Amish wood businesses: Furniture craftsmen, carpenters, sawmills and more

Turning natural resources into a diverse range of products

amish woodFrom tree to finished product, Amish process wood all along the journey from forest to furniture.  Amish sawmills, for instance, convert raw timber into lumber and other wood products for other industries.  Other Amish do high-skill custom furniture and home carpentry work.

Amish furniture makers typically work in conjunction with other Amish, in some cases purchasing raw materials or furniture parts from other Amish dealers, which are then crafted into “heirloom-quality” furniture pieces.

Amish are involved in a wide range of wood-related businesses, including:

Logging, sawmills and carpentry

A number of Amish businesses process wood on the front end of the chain. Amish loggers harvest hardwoods for furniture producers and other end-destinations. Some Amish deal in hard-to-find varieties of timber.

Sawmills are common among Amish, especially popular with groups which don’t permit the highest levels of technology. Sawmill work is simpler compared to custom-crafting furniture, thus is often seen in more conservative Amish communities. In recent years growing overseas demand has seen Amish sawmills sending product to China and other Asian destinations.

Lumber products also find their way to Amish pallet shops or truss makers, where they are turned into raw materials used in the construction industry. Some Amish create and sell wood flooring, molding and related products.




Another important Amish industry is that of home construction and carpentry. Carpentry crews are common in some Amish communities, offering young men an opportunity to earn a living without the capital demands of purchasing a dairy farm.

Like Amish furniture, Amish carpentry and construction has achieved a high reputation in the field. Some Amish do remodeling or specialize in restoration work, such as Amish in Lancaster County who do work on historic barns prevalent in the area.

Woodworking shops

Among Amish wood businesses, furniture makers and cabinet shops are most prevalent. Amish woodworking shops run the gamut from businesses producing wood parts to custom-design craftsman tailoring furniture and kitchen installations to individual homeowners’ needs.

amish woodworking saw
Belt-and-pulley driven saw in an Amish wood working shop

Amish wood shops run on a variety of power sources. “Lower”, or more conservative Amish, such as those found at Ethridge, Tennessee, or parts of Holmes County, Ohio, run their machinery with the assistance of a drive shaft and pulley system.

A diesel generator powers the shaft which runs under the floor, often spanning the length of the shop. A system of belts and pulleys emerge from the floor along the length of the shaft, driving saws, sanders, and other equipment lined up along the axis of the shaft.

“Higher”, or more progressive Amish typically employ either pneumatic or hydraulic power to drive their equipment. Again, diesel generators are used to run equipment fitted to operate on air power, or the even more power-efficient hydraulic power.

Some Amish even generate electricity using the same diesel generators, for tasks such as welding, or to power electric lights (when permitted) in areas of a shop where an open flame gas light would prove hazardous (such as the finishing area of a furniture business where flammable coats of finish are applied).

Amish woodworking shops are typically located in a separate building on the owner’s property near the home. Amish woodworkers employ both other Amish and sometimes non-Amish employees. Amish wood shops may range from the solo sideline business to a shop run by a handful of neighbor men from the local church district all the way to the larger facilities employing 30 or more workers, sometimes including non-Amish workers (who often serve as drivers).

Some Amish shops specialize in a certain type of product, such as bedroom sets, tables, or chairs. Some businesses produce parts which are then purchased by other Amish businesses and assembled into the final product. Examples are spindle makers, used in staircases, or businesses producing components for Amish cabinet shops.

The Amish furniture market

Though Amish are associated with simple living and limited technology, Amish furniture makers market their products to a wide-ranging clientele, including buyers from upscale urban areas. Amish woodworkers promote their businesses through a range of media.

Some advertise in trade catalogs, or business directories featuring Plain companies. Others promote their wares online via third-party internet venues. Some may even operate a web site through a similar arrangement, with a non-Amish individual maintaining the Amish web presence.

Non-Amish retailers are also an important outlet in the Amish furniture industry. A whole host of businesses selling Amish products has arisen across the nation. The vast majority of US states are home to an Amish furniture seller, as well as many Canadian provinces.

