Think. Build. Live.

How to get started

Years in Service

40+

Generations

3

Homes Built

3,000+

Students Taught

15,000+

YouTube Views

3,000,000+

Custom Timber Frames & More

We offer a wide range of services- including design-build, custom and kit timber frames, and real estate brokerage. Tackle your own building project and enroll in our accredited classes in home design and construction. The very best selection of woodworking tools, even hard-to-find ones, is also available in our shop.

More About Our Timber Frames

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Design
Build

Shelter Design Build offers a full suite of design build and engineering services. We got your innovative yet practical building solutions.

Your home should free you.

Shelter
Classes

Teaching people to design and build their own homes since 1974! Fuel your learning desire by attending our virtual courses.

Check out the online version!

Shelter
Tools

Hard-to-find tools. Easy to find.

Shop Now

Shelter
Realty

Shelter Realty will find the right piece of land suitable for your needs throughout the Midcoast Maine region.

Listening is our specialty.

Online Timber Framing Course

Get to know the techniques for enclosing and insulating timber frame structures, foundation styles, siding, roofing and general weatherizing materials, wood selection, and how best to finish the timbers. Be skilled at wood craft on a grand scale. Learn at your own pace within 12+ hours of recorded video, downloadable PDF cutsheets, 10% off the store, and more.

View Curriculum

The Very Best Selection of Fine Woodworking Tools

If it's in our tool shack, it's superior quality and don't crack! We aspire to provide excellent quality equipment, tried and tested in our lifetime. With capable hands and proper care it will last you a lifetime. Browse Timber Framing Tools, Hand Saws, Carving Knives, Axes, Work Benches and more.

Shop Now

Featured Projects

Single Floor Living

Modern Classic

House of Five Gables

Covered Porch Addition

Malibu Retreat

Vineyard Cape

After taking their Design & Build course, I had the confidence to build this timber frame house, from a version of their stock plans. And you will too.
Pete Neidhardt
We drove thirteen hours through a blizzard to take the timber framing course and it was worth it. You can tell this family has been teaching people since the 70's. 70's?! These guys are great. I hope to be back to learn but just saying "HI" would be a win. They've probably mapped out every minute of the week for the students but it still feels relaxed. Best of all, I can say with confidence, I can build a house. A timber structure. And I will
Chasen Gillies
Excellent course on house building. Teaches about every aspect of house including good design principles.
Matt Anglin
Shelter is a phenomenal resource of skill, intelligence, and good people. I took the two week design/build course and it was wonderful. I left with the confidence to assess my own home and any future home that I may build or purchase. Shelter is the real deal.
Laurie Palagyi
Instructors make sure their lectures are clear and understandable to the students. Great follow through.
David H T Kane
Nothing can beat the hands-on experience that my daughter and I enjoyed for three weeks at the shelter institute. I have kept in touch ever since. I am disappointed that I cannot leave a comment on Pats chainsaw videos. The system does not seem to acknowledge our presence.
Deborah Caldwell
As a second generation carpenter/joiner Shelter Institute's online course is a must for all who are interested in Timber Framing and the enjoyment of life.

I have found the team to be responsive, caring and helpful. A pleasure to deal with.
Enzo Talladira
So far our online courses are phenomenal!!! We love Pat, Gaius, and Blueberry! Gabe is pretty awesome too!!
Kristina Rae Bolduc