Amish Kitchen Cabinets: A Complete Buyer's Guide

Have you ever wondered what makes Amish-built cabinets better than stock cabinets? After looking at the higher price, many may wonder if it is worth the extra money. Or even if there is actually a difference with Amish-built cabinets at all. And, with the seemingly never-ending list of Amish cabinet makers that call Lancaster, Pennsylvania home, choosing the right one can certainly be a struggle. If that is you, then keep reading as we dissect what an Amish cabinet maker is, what (if anything) sets them apart, and what you should keep in mind when you are looking for new cabinets for your home.

Why Are Amish Cabinets So Popular?

When homeowners begin dreaming about redoing their kitchen, many who live near Lancaster, Pennsylvania, may consider installing Amish-built kitchen cabinets. And for good reason! The Swiss-German Anabaptist colonies who settled in Lancaster in the early 1700s have become known nationwide for their strong work ethic and their dedication to tradition. In fact, it is their dedication to traditional woodworking processes that has caused them to stand out amid the rise of cheap prefab particleboard cabinet options. 

Although the Amish and Mennonites were predominantly farmers through the 1900s, the demand for high-quality, custom furniture and home renovations has aided in the development of many Amish and Mennonite trades businesses, including custom kitchen cabinets. To get a better understanding of what sets Amish and Mennonite custom cabinets apart from stock cabinet options, keep on reading. 

What Sets Amish Cabinets Apart?

While many people may misleadingly use the terms “Amish-built” or “Amish-made” as a marketing tactic or as a way to command a higher price, truly Amish-built cabinets are not just different because of the Amish name. True to their traditional ways, Amish-built cabinets are built one-by-one by hand using high-quality materials as opposed to factories that mass-produce prefab cabinets. 

Here are some of the differences that homeowners get with Amish-built custom cabinets.

1. Solid Hardwoods vs. Engineered Materials

Of course, one of the biggest differences between quality custom cabinets and stock cabinets is the quality of the materials being used. Stock cabinets will typically use particle board that is overlaid with laminate. And, while they may look okay for a little while, cabinets made from particle board can begin to warp, peel, and scratch within a few years. Amish-built cabinets, on the other hand, will use real, high-quality hardwoods that will not only last longer but will also keep their appearance. Additionally, Amish-built cabinets made with real hardwood can be sanded and refinished in the future if necessary—something that is impossible with particleboard stock cabinets.

2. Lumber Selection and Preparation

As mentioned above, the quality of materials makes a big difference between stock cabinets and Amish-built cabinets. However, as another step, many Amish-built cabinets use only real wood that has been thoroughly inspected to ensure that the grade and quality of the wood is sufficient. This inspection process usually checks for the proper grain type and direction, which helps with the strength and the appearance of the cabinets, while also making sure that the kiln drying process was effective, which prevents future warping. 

3. Assembly and Joinery

A third major difference between Amish-built cabinets and stock cabinets is the way they are assembled. Many mass-produced stock cabinets will use a combination of staples, glue, and plastic braces. Amish-built cabinets, however, often use a more traditional, labor-intensive assembly method that will make for a stronger build and a longer lifespan. High-quality cabinets will be held together and braced using joinery methods such as dovetails and mortise-and-tenon. These joinery methods lock the cabinets tightly together in a way that is much stronger and more durable than staples and glue that can loosen or break after a few years of use.

4. Finishes and Details

Another difference between stock cabinets and Amish-built cabinets is the quality of the finish. Many stock cabinets use either a fake wood laminate or, at best, a thin surface layer finish applied by a machine. Hand-made cabinets, however, usually have several coats of a deep wood stain and finish that is applied by hand that prevents easy scratching or discoloration.

5. Hand-Built for Quality Control

Lastly, while stock cabinets are generally mass-produced by machinery, Amish-built cabinets are built and assembled by hand. This process allows for better quality control and is almost certain to catch even the smallest mistake. Stock cabinets, on the other hand, are rarely ever looked at by human eyes until they show up at your house for installation. 

Because of this, Amish-built cabinets do indeed stand out from the majority of mass-produced cabinets due to their higher-quality, more traditional assembly methods, and hands-on approach. 

Are Amish-Built Cabinets More Expensive?

In short…yes! Amish-built cabinets will almost always be more expensive than stock cabinet options. And, it only makes sense. The “Amish” prefix is more than just a name. It is a testament to the amount of work, time, and intentionality that is behind the cabinets. Because of this, the cost may be more than double that of common stock cabinet options. However, if a homeowner is serious about investing in kitchen cabinets that will stand the test of time while also giving a boost to their home’s value, then Amish-built custom cabinets are certainly worth the upfront costs. 

Are They Really Built by Amish?

When companies are listing their cabinets as “Amish-built”, it does not always mean that the cabinets themselves are built by an Amish person. This is because most Amish-run or Amish-founded businesses are willing to hire high-quality workers from outside the Amish culture. Further, some businesses that were originally founded by an Amish family may now be a partnership that includes people who are not Amish. That said, most businesses that are labeled as Amish are operated by people who are still Amish or are of Amish background. The key to remember here is that “Amish” is not just about the name; it is more about the tradition and quality that goes into each and every product.

How do I Choose the Right Amish Cabinet Maker?

Truth be told, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, has a lot of Amish cabinet makers. So, how can you make sure that you are choosing the right one? Here are a few pointers:

• Make sure that the “Amish” is not being used just as a marketing term. Can you tell for sure that the quality is in line with the point mentioned above that sets Amish-built cabinets apart?
• Check their Google Business Profile to get a real idea of what it is like to work with them. This can help you understand what the customer experience is from start to finish.
• Ask for a few free estimates so that you can compare prices. Be wary of any contractor wanting you to pay before they ever give you a ballpark price. While the designs will most likely need to be paid for, many custom Amish cabinet shops have been around long enough to give you a pretty accurate estimate. And, while price is not everything when it comes to getting a kitchen you love, it is something to consider.
• Take a walk through their showroom. Most Amish cabinet makers will have a showroom or a project gallery where they show off their products. Not only does this help you judge the quality, but this is also helpful as you decide on colors, wood types, styles, hardware, and more!

Did you know that Twin Valley Woodcrafts has a showroom? Well, two actually! Swing by and check us out to run your hands along some of our best-selling designs.

Of course, we would love if you would consider us, Twin Valley Woodcrafts, as your custom cabinet maker in Lancaster, PA. We are an Amish-Mennonite family that shares many of the same values and traditions as the Amish. As such, we pride ourselves on providing only the highest quality custom cabinets.

If you are looking for a new kitchen, or if you need custom cabinets for any other room in your home, go ahead and give us a call, and we can start dreaming with you!

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Since our founding in 1993, the Twin Valley Woodcrafts family has remained excited to serve Southeastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey homeowners with the perfect storage solutions. Whether you’re looking for custom-designed and handcrafted cabinets for your kitchen, bathroom, living areas, or more, our skilled craftsmen are ready to walk you through the design process and bring your dream cabinets to life.

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