Amish partner with non-Amish to distribute their products in non-Amish areas. Though Amish also operate their own retail furniture shops, due to their geographical limitations, their range is rather limited. However in larger Amish settlements in particular, a number of Amish-run retail shops can often be found.

Learn more on how to find Amish woodwork in the Amish Furniture Guide.

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    127 Comments

    1. lumber - white oak

      We floor our trailers with raw white oak and are looking for a sawmill that can provide us with some We use raw green oak planed once. 70% needed is 16′, 30% 18′ by 8 or 10″ wide and 1 1/2 to 2″
      thick. We generally use 10,000 board feet per month. and 2 loads in the summer. Thank you.

    2. cathy kelly

      I need an amish furniture maker to build a bedroom set from some wood (black walnut) that came from my farm. It has been milled and dried. cathy@cedarmontfarm.com

      1. Linda Hurlock

        Black Walnut Trees for Lumber

        I have several live black walnut trees that I would like to sell. How do I find a buyer?

        1. pat griggs

          walnut trees

          Do you still have the trees ? Where are you located and how much do you want for trees.?

          1. Black walnut trees

            I have 2 very tall black walnut trees. One is approximately 75 yrs. old. The other is more than 150 yrs old. I would like to sell both of them. I am located in north Jersey.

          2. Jenifer

            walnut trees

            I have three huge walnuts I need removed if price of removal can be offset by value of wood.Smyrna, TN

            1. Jenifer

              RE:walnuts trees

              I meant black walnut trees.

          3. Mark Naugle

            Black walnut trees

            I have some black walnut trees in my yard that I’m looking to have cut down maybe for lumber to offset the price.

            1. Terry Derrick

              Several hundred 12-14" black walnut trees for sale

              I’m in NE Kansas and wanted to sell about 400 trees, most are 12-14″ some larger 16″ DBH.
              Let me know if there are any interested parties.

          4. David

            Black walnut tree for sale

            I would like to have this tree sold and removed please call 347-292-7480

          5. tony capaci

            black walnut tree for sale

            I have a 20″ 50′ Black Walnut tree cut down in my backyard. If you are interested in it I would be willing to barter an outdoor shed. or sell the tree outright.
            I live in Granville Ohio.
            thank you,
            Tony Capaci

          6. Marcia Wieczorek

            Black walnut tree for sale and removal in Western NY

            Healthy black walnut approximately 70′ tall with straight branches. Asking fair market value and removal.

          7. Dominick Palazzo

            Black Walnut Tree

            I own Acadia Farms in Sagamore Hills. We have 4 or 5 black walnut trees we would sell. We would want you to come & make us an offer.

            nickyfavetta143@gmail.com

        2. Jan

          Need my hickory tree cut and turned into flooring

          I am looking for some one to either buy my hickory tree for lumber of would cut it and make flooring that can be used in my house.

          Can you guide me to someone or a list of companies that can do this. I live in Monticello, Indiana.

        3. Karen Brooks

          Local Ashland Sawmills buying standing timber

          Hi I have standing timber of cherry, mapple, and pines that I am selling. Also many elms and possibly other trees that I may not be aware of the kind of trees they are. Located in Ashland County. Contact me and come take a look and give me your best bid.

        4. Richard Wagner

          Wagner logging

          Looking for standing timber in the Kempton and reading pa area . Fully insured and 40 years experience

        5. Walnut trees for the taking!

          Hello my name is Sim and I sell solar power. One of my customers in Oregon, IL has several large walnut trees that he wants to remove. He is wondering if anybody would remove them in exchange for the wood? Please call me at 312-933-8226 or email me at selwood@ourworldenergy.com

          That you!

        6. Leslie Selby

          50+ year old black walnut tree for sale

          We have a Black Walnut tree that’s over 50 years old we’d like to remove.
          Located in northern Maryland.

