White screwdriver on a light background at an angle

Shelter Institute

Start your shelter journey today

Think. Build. Live.

Since 1974, we've empowered thousands to design, build, and live in homes that reflect their values—creating a legacy of craftsmanship, sustainability, and self-reliance that spans generations.

Shelter Courses

Shelter Design Build

Shelter Tools

50+ Years

of empowering builders, dreamers and doers

Since 1974,

evolving sustainable building techniques

Hundreds

of homes built across North America

10,000+

students taught and counting

3

generations of family leading the company

Countless

quality tools in the hands of craftspeople

50+ Years

of empowering builders, dreamers and doers

Since 1974,

evolving sustainable building techniques

Hundreds

of homes built across North America

10,000+

students taught and counting

3

generations of family leading the company

Countless

quality tools in the hands of craftspeople

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Vintage leather tool case with assorted drill bits and measuring tools
A circular Shelter Institute logo with "Shelter Institute", "Think. Build. Live.", and their overlapping "SI" logo written
Woodworker using chisel to carve detailed design on wooden block

At Shelter Institute, we don't just build structures—we build confidence.

From our comprehensive courses and premium tools to our design-build services and real estate expertise, everything we do is guided by a simple philosophy: Think. Build. Live.

Cozy wooden cabin interior with wood stove, rocking chair, and large windows
A circular Shelter Institute logo with "Shelter Institute", "Think. Build. Live.", and their overlapping "SI" logo written

The Shelter Brands

Woodworker carefully measuring and marking wood plank in workshop

Shelter

Courses

Learn timber framing, woodworking, building science and more through our comprehensive online and in-person courses.

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Wooden timber frame interior with exposed beams and large windows

Shelter

Design Build

From initial design to final raising, our custom timber frame homes and barns are designed and built with traditional craftsmanship and modern efficiency to last generations.

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Kitchen utensils and tools scattered on wooden cutting boards

Shelter

Tools

Heirloom quality timber framing, woodworking and outdoor living tools that we use and love every day. Built to last.

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Timber framing class group photo inside wooden workshop with traineesWooden timber frame interior with exposed beams and large windowsAssorted woodworking and measuring tools scattered on a dark background

Empowering Individuals Since 1974

Large group poses outside Shelter Institute building in black and white photo

Results that speak for themselves

Design Build
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Courses
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Tools
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“We are so incredibly grateful to Gaius and his awesome Shelter Team for crafting and raising our absolutely beautiful barn. The meticulous craftsmanship and teamwork of the barn raisers was a sight to behold and so much fun to experience. Friendly, loquacious, relentless, caring and hungry(as they should be) are but a fraction of positive adjectives that Jan and I could use to describe how wonderful they all were. We'd do it again in an instant if we ever need another barn, but this one is just PERFECT! Thank you!”

Rick J.
Design Build

We've been very impressed with how quickly this has gone up - they make it look easy. We've been speechless the whole time. I'm struggling to describe how we actually feel, it's just incredible. It's been such a pleasure to watch the progress. You guys are the real deal."  

Collin M.
Design Build

“It's been a dream come true. It really is more than we have dreamed of or that we could picture in our minds. The Shelter team is working hard with a smile, and they're constantly saying 'Dude, this is really nice.' It feels genuine and real, and it just makes us proud and grateful to have this opportunity. It's nice to share the experience with people where it's more than a job - this is their craft and what they want to do. You can see that both in the end result and the product, but also just the way they go about it. It's been wonderful. Everything that we've wanted is what we're getting right now."

Russ & Morgan M.
Design Build

"Walking into the building for the first time was life-changing. There is nothing like seeing this place go up - it was so exciting. Every step of the way, Gaius and Ethan walked me through every single thing. They were so patient with me. We didn't know so many things, and Shelter was so flexible with us. The house is beautiful - it's exactly what we wanted. This has been coming for such a long time and they did it so quickly. We couldn't be happier. We're just so thrilled."

Kimberly B
Design Build

"It went up so quick - it was like magic. I've been watching the Shelter videos for a long time, so I kind of knew what to expect, but once you see it unfold before your eyes... Every single fellow worked really their hearts out. It seemed to be personal. They really took their time. If things didn't fit, they made it fit, calmly and lovingly. They made my dream come true. This is everything. The view out of every window is just spectacular. I was very blessed. Anybody who has any doubts about doing a timber frame, I want them to get them out of their mind and just do it, because they make it happen for you. This was really a dream come true."

Mary O
Design Build

"Everything that they’ve accomplished just surpassed what I ever thought could be done. We took a lot of time in figuring it out, and it’s exactly how I had it in my head. You guys just rock. You guys are just unbelievable. I couldn’t have asked for a better company to build the house for me."

Francis P.
Design Build
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The course was amazing. Much more information than i expected. The hands on section gave me the confidence that is needed to effective with the hand tools. Would do it again just to pick up more hints. Instructors made me feel like family.

Mark L.
Courses

The sawhorse course was just perfect, in every way. I finally learned the proper way to use a pull saw. For years, I thought you used the reflection in the saw to get perpendicular cuts...but never succeeded. Now I know why. I also learned the proper orientation of the chisel to use. For years, I've used it upside down. I recommend the class to anyone and hope to see you in Maine someday!

David W.
Courses

Incredible course. Got this as an early Christmas present. Took this course after reading a timber framing book and learned even more. Would recommend this as a starter course for anyone interested in getting into timber framing. Thanks!

Ryan M.
Courses

Great course. I would recommend it to anyone interested in learning the basics of the craft. I liked the clear explanations and demonstrations as well as the repetition of important concepts and skills in subsequent videos.

Ryan B.
Courses

Yes I would 100% recommend this to a friend. That we got hands-on and straight to the shop also multiple staff were coming around asking if we had any questions or needed help with anything.

Colby M.
Courses

"Recently completed the in-person Purely Post and Beam Course. The perfect blend of classroom and hands on instruction gave me the knowledge and confidence to tackle timber framing and other wood working pursuits. The staff and faculty were knowledgeable and friendly. The Hennin family were so welcoming over the course of the week. A really positive and inspiring experience—highly recommended!"

Daniel L.
Courses

"A great location, super-knowledgeable and friendly instructors and staff, and a really nice hands-on supplement to the classroom instruction (Design Build). I learned a great deal and came away with wonderful resources. Also appreciated the school’s philosophy: Think. Build. Live. Well worth the investment!"

Joe W.
Courses

"I liked the Saw Horse course. I learned a lot about marking the layout and how to cut and refine the joinery. Very cool! The guys were pretty entertaining too."

David S.
Courses

"I admire the work of the Shelter Institute and this was my second course. I truly enjoyed the first course, but Purely Post & Beam was even more empowering because of the focus on hands on learning and participating in an authentic process. As always, the instructors were personable, patient and good coaches. You can tell that they enjoy their work and care about passing on their own passion and expertise."

Christopher C.
Courses

"The course was very fun and engaging. The Shelter staff answered my questions and posed quite a few more. Would recommend. 5/5. Thanks Shelter!"

Brandon D.
Courses

"I found the online course entertaining and educational. I would definitely recommend the course to anyone that does not have the time or ability to attend the in person course, but wants to be equipped with the knowledge of basic timber frame design and tools."

Scott W.
Courses

"This class was everything I dreamed and more! The knowledge and experience of the founding family, the personal attention and the eagerness of the staff to help in any way they could was just outstanding. I could not possibly recommend this class enough and consider it to be more of an experience than a class. 12 out of 10 stars for Shelter Institute!"

Pete G.
Courses

"The best online course Ive done! Loved the down to earth human approach. I look forward to building a timber frame soon. I will recommend this course!"

Micah W.
Courses

"This class was packed with useful knowledge while still being clear and concise. It uses a very practically sized example structure and covers the entire process. Well worth the money and time. Very well done for an online version of such a hands-on subject."

Jared C.
Courses
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“I am so blown away as to how each and every person at the Shelter Institute treat you like family, the good kind. I will now and forever be there customer. Thank you Shelter Institute. Think, build, live is not just what they do but a way of life.”

Dave M.
Tools

“We love visiting the tool store several times a year. There are many wonderful and innovative tools available for a wide variety of tasks from wood butchering to kitchen tools to gardening tools. The depth of knowledge of the staff is impressive and the quality of the items for sale is outstanding. You won’t be disappointed.”

Paul W.
Tools

“Super bon service tres rapide, pour de la qualité”

Pat B.
Tools

“I have found the team to be responsive, caring and helpful. A pleasure to deal with.”

Enzo T.
Tools

“Beautiful facility, amazing owners and staff. A business full of heart! ❤️ More than worth your time and dollars.”

Jessica N.
Tools

“Best tool selection! Quality and hard to find tools. Very happy to have a place I can get tools and keep business local.”

Laurie T.
Tools

"Great vibe and pretty store. They have plenty of tools and the staff seem very knowledgeable. Overheard 2 of them, definitely putting their customers first. Would have loved to talk to them about their courses but they were quite busy. If you work with wood or care about building sustainably, check them out."

Michael G.
Tools

"While on vacation we had the pleasure of stopping by the Shelter Institute. Having taken one of their online courses, it was great meeting them in person. The store was well stocked with everything related to timber framing. It did not disappoint. Keep up the good work!"

GBB
Tools

"This tool store is a hidden Gem of southern Maine. They have a extensive selection of carving, sharpening and general woodworking hand tools. Their staff is exceptionally friendly and knowledgeable, specially in the area of timber framing."

Rick U.
Tools

"Wonderful wonderful place. Their courses are phenomenal and their shop is like a candy store filled with some of the most I retesting and useful non electric building and green living supplies. Have been a customer for 30+ years and plan to continue being one for 30 more!"

Barbara S.
Tools
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