FAQ's for Solid Wood Amish Dressers and Amish-Made Mirrors
A dresser is wider and not as tall as a chest of drawers, with an average size of 60"-66" wide x 35"-45" tall. Dressers usually have 7-9 drawers. Chest of drawers are around 36"-40" wide x 52" high, usually with a 6-drawer layout.
It is important to choose furniture wisely in a small bedroom. When you have room for only one dresser, make sure you get the maximum storage space that will fit. If the wall is wider than 5', you can accommodate a traditional dresser layout. Dressers are also better to fit underneath a window or if you would like to add a mirror. If you are placing the dresser on a wall space less than 5' wide, usually a chest of drawers will fit better. This layout takes advantage of the height when you have limited wall space. Either a dresser or a chest of drawers can be custom sized to fit underneath a TV mounted to the wall.
At Dutch Craft Furniture, our dressers are made to order using a variety of solid hardwood species including Red or White Oak, Maple, Cherry, Walnut, Hickory or Elm. The solid wood is used throughout the dresser, including the dovetailed drawers. Hidden areas like the back of the dresser and bottom of the drawer boxes will be finished with a furniture grade plywood to prevent cracking and splitting in the dresser as the solid wood expands and contracts in humidity and temperature changes.
The reason we call it a tall dresser is because all dresser styles are available in two standard heights. Traditional dresser height is around 35" tall, we call these Low Dressers. To accommodate the need for additional storage and maximize vertical space, two extra drawers are added to the Low Dresser, raising the height to approximately 45" high. These are called Tall Dressers. Please note, both Low and Tall Dressers can be custom sized to fit your space.
Soft close drawer slides are available as an add-on with all dresser styles. The standard drawer slide is a fully extending, side mount drawer slide. This is not a soft close slide. *Soft-close drawer slides are included automatically for the Belmont style dresser.
Every solid wood dresser we build will include dovetailed drawer boxes. This refers to the joinery method that constructs the sides to the back and front of the drawer. Dovetail joints lock together like puzzle pieces, creating a joint much stronger than simply using glue or nails.
Choose from a variety of dressers for your child's bedroom. Low dressers have the option of adding a removable changing table tray, a wonderful option when choosing nursery furniture that grows with your child. For older children, any dresser or chest of drawers can be custom sized to accommodate a child's small bedroom.
All dressers are available in your choice of wood and stain or paint to complement the design of your child's bedroom.
Dressers and chest of drawers are constructed to comply with current safety standards set by the CPSC Sturdy Act.
Every dresser is completely customizable. From standard designs, choose the wood type and stain or paint color. Request the size that fits your bedroom. Our team is happy to discuss other common custom options, like adding enclosed base trim or paneled sides for extra dimension. Change the layout or even the profile of doors and drawers.
For completely custom dressers, submit a picture of your vision to our team for a free quote. *Please note that our local craftsmen use solid hardwood. Some designs are not possible due to the characteristics of solid wood.
Solid wood dressers are constructed in two main styles, face frame or post style construction.
Face frame construction refers to sides of the dresser being joined directly to the front of the dresser. The face frame may run all the way to the floor with an arched cutout at the bottom or feature base trim and decorative feet.
Post style construction includes a separate corner post where the sides and front of the dresser meet. This adds dimension and detail. The posts can be simple and sleek or sturdy and rustic depending on the style of the dresser.
Both styles are similarly constructed. First, wood is glued together, creating the solid tops and sides. Dovetailed drawer boxes are built next, along with the front face frame. Any Crown Moulding or other trim work is added after the assembly of the frame and sides.
The dresser is stained in your choice of color, then finished using a catalyzed conversion varnish. This creates a durable, waterproof finish on the dresser.
After the finish is applied, drawers are installed using a sturdy, full-extension drawer slide.
Finally, knobs or pulls are added to the drawers and doors.
Hidden jewelry drawers can be added to any dressers with Crown Moulding under the dresser top, like the Belmont dresser style. If you select a dresser that does not have this moulding, there are other options. Add an organizing jewelry divider tray to any dresser drawer or incorporate hidden storage into the top of the nightstand instead.