    3. Custom 1/6 scale toy cage

      Hi, I am interested in having a 1/6 scale cage built in quantity. Can you recommend a person who can build a prototype and possibly produce these in dozen or so quantity on an as need basis. We can pay for the prototyping fee up front and mail the sample. The sample is in plastic and is a toy from the mid 1970s that we would like to have reproduced. It would be of a slat or ferring strip type construction and does not have to be 100% exact. It would be like a very small bird cage box, like one used to ship chickens but much smaller, about 8 X 6 inches. We are looking for a wood manufacturer in the USA and we were in the Lancaster area when we though it would be nice to find a carpenter from that area. We have additional 1/6 scale wood projects if the relationship worked out. Please email back if anyone is interested.

      We can be reached at: harrisonfamily4@comcast.net, 1845531-1477 or by mail at:

      3rd SON Books
      25 Indian Avenue
      Mahopac, NY. 10541

      Thanks!

      Paul G. A. Harrison
      3rd SON Books

    4. ralf brewer

      cedar tree

      my mother has a cedar tree she needs removed. it is alive, approximately 15″ at base and continues for approximately 15-20 feet before branching out. i am sure it would be good for woodworking.

    5. Lee Ann Carpenter

      Pallets

      I am interested in getting more information on pallets, the cost, how are they delivered, etc.

      Please reply to this email as soon as possible.

    6. Tim Rainwater

      Wholesaler

      looking for truck loads of pre-cut Pallet parts. Large volume

      1. Randi Winchel

        Buying and selling lumber

        Hugo – Still looking for pallet parts?

        And John Nesbitt, do you commonly have timbers for sale? I’d be interested in some more info

        1. tim rainwater

          pallet parts

          plese let me know what volume you can produce in pallet parts

          601 209 9396 is my phone number also

          we buy truck loads

        2. Jason

          Timber for sale

          I am looking to sell some timber. I have white oak, red oak and hickory. If interested please let me know. 9375643046

    7. jim frey

      Need wood product manufacturer

      need wood shop to produce my wood product for distribution in eastern US

      1. You were looking for a wood shop to manufactor your product. Did you find that person?

        1. John Nesbitt

          Early/ First Growth Timber for sale

          No, I have not. I listed wood for sale

        2. jim frey

          product to be produced

          Have possible shop – open to more ideas

          1. John Nesbitt

            Hi Jim

            Maybe stuff for guitar players- guitar stands, amplifier stands, etc. I have a lot of back gum rollers that could be used as well.

    8. Hugo

      Boards and Stringers Wanted for Pallets

      I am looking for pre-cut boards and stringers for pallets in the Wisconsin, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa area.

    9. Margie Winters

      Amish wooden horse swing

      I would like to buy an Amish wooden horse swing for my grandsons. Could you please send me a photo and information of cost and where this can be purchased.

      Thank you

    10. JAMES CAPES

      RED OAK WOOD FOR SALE

      HELLO,
      MASSIVE RED OAK TREE FELL OVER MAY 08,2013 (NOT DO TO ANY STORM),
      THE PORTION I’M HOPING YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN IS 9 1/2′ AROUND X 30’LENGTH, LOOKING FORWARD TO HEARING BACK IF YOUR INTERESTED.
      THANK YOU

      1. John DiBernardo

        Oak trees for sale,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

        I have several very large oak trees and medium ones as well that I want to sell or trade. These trees are located on my property and are hundreds of years old.I am located in Pittsburgh PA.real close to Monroeville area.I really need help to find a buyer. call me at 412-816-1651 or e-mail me jnicholas21@comcast.net

        Thank you,

        John DiBernardo

    11. Andre J

      Hard Maple Billets

      Hello,

      I’m looking for sawmills that produce hard maple billets for baseball bat manufacturing.. Please contact me.. thanks..

    12. pat griggs

      walnut lumber needed

      Looking to come to Tennessee to buy walnut wood planks. Any body know where to send me for this.

      1. Kelly Gravely

        Black walnut trees

        I have two beautiful large black walnut trees that I would like taken down in Schererville, IN. Are you still looking or would know of someone interested??

