Built by Hand. Backed by Generations.

Handcrafted Hardwood Furniture from South Amana, Iowa

 

Meet the Schanz Family

Since 1965, the Schanz family has been handcrafting heirloom-quality furniture right here in the heart of Iowa's Amana Colonies. What started in Norman and Joanna Schanz’s basement has grown into a full-service woodshop and showroom — and it’s still all in the family.

Tradition That Shows

Mike and Michelle Schanz carry on the legacy with the same focus on quality, honesty, and good old-fashioned craftsmanship. There’s no assembly line, no mass production — just wood, tools, and care. Each piece is made to last, made to love, and made right here.

Mike Schanz woodworking at lathe

What We Offer

Custom Hardwood Furniture

Built one piece at a time to match your space, your style, and your story.

Furniture Refinishing & Repair

Breathing new life into heirloom pieces, dining sets, and worn-down favorites.

Chair Recaning & Restoration

Preserving character with traditional craftsmanship — right down to the weave.

Handcrafted Small Goods

Perfect for gifting — or keeping. Our handmade items are available online and ship nationwide.

“Our furniture isn’t mass-produced. It’s built to outlast trends, outlive its makers, and outshine anything from a catalog.”

Rooted in the Amana Colonies

South Amana isn’t just where we’re located — it’s a part of who we are. The Amana Colonies have a long history of craftsmanship and attention to detail, and we’re proud to carry that tradition forward. We don’t believe in shortcuts, and we certainly don’t believe in cutting corners (unless we’re literally cutting a corner joint).

Our Doors Are Open

Visitors are always welcome at our custom furniture shop. Step inside the showroom and workshop, and you’ll experience more than finished pieces; you’ll see the craft, the tools, and the dedication that bring every design to life. The scent of freshly cut wood, the hum of saws, and the hands-on artistry all tell the story of authentic handcrafted woodworking.

We encourage you to take your time. Walk through the space, ask questions, and see how raw lumber transforms into one-of-a-kind tables, cabinets, and custom pieces. We believe in complete transparency. You don’t just get to admire the finished product, you get to witness the process that makes it possible.

When you stop in, you’ll meet Mike and Michelle - the people whose names are on the sign and whose hands are on every project. There’s no middleman here, just real conversations with the makers who care about your vision.

Chances are, you’ll leave with more than inspiration. Maybe it’s a fresh idea for your home, maybe it’s a story about craftsmanship to share with friends, or maybe it’s just a little sawdust on your shoes. Either way, you’ll walk out knowing your custom furniture is built by people who value quality, community, and connection.

Welcome to Schanz Furniture and Refinishing