Everything I make is listed for sale here on the website once it’s finished and ready to ship. I release new work in small batches a few times a year, and I always announce the date in advance through my newsletter and on Instagram and Facebook, so you’ll know when to check the site. Once a piece sells, there are no more until the next batch is completed.

If you’re hoping for something particular, send me a note through the contact page — I read every one, and what folks ask for helps shape what I make next.

The full story is on the How purchasing works page.

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 Size #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.

New work comes out in small batches a few times a year, 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.

No — I stick to the pieces I already make, so I don’t take on custom projects like new shapes or unusual sizes.

That said, I always welcome your input. If there’s a size, finish, or lining you’d like to see, feel free to send me a note — I read every one that comes in, and what folks ask for helps shape what I make next.

I no longer offer traditional wholesale pricing, but I’m always happy to talk with folks planning a class, retreat, or special project. A couple of times a year I take on a larger order for a group — these get planned well in advance, so if you have something in mind, write me early.

No — everything goes up on the website at the announced time, and I can’t sell pieces ahead of a release, since others may be watching for the same piece. Once a piece sells, there are no more until the next batch is completed.
You’re welcome to send me a note about what you’re hoping for, though. What folks ask for helps shape future batches.

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

No — I ship within the United States only.

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 — the real thing, mixed fresh from powder in the shop) or traditional dyes. Each piece is sealed with pure tung oil — two coats on painted pieces, five on natural.

Yes — every part of every piece passes through my hands. The logs are milled right here on my property, and from there every step is mine: the pine dries in my own kiln, I plane and cut every board to size, 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.