    13. John Nesbitt

      Early/ First Growth Timber for sale

      I have a lot, I mean tons, of old timbers and wood. My family was in the heavy moving and rigging business since 1873. We use this wood for housemoving and cribbing. It’s all been stored inside. Most of it is early/first growth wood. Very clear and usually heartwood. Some are 20′ + long. It’s pine and fir, nice stuff. Some of it my great grandfather acquired.
      Would you be interested in any of it? It’s in Kankakee, Il, about 60 mi south of Chicago.
      I have CHF and have to get out of the business and am selling everything.
      I always hoped I would be able to do some woodworking with these great timbers, but my present health precludes that.
      Thank you
      John Nesbitt
      Heres a rough count-
      There are more timbers, but I have to move some to get to them. Approx. 36 12’-14’ 8×8
      8 12’-14’ 8×10
      12 12’-14’ 6×8
      1 13’ 10×12
      1 22’ 7×9
      2 14’ 6×8
      1 18’ 8×10
      4 17’ 6×8
      2 15’ 10×14
      1 20’ 8×8
      2 18’ 8×10
      2 16’ 8×8
      1 17’ 8×10
      4 16’ 8×10
      4 22’ 8×10
      2 26’ 8×10
      2 20’ 8×10
      And I have many 8×8’s, 6×6, 6×8, 4×6 and more
      There are NO nails, screws etc in them

      1. Tim Rainwater

        Do you still have the wood

        I’m very interested in all the wood, timber , rigging you have for sale.

        Please call me at 601 209 9396

    14. Dan R

      Carpenters Wanted

      Carpenters wanted for one year project in Jessup MD.

    15. Arnolds R Ruperts

      Tree(s) for sale

      I have some trees, particularly a Black Walnut (right where I want to put my house), that I’m wondering if you’d be interested in buying. Would you please contact me? Thank you.

    16. Anne Faust

      Tulip (poplar)r trees for sale near Lancaster, Pa area

      I have some very large tulip trees (over 100 feet) that I would like removed from my property in northern Chester county. Please let me know if you have any interest. Thanks!

    17. Sharon Shumate

      4 poster bed repaired spindle on footboard

      I am in need to have repaire/replace a horizontal piece on a spindle bed. Walnut/Mahogany? a dark wood. Spindle broken during move. Any where N.Wisconsin/U.P. Michigan area? Sharonshoe@Charter,net or 608-403-4303

    18. black walnut trees for sale

      I have 2 black walnut trees I would like to sell. One is approx. 75 yrs old–the other over 150 yrs. old. I am in Northern New Jersey

    19. James

      Do The Amish Build Houses or Barns in Florida?

      We are looking to put up a small house and/or Barn in Central Florida and would love to know if the Amish build buildings in Florida. Please email us if anyone knows of Amish Carpenters that construct buildings in Florida. Thank you.

    20. Alan Magouirk

      Would like to purchase outdoor Noah’s Ark play set.

    21. Glenn Vogl

      Hardwood Flooring

      Looking for hardwood flooring mill in Pennsylvania to supply largest Flooring company in Connecticut.

    22. Bulk Wood frames

      I am looking for 5 x 7 wood frames to paint. I need a bulk of them and heard the Amish make the best ones available. If anyone knows how I can find someone who can sell these to me at bulk prices, I would greatly appreciate it.
      901.482.3250
      Thank you
      Amy Wesson

    23. Joan Fultz

      Do you have other want ads ?

      Good Day,
      Do you have wood for sale in Oklahoma? We are in Poteau,Oklahoma. Also I am interested in learning about your culture. Any advice you have to offer, would be appreciated. Thanking you for your time.
      Just a friend, you have not met yet!
      Joan Fultz

      2901 Ash St,
      Poteau,Ok 74953

    24. Geoffrey Brown

      Amish builders who could work in Tallahassee, FL

      My grandmother was Pennsylvania Dutch from Kutztown, PA. I am interested in hiring some amish craftsman to help me build a studio in Tallahassee. If anyone knows of a ny Amish builders please let me know.

      THANKS

      Geoffrey Brown
      850-212-7056
      gbrown425@aol.com

    25. Andrew Summerville

      Custom Rough Cut Walnut

      I am interested in purchasing quarter-sawn and rift rough cut walnut and hard maple lumber to my specifications. I have an ongoing need for these materials with growing demand. Please contact me for more information.
      Prefer eastern PA mills. Thank you.

