When you hear the phrase “Amish furniture,” your mind might instinctively envision heavy, rustic oak pieces suited for a traditional farmhouse. While those classic styles certainly hold their charm, the modern reality of Amish craftsmanship extends far beyond rustic styles. Today, it seamlessly complements the interiors of Tulsa’s finest homes. At the forefront of this aesthetic evolution is Amish Crafted Furniture. As the local business marks its 20th anniversary this year, it continues to prove that centuries-old woodworking is the ultimate secret to bespoke, contemporary furniture.
The authenticity of Amish Crafted Furniture is rooted deeply in the heritage of its founders, Mary and Dale Yoder. Having both grown up within the Amish community, the couple possesses a profound understanding of the craftsmanship involved, as well as an exclusive link to the artisans who bring these designs to life. “My husband and I both grew up Amish, which is how we have close relationships with these Amish artisans. My cousin is actually one of the builders,” says Mary.
This foundation of authenticity extends beyond the showroom floor and into the very fabric of the Yoder family. Married for thirty-seven years, Mary and Dale have raised four sons—James, a firefighter captain; Nick, a co-owner in the furniture business; Shawn, a sawmill owner; and Eric, a Marine officer—and are now the proud grandparents of sixteen. The dedication, hard work, and family-centric values that define their personal lives are echoed in how they operate their business.
However, the journey to becoming Tulsa’s premier destination for high-quality furniture was born out of a leap of faith. Twenty years ago, the couple was navigating the lingering economic uncertainties that followed 9/11. Dale, an entrepreneur at heart with an eye for opportunity, was approached about the opportunity of opening an Amish furniture store in the small town of Chouteau. Mary, admittedly more cautious, sought a sign that this was the right path. "We prayed a lot about starting this business, asking God for confirmation on our decision. We did get a lot of confirmation, but the biggest confirmation came when we were pricing out furniture. We were having doubts at the time, but one day before we were even opened, a pastor came in, purchased the Lord's Prayer plaque, and prayed a blessing over our new business. That was the confirmation we had prayed for, and He certainly has blessed it,” reflects Mary.
The business officially opened in 2006 and quickly found a dedicated clientele. Over the next decade, a recurring theme emerged: many of their customers were driving in from Tulsa, repeatedly asking when the Yoders would bring their exceptional pieces to the city. Listening to the feedback, they relocated to Tulsa in 2016. The response was immediate, and the business grew more in its first two years in Tulsa than it had in the entirety of its time in Chouteau.
A significant catalyst for this explosive growth was Mary’s role as the showroom’s curator. Recognizing the discerning tastes of Tulsa homeowners, she took it upon herself to shatter the “country oak” stereotype and elevate the store's offerings. "I wasn't very familiar with the Amish furniture at that time. I had in mind the oak, more country, rough; not very fine furniture. I really wanted to bring a modern approach to Amish furniture. More contemporary styles; what I would want in my home," Mary says.
Amish Crafted Furniture prides themselves not only in the quality and craftsmanship of their furniture, but also how the material is procured and built. With wood and hardware ethically sourced from here in the United States, built by artisans that Mary and Dale know personally, they are able to confidently offer the highest quality of furniture one can find.
In a modern consumer era increasingly dominated by mass-produced, transient goods, the Yoders offer something incredibly rare: permanence. The robust, solid-wood construction of their furniture ensures that it does not just fill a space; it anchors a home for generations. "We want our clients to have something that they can pass down to the next generation,” Mary says.
Because they firmly believe in the unparalleled durability of their artisans’ work, the Yoders back their furniture with a lifetime warranty. But beyond the physical product, it is the genuine warmth and respect offered to every client that transforms first-time customers into lifelong patrons. "Our goal is for people to feel comfortable when they come into our store. We care for them, and we want them to feel like they've been treated with respect."
Ultimately, the greatest reward Mary and Dale experience from their business is the positive impact their furniture leaves on their clients. Their mission is to provide peace of mind and warmth to every client’s home through high quality furniture that will exceed expectations and earn the trust of their customers.