Twenty years ago, the Hostetler brothers entered the furniture retail business. To understand how Amish Traditions began, I asked Daniel why he and his brother decided to work with Amish furniture builders. His answer was simple: “Quality,” he said. Then he quickly added, “That, and the price point.” The simplicity of his response suggested the answer was obvious.
What made the Amish furniture business such a clear choice for him? Even in an era dominated by wood veneer and plywood furniture, many retailers still offer high-quality pieces. Even more sell inexpensive options. But Daniel’s point is widely recognized. One reviewer agreed, “Excellent quality furniture. Reasonable for the quality.” Because of labor costs and competition from foreign markets, few American furniture companies can match the Amish in both quality and price. Amish-made furniture has a niche in American furniture markets unmatched by any other.
Quality
When Daniel and his brother entered the furniture retail business, few if any West Coast furniture stores carried Amish furniture. They began working with Gene Beachy in Indiana, who ran a shop called Amish Heritage. From there, they connected with more Amish craftsmen. As large farms continue to buy out small Amish farmers, many have shifted into wood manufacturing, establishing small specialty shops.
A century ago, Amish farmers would build furniture during the cold winter months, focusing on careful artistry. Today’s craftsmen work year-round for larger customer bases, but their dedication remains unchanged. They train their workers as skilled artisans. In many ways, Amish furniture shops operate differently from big wholesalers. Most Amish enter the business to support their families and create high-quality products. Many shops are built on their own property, allowing them to remain close to their families, much like traditional farms. They embody the values of early American furniture-making. As Daniel says, “The biggest thing is that it’s made in the USA.”
The small scale of each shop ensures careful quality control. To them, good craftsmanship is more than just a skill—it’s a tradition. For generations, Amish woodworkers have taken time to match wood grains, sand surfaces over and over, and avoid softwoods like pine and spruce. Whenever possible, they use furniture-joining techniques such as dovetails, tongue and groove, and half-lap joints. Like their traditions, their furniture is built to last.
Price Point
The Amish believe in simple, sustainable living. While “sustainability” is a popular idea today, the Amish have lived this way for hundreds of years. They are careful with money, practical, and respectful of nature. This mindset helps them run their businesses efficiently with little waste. Because they live off the grid, they close their shops at 5:00 PM and keep them dark on weekends. Their small-scale workshops carefully manage resources, and generations of agricultural heritage have fostered creativity in repurposing materials and by-products.
One big reason Amish furniture remains affordable is their focus on local businesses. Unlike mass-market retailers such as Ikea and Ashley, Amish furniture makers source their wood from nearby forests. Their entire community contributes in a seamless supply chain—many operate lumber mills and dry kilns, while others specialize in elements like turnings or bentwood craftsmanship. Many Amish families own their own businesses, saving customers money by avoiding expensive offices or frivolous marketing. However, their most significant savings come from reduced transportation. Most Amish furniture shops source and manufacture within their own state, keeping prices at a reasonable level.
Heritage
The Hostetlers also understand the value of Amish furniture because of their own background. While they don’t live the Amish lifestyle, their roots come from the Amish community. This means that their values line up with these East Coast craftsman. They’ve learned to be patient, with both customers and manufacturers.
They understand that retailers need patience in communicating with Amish shops. But today, the Amish are adapting. Daniel told me, “Most people understand that you have to wait a little longer when you get Amish.” But he adds, “It’s a lot different than it was twenty years ago.” Now, some Amish use email, fax, and phone. Still, he trusts the orders to come in.
Like the Amish, the Hostetlers prioritize kind, helpful sales to all customers. One reviewer described their experience at Amish Traditions after being frustrated by online and in-person retailers, “The store has a very relaxed atmosphere where you can look at any piece of furniture and consider every idea. I’d suggest this as a first stop when you are furniture shopping.” In product and in service, you can trust that Amish Traditions will deliver in quality, fair pricing, and reliability.