    26. Jon

      Clear cut for lumber

      I have 25 + very large white oaks and a few other hard woods on my property that I would like removed and purchased from me. Very straight and very tall and in great health, I need them removed to install a retaining wall. I am located 15 miles east of Pittsburgh, PA.

      Please call if interested, if no answer please text or email.
      412-925-0612
      Jon_jen_wolfe@yahoo.com

    27. Ryan

      Framers

      I need 30-40 framing carpenters for an apartment complex in Toledo. The lumber is here waiting.

    28. Mike

      Flooring

      I am looking for an Amish carpenter to sand and resurface some wood floors in a 90 year old farm house. It is located in Linden Iowa.

    29. walnut trees for sale

      have black walnut trees for sale Dwane 605 310 2625

    30. Looking for wood manufacturer - 1000 to 5000 units per month

      Keeler Sound is a design company of wood instrument accessory products. We are looking for a manufacturer to cut and finish the round plugs that we will use to finish assembling our products. The plugs are 4 to 6″ in diameter and approximately 1″ in depth made from a variety of tonewood (maple, walnut, mahogany, spruce, rosewood, koa, cocobolo). We estimate that we will need up to 2500 of the plugs manufactured and finished per month. Please contact me by email at rick@keelersound.com or by phone at 310-803-6298.

    31. Frances

      Restoration or new wood shutters for 1837 home

      Looking for someone in the Michiana area to restore, or duplicate with new, wood shutters for an 1837 home in Michigan. Have originals some in good shape that just need TLC – new pins, sanding, priming, painting – will need new for replacements.

    32. lindsay

      wood flooring

      i am looking for a amish wood shop that makes tongue and groove flooring in kentucky please call me 419-392-6868

    33. Carlos Galvan

      New Wooden Pallet Manufacterers:

      Good morning to all,
      We are looking for an Amish Pallet Manufacturer in the Wisconsin , Indiana area. We are looking for Trailer Load quantities on a weekly bases year round. We can pay in advance. The Pallet Size we are looking to have built is a 44×56 Block Can Pallet we have Specifications Available upon your request. Please contact me either contact me buy Email or call me at 1-978-874-5777 Email me at greatnortherndunnage@yahoo.com

      Respectfully,
      Carlos Galvan

    34. Wood Manufacturer

      We are a craft business looking for a wood manufacturer to produce OEM Home Decor Wood Signs. Please contact me by email at craig@karenfosterdesign.com. Thank you.

    35. Jeff Mitchell

      Black Walnut Tree

      I have a large black walnut tree I would like to have removed in exchange for the wood.

    36. Kay

      Does anyone know someone to contact to take down two black walnut trees….heard Amish will pay you to cut down and take away ???? I’m central ny area….

    37. Julie Finton

      free wood

      Hello. We live. In Ohio and have several maple trees that need to come down. We’re looking for someone. To cut them down for free in exchange for all the wood.

    38. Julie Finton

      free wood

      Hello. We live In Ohio and have several maple trees that need to come down. We’re looking for someone. To cut them down for free in exchange for all the wood.

    39. barbara Stapp

      logs

      cleared 1 ac logs are stacked and ready – orig buyer backed ou have pictures

      440-287-6754 – Solon

    40. Fang Choa

      Hello ,

      I am Fang Choa, I am private Angel Investo,am willing to venture into profitable business with you, also willing to deal with you in trust and confidence …Am an investor keen on investing in lucrative, calculated viable business and to expand your marine company either by partnership or as a financier, in Cash, Fixed interest, Shares , Property. I will welcome any profitable business plan/proposal (Long or short term). I will be investing independently.

      To proceed, let me have your business plan/proposals ( fangchoainvestors@gmail.com )

      Regards
      fang choa

    41. Fallen Tree

      I have a tree that fell on my house can you remove it. You can have the wood. In Cleveland, Ohio 44108.

    42. Hank Nguyen

      Walnut tree to be cut down and you take the tree.

      I need someone to come cut my walnut tree down. Big one. And you can take for free if no charge on cutting it down.

    43. Terry

      Several hundred black walnut trees for sale

      I’m in NE Kansas and have about 400 12-14″ and a few 16″ DBH walnut trees for sale. These are all manicured (no low branches) and straight
      Please call me at (714) 369-2212 if interested

    44. Walnut tree logs must sell by oct 13, 2017

      Have some walnut trees in Michigan City, IN
      That must be sold by October 13, 2017 and picked up asap.
      Let’s make a deal!!!
      Please call 219-214-3689

    45. Wanda Griffith

      Large Black Walnut Tree

      Located in Chester County PA- Large Black Walnut tree with beautifully straight trunk needs to be taken down and removed. Willing to barter for new shed if any interest.

    46. Black walnut tree

      We have a black walnut tree we would like to find some one to buy it for use of furniture or something there is nothing wroung with it and there is nothing in the way we just dont want it in our yard its pretty big probably about 75 years old not really sure since we just bought the houae about 8 mounths ago

    47. Annette Williams

      Trees for sale (2 properties)

      Good Afternoon- someone came to mom’s home early this morning asking about her trees (property)? They were cutting trees on the property behind (side) of hers. However; she was startled bc they had cans before EARLY and rang the doorbell – I’m trying to see if it’s someone from your area or can you direct me to someone close? After talking with her – we are INTERESTED in selling the trees – I ALSO have trees that I would like to see if you would like to add to the deal while here in the area as well . Please contact me ASAP (via the email ) or my cell (330)503-9011 – you can also direct to the closet company if possible. Thank you and Blessings

      1. Tallulah Lycz

        I'm interested in what you have

        Hello,

        We are looking for walnut trees, and I see you have a 330 area code. We are located in Pennsylvania, but go past the Streetsboro, OH area. Can you contact me regarding the trees?

        Thank you,
        Tallulah

        1. Douglas Shafer

          Iv got quite a bit of walnut logs I want to sell nice to.I do wood working myself so I want them to go to someone who will make sure it get put to good use I’m in West Virginia will travel somewhat to deliver

    48. Terry Derrick

      Black Walnut trees for sale

      I am contacting you, in regards to Black Walnut trees I have for sale.

      They are located in NE Kansas, approximately 75 miles from the Kansas City airport.

      It is a 23 acre manicured and managed tree stand. I have had Kansas State University do our management plan for us for many years and it is a Registered Kansas Tree Farm and American Tree Farm System. This tree stand was planted in the late 70’s. In rows 10 x 10 on flat level bottom land with good access.]

      I have approximately 7,000 trees available to be bid on. Of the 7,000 trees: 35% are 9-10″ DBH; 35% are 11-12″; 20% are 13-14″; <5% are 15"; 16″.

      The trees will be available for viewing during the month of June 2018. Please email me to schedule a date.

      Also, please forward this to others who may be interested, and contact me via email. cherylderrick@rocketmail.com

      Thank You

      Cheryl and Terry Derrick.

    49. Gerren Wagner

      walnut, locust and ash

      We have several walnut, locust and ash trees that need to be removed, we’d prefer that the wood be used rather than ground up or thrown away. Please contact ASAP!

      1. Tallulah Lycz

        I'm interested in the wood

        Hello,

        We are interested in the trees. Can you contact me? I would be interested in pictures, and condition of trees.

        Thank you,
        Tallulah

        1. Wanda Griffith

          Large Black Walnut in PA

          Tallulah,
          I noticed you are in PA. Not sure how close you are to the 610 area code. I have a large tree we want removed. May be a win win for both of us? It’s in great condition tall straight trunks.

        2. Mike

          Black walnut tree

          Hello,
          I have a very large and straight black walnut tree I am looking sell/take down. It’s located near Rochester NY. Please give me a call 585 7343201.

    50. Inas

      Black Walnut Tree 4sale

      I have 2 Huge black walnut trees that I’d like to sell. I don’t know how old they are but they are much taller than my house, if that helps. They are also very wide.