Understanding Oak Hardwood Amish Furniture

White oak and red oak are both used in the museum quality furniture created by the Amish. A very versatile hardwood, oak comes from the genus Quercus. The red oak is found in more abundance than its cousin white, and both have a natural beauty coupled with strength and durability. From medicines to leather tanning the oak tree has been invaluable to man’s history. Found throughout the Eastern U.S and averaging about 60 to 80 feet, the mighty oak is by far the most abundant hardwood growing in the Eastern woods.

Since the Middle Ages oak wood, from both the Quercus robur and Quercus petraea genus, has been used from Europe to North America for the construction of ships, timber-framed buildings, furniture making and flooring, and for veneer. Because Oak is resistant to liquids both European and American oak is used to make barrels for producing and aging red wines, sherry, brandy and spirits like Scotch and Bourbon whiskey. Oak barrels can affect all aspects of the liquor from taste to color and may even be charred before use to affect the outcome. Oak wood chips are used for smoking fish, meat and even cheeses. Although initially bitter and needing special preparation, the oak’s acorn is edible and Native Americans and early settlers boiled them for food.

The Amish appreciate the versatility and strength of oak along with its unfailing splendor. The white oak’s sapwood is light in color but the heartwood ranges from light to dark brown. The sapwood of red oak is also light and ranges to reach a light brown. The red oak has heartwood of pink to reddish brown. White and red oak are similarly grained with straight grains and medium to coarse texture. The spectacular part of oak is in its ray. The white contains longer rays than the red and contains more figures. The Amish woodworkers have found the oak planks hold many variations of stain colors and its durability is increased with a coating of ARESISTOVAR.

Many eras of furniture design has seen a resurgence of oak’s usage. From Early Renaissance, Tudor and Jacobean to the more recent Mission or Arts and Crafts, oak holds a prominent place in furniture making history. Besides furniture the oak tree’s timber has been crafted in to flooring, architectural elements, paneling, doors, kitchen cabinets, wheels, plows, railroad ties, barrels, caskets and looms. The Amish now craft every type of furniture they have available in your choice of white, red and quarter sawn oak.