage. Furniture damaged by unmanaged climate control is not due to a defect in the product. Perfectly crafted solid wood furniture can crack if subjected to harsh enough… Protecting Solid Wood Furniture: Managing Humidity and Dryness

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How to Mix Wood Types and Finishes

Beth Rice 13/09/2017

Gone are the days when all the solid wood furniture in a room had to match each other and the floor. Mixing wood types and finishes livens up a room and adds interest. Whether you’ve inherited some beautiful solid wood furniture or you’re building your home furniture collection piece by piece, here are some tips on how to mix wood furniture. Identify the Undertones While the finish of each piece in a room doesn’t need… How to Mix Wood Types and Finishes

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Staff Picks: Our Favorite Wood Types and Finishes

Beth Rice 30/08/2017

Wood type and finish contribute directly to the look of and style of custom furniture. Wood type determines the strength, durability and look of the piece. The finish offers protection and enhances the appearance of the wood. Members of our team selected their favorite wood types and stains to offer an up-close look at how these two custom options can complement each other. _______ “What I like most about this table is the linseed oil on… Staff Picks: Our Favorite Wood Types and Finishes

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Wood Furniture Distressed Finishes

Beth Rice 15/05/2017

Standard finishes often add the perfect touch to your solid wood furniture. They offer protection as they enhance the look of the wood. In addition to a standard stains and paints, there are a number of exciting furniture finishing processes that can bring out the beauty of the wood in different ways while adding décor to a room. Distressed finishes including light to heavy distressing, wire brushing, and sandblasting give the wood a new look.… Wood Furniture Distressed Finishes

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Reclaimed vs. Rough Sawn: What’s the Difference?

Leah Meldman 04/05/2017

At DutchCrafters, we offer a variety of rustic furniture that creates a rugged warmth in the homes of our customers. Reclaimed wood furniture and rough sawn wood are some of our most popular options that cater to this distinct look. Although it is easy to confuse reclaimed and rough sawn wood, there are some key characteristics that set them apart. Keep reading to learn the difference between these styles. Amish Reclaimed Wood Furniture The reclaimed… Reclaimed vs. Rough Sawn: What’s the Difference?

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Fine Furniture FAQs

Beth Rice 28/02/2017

Communication is key to superior customer service. Your understanding of furniture features, materials, ordering procedures, and delivery options is important to us. Your satisfaction with your experience from beginning to end is our top priority. We’ve gathered a list of frequently asked questions in order to share some of the details that go along with the purchase, design, and delivery of fine Amish furniture. 1) What are the dimensions? Most of our Amish furniture is offered in… Fine Furniture FAQs

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Wood Types: What is your Furniture Made Of?

Beth Rice 20/01/2017

Solid wood furniture has a leg up on the competition. Sought after for its quality and beauty, it can’t be beat by cheaper imitations. While it may be more expensive, wood furniture will last longer, saving you money in the long run. Investing in solid wood furniture guarantees the buyer: A durable product that will last Natural beauty within the home Furniture that can be passed on to future generations Which wood types offer exceptional… Wood Types: What is your Furniture Made Of?

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How to Care for Solid Wood Furniture

Beth Rice 15/12/2016

Your solid wood furniture helps play host to beautiful dinners, magical home movie screenings, and overnight guests during the holiday season. It’s during these times that a few extra tips on solid wood furniture care will safeguard your custom-made designs from damage. Manage Heat and Humidity Handle Humidity Wood expands and contracts as the amount of moisture in the air changes. Keep an even humidity level in your home to help preserve your fine furniture. Use a… How to Care for Solid Wood Furniture

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Picking the Perfect Wood for Painted Furniture

Beth Rice 08/12/2016

Painted solid wood furniture can add a pop of color or create an attractive contrast in any room. Selecting the right wood will help you end up with the finish you want. What characteristics make woods best for painting? Read on for our recommendations. Traits to look for in woods that make good candidates for a smooth painted finish are: A smooth, closed grain A uniform texture Bring Out the Best with Brown Maple Brown… Picking the Perfect Wood for Painted Furniture

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Beneath the Bark: The Beauty of Live Edge Wood

Beth Rice 20/09/2016

Have you ever gone on your morning walk and returned with something you found outside? Something that was just too beautiful in its natural state to resist? Maybe you grabbed a pine cone, a stone, or the perfect fall leaf. Sometimes nature’s elements that appear in your path just have to come inside.  Let us introduce you to the beauty of live edge wood. Live Edge Defined The live edge is the natural edge of the… Beneath the Bark: The Beauty of Live Edge Wood

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