Standard lengths for Amish dressers include 56", 60", 66", and 72" wide, depending on the style. Most are approximately 20" deep. Common height for a Low dresser is 35" high. Tall Dressers range from 42"-46" high.
Our Amish dressers and chest of drawers are constructed to comply with current safety regulations set by the CPSC Sturdy Act.
In order to comply with these regulations, all dressers and chest of drawers will be built with an interlocking system that prevents multiple drawers from being fully extended at the same time. This eliminates the risk of furniture tipping and falling forward.
Since the dressers are made to order instead of being mass produced, the construction time for a dresser is approximately 8-10 weeks. This does not include delivery, which varies by location. If you can't wait that long, check out the styles that we keep in stock for pickup today or quick ship delivery!
Solid wood dressers are very heavy, approximately 250lbs. Weight varies greatly based on size and the number of drawers, as well as the wood type. Dense woods such as Hickory or Quartersawn White Oak will be heavier than Maple or Cherry wood.
Much of the weight in solid wood dressers comes from the drawers. Hardwood drawers with quality, long-lasting drawer slides add a lot of weight to the dresser. To make it easier to move the dresser, all drawers can be removed first.
Let us do the heavy lifting! Our delivery includes the team bringing the dresser inside and completely setting up in your bedroom.
When kept clean and indoors, our solid wood dressers are built to last for multiple generations. The use of a durable, long-lasting drawer slide is an important construction detail.
You can relax knowing that solid wood dressers are very durable. The catalyzed conversion varnish creates a finish that prevents water rings when you forget to use a coaster for your drink.
If something does happen and there is damage to the finish or a little kid writes on it using a Sharpie, don't panic. A solid wood dresser can be sanded and refinished to remove light scratches and other minor damage.
Other common damage includes knicks or dents when moving the furniture. Sending us a quick picture of the damage will help us assess the best way to repair the dresser. A touch up stain pen is available upon request.
Determining the best wood for your dresser includes many variables. Much of it is simply personal preference, as every hardwood type will be sturdy and durable.
Maple wood is a popular choice for bedroom furniture due to the smooth grain texture that, after staining will have an even color with light variation. It can be stained with a dark, rich stain color or kept light for a natural wood tone. The smooth grain also paints well.
Cherry wood is similar to Maple, with a warm reddish color tone naturally. Light to medium stain colors will reflect the red undertones in the wood.
Quartersawn White Oak wood is often selected for Craftsman or Mission style dressers.
Hickory or Oak wood has a prominent wood grain that adds warmth and a rustic appeal.
Cosmetically, choosing a type of wood with prominent grain texture and color variation will hide scratches in the finish and small knicks and dents in the wood, better than smooth, dark stained wood.
Care and maintenance of solid wood dressers is very simple. Keep it indoors in controlled temperature and humidity.
Clean regularly using a mild soap and water to remove dust and oils from your fingertips. Cleaners we recommend include Dawn dish soap, Murphy's Oil Soap or vinegar. Dilute a small amount of soap in a bucket of warm water and wipe clean.
Do not polish or use wood conditioners. Never use any cleaning products that have silicone or harsh chemicals. These products may leave a residue on the surface or damage the finish.
Easy Customizations for Solid Wood Dressers
Request A Different Look for the Drawers
Custom Amish Dressers
For a complete guide to ordering custom bedroom furniture, check out our guide!
Solid Wood Amish Dressers and Amish-Made Mirrors
Every bedroom needs a space to store clothes, accessories, and other important everyday items. At Dutch Craft Furniture, our solid wood Amish dressers come in a variety of sizes and styles, all made by local craftsmen in Berlin, Ohio. Options on our Amish-made dressers include detailed moldings and trim work and two hidden jewelry drawers for safekeeping. You can choose from our various solid wood dressers in Amish styles to perfectly match the aesthetic and mood of your bedroom with handcrafted perfection. Our dressers come from quality collections, including Cambria, Carrington, Craftsman, Belmont, and more, to add the perfect touch to your bedroom space. For more information, ask us about our quality Amish dressers and mirrors today.
Make it Easy to Move! Remove the Drawers of an Amish Dresser