--- title: "Shelter Institute" description: "Shelter Institute is a timber-frame and post-and-beam school on US-1 in Woolwich, Maine, that teaches people to design and build their own homes; the compa" doc_version: "2026-10-29" last_updated: "2026-10-29" --- # Shelter Institute **Trade:** Carpentry · **Address:** 873 US-1, Woolwich, ME 04579 · **Phone:** (207) 442-7938 · **Website:** http://shelterinstitute.com/ · **Languages:** English **Rating: 3.9/5** (high confidence) — from 21 reviews across 7 sources. 95% of sentiment-scored reviews read net-positive. Last 6 months: 8 reviews, 0 negative. ## The honest read Shelter Institute is a timber-frame and post-and-beam school on US-1 in Woolwich, Maine, that teaches people to design and build their own homes; the company says it has been doing so since 1974 and reports 52 years in business. Alongside the courses it runs a store, and a 2023 reviewer recommended stopping in to browse its book collection. It also takes hired work: in a 2016 Houzz review, one client said Shelter supplied a post and beam frame with second-story flooring and a roof, that a P.E. on staff analyzed and approved changes, and that the client hired Shelter again to design and build a second structure, finished in the summer of 2015. A 2024 Reddit commenter said Shelter can be hired for engineered plans accepted under the Maine building code. Google shows 4.8 stars from 26 ratings and Houzz 5.0 from 3. A July 2026 reviewer who took both the Purely Post & Beam and Design & Build courses called the instructors world-class and said the team breaks complex building down into understandable principles. A March 2026 reviewer said the one-week Purely Post & Beam course ended with the class raising a high-quality timber frame structure and leaving with a set of tools. Another July 2026 reviewer said that at the end, the staff welcomed the whole class into their homes for a shared meal. On Reddit's timber-frame forum, several past students recommend the course. A May 2026 commenter put Shelter at $4,500 with tools included. Cost comes up as a caution: a 2024 commenter said Shelter's prices were significantly higher than the other two schools being compared, and a 2025 commenter called it a bit pricey while adding "Nothing against them." A 2025 commenter said its classes sell out fairly quickly. A 2024 reviewer suggested the two-week Design & Build course had lots of students for one teacher, so not every question got answered. In a 2023 r/maine thread, a commenter said Shelter has been around a long time and is solid. **Strengths:** - World-class instructors — a July 2026 reviewer praised the teaching on two courses - Hands-on frame raising — a March 2026 class raised a timber frame by week's end - Engineer on staff — a 2016 Houzz client had frame changes analyzed and approved **Concerns:** - Course cost — 2024 and 2025 Reddit commenters flagged price; confirm current fees - Class size — a 2024 reviewer found one teacher stretched across many students **Where sources disagree:** - A 2024 Reddit commenter said they had heard mixed things about Shelter, while the quoted reviews are positive. - A 2025 Reddit commenter liked the hands-on courses but was not a fan of Shelter's frame designs. ## Claims & citations Every claim below is backed by real evidence rows — uncited claims are dropped in code before publication. - Shelter Institute says it has helped people design, build and live in their own homes since 1974, and reports 52 years in business. _(confidence: high)_ - [Official Website](http://shelterinstitute.com) — “About (self-reported, verbatim): Since 1974, we've empowered thousands to design, build, and live in homes that reflect their values—creatin…” - [Official Website](http://shelterinstitute.com) — “Self-reported 52 years in business” - Google shows 4.8 stars from 26 ratings; Houzz shows 5.0 stars from 3 ratings. _(confidence: high)_ - [Google](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Shelter%20Institute&query_place_id=ChIJrfj79tSRrUwRutV3M5U7X2k) — “Google: 4.8★ from 26 ratings” - [Houzz](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/shelter-institute-pfvwus-pf~847904190) — “Houzz: 5.0★ from 3 ratings” - A July 2026 reviewer who took both the Purely Post & Beam and Design & Build courses called the instructors world-class. _(confidence: high)_ - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT21vdFpuaHJRVkV6V25KaFVVSndiMDFyVWtwS2RrRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x695f3b953377d5ba!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOmotZnhrQVEzWnJhUUJwