There are two ways to purchase my work:

Online sales:
I release a new batch every couple of months—usually around 150 pieces per batch. All items are finished and ready to ship when listed and are sold on a first-come, first-served basis through my website.
I always announce the date in advance through my newsletter and on Instagram and Facebook, so you’ll know when to check the site.

Submit a request:
While I don’t accept advance payment or guarantee delivery dates, I do welcome input. If you’re looking for a particular size, finish, or style, you can fill out a request form or send me an email. I track all requests to help guide future batches.
If something you’ve asked about becomes available, I’ll send a quick email to check if you’re still interested—no commitment required.

It varies, but in most years I produce around 800 finished items—including boxes, trays, carriers, and the occasional special project.

Not currently. I offered materials for a short time, but it pulled me away from the workshop more than I’d like. These days, I’m focusing on finished pieces. If that ever changes, I’ll be sure to mention it in the newsletter.

These days I tend to focus on the more popular sizes—typically #7 and smaller. That said, I’ve made boxes as large as size #20 (think coffee table size), and every now and then I get the urge to make a few.
If you’re hoping to find one of the larger boxes, be sure to sign up for my newsletter—I always announce when a batch includes them.

Each piece is individually handcrafted, and natural materials like wood always bring some variation. The photos in the gallery section are meant to show the range of finishes and styles I offer. They’re good examples but are not photos of the exact piece you’ll receive.
If you're ever unhappy with your purchase, please don't hesitate to contact me. I want you to be satisfied, and I am happy to arrange a return or exchange.

I typically have new items available every 8 to 10 weeks, depending on what I’m making, milling needs, and other factors. I always announce availability at least a day in advance through my newsletter and social media.

I’m happy to hear from folks looking for something specific. While I don’t usually take on fully custom projects (like new shapes or unusual sizes), I can sometimes make small adjustments to existing designs—such as adding a recessed lid to one of my standard box sizes.
If you have something in mind, feel free to reach out. If I can’t accommodate it now, I’ll keep your idea in mind for future batches. Your input really does help guide what happens in the workshop.

I no longer offer traditional wholesale pricing, but I’m always happy to talk with folks planning a class, retreat, or special project. If you're a teacher, designer, or craftsperson organizing a workshop or working on something unique, feel free to contact me.

All pieces are sold on a first-come, first-served basis once the online sale goes live. I can't sell items listed in the newsletter in advance, since others may be watching for the same piece.
You're welcome to submit a request for a similar piece, though. I track these for future batches and will email you if something you asked about becomes available—no commitment required.

Shipping is free within the United States via USPS Ground Advantage or UPS Ground.

Not at this time—I currently ship only within the United States. If that ever changes, I’ll be sure to announce it in the newsletter.

Of course. If you're not home to receive your package, just leave a note at checkout or email me after placing your order. I’ll be happy to hold it and ship when you're ready.

This is one of the most common questions I get, and I completely understand how frustrating it can be.
Items aren’t reserved when you add them to your cart—whoever completes checkout first gets the item. With limited batches (and often only one of each piece), this is unfortunately the only fair and practical way to handle sales during a release.

For those interested, here are a few tips that may help you check out a bit quicker:

• Use a fast checkout method like PayPal, Venmo, or the Shop app
• Create an account ahead of time and save your shipping info
• Log in a few minutes early so you’re ready to go right at launch
• Check out quickly if there’s something you want—then come back and place another order for anything else that catches your eye (I automatically combine orders that ship to the same address)

If something sells out before you can grab it, please know I appreciate your interest—and I’ll do my best to include similar pieces in future batches.

Most packages are shipped via USPS Ground Advantage. Larger boxes may ship via UPS Ground. Once payment is received, I typically ship within three business days.
Tracking information is sent automatically to your email. If you haven’t received it within three business days, feel free to email me at robert@lehays.com.

Absolutely. Many customers place several quick orders during a release to avoid missing specific items. My shipping software automatically combines orders with the same shipping address.

If your shipping address is incorrect, please contact me as soon as possible. I usually start packing the day after orders are placed, and the address is pulled directly from your order into my shipping software—so I won’t catch an error unless you let me know.
If the order hasn’t shipped yet, I can usually correct it. Once it’s out the door, I may not be able to redirect it.

Of course! Just leave a note at checkout or send me an email after placing your order, and I’ll be happy to include a message with the package.

I’ve been making Shaker boxes since 1993, initially selling them with Shaker-style furniture I built with my parents. After a few years, I focused on boxes full-time and have continued to do so ever since.

All lumber is milled on-site from logs sourced through local woodsmen here in Maine. The sides of my boxes, trays, and carriers are made from maple, birch, or ash. Tops and bottoms are made from quartersawn Eastern white pine, and the carrier handles are made from ash.
Fasteners are copper tacks made on original 19th-century machines. Finishes are either milk paint (from the Old Fashioned Milk Paint Company) or traditional dyes. A high-quality tung oil topcoat is applied to protect each piece.

Yes—every part of every piece is made by me using traditional methods. I mill my own lumber, cut each swallowtail joint by hand, and use historical finishing and fastening techniques throughout. These aren’t kits or mass-produced items—they’re made start to finish, by hand.

In 1993, I learned how to make Shaker boxes at the Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village here in Maine. It was a wonderful place to learn the trade—if you ever get the chance to visit, I highly recommend it.

Minimal care is needed. The traditional finishes I use are designed to deepen and improve with age.

• Wipe occasionally with a slightly damp (not wet) cloth
• Furniture polish is fine in moderation, but avoid saturating the surface
• For Antiqued Natural finishes, be gentle—excess moisture or rubbing can lift the dye
• Avoid placing your item near heat sources or in very dry environments

Tops and bottoms are made from solid wood (not plywood), so a bit of seasonal movement is natural. In extremely dry conditions, you might notice minor gapping between the board and the band. This is cosmetic and will often self-correct once humidity levels return to normal.

Just me. I handle everything from milling and building to finishing, packing, shipping, and even the computer work. Tricia, my wife, occasionally helps with emails or a blog post, but she’s usually busy with her own antiques business.

My workshop is in Embden, Maine, on 24 wooded acres. It’s a small, rural town in central Maine—about halfway between Waterville and the Sugarloaf Mountain ski area, and roughly two hours northwest of Portland.
I’m not on the coast—think more woods, hills, and dirt roads than lighthouses and lobster boats!

Yes—visits are welcome by appointment. Please note this is a working shop, not a showroom or formal retail space, and depending on where I am in the production cycle, I may or may not have finished pieces on hand to view.
That said, I’m always happy to show visitors around—just give me a couple of days’ notice so I can plan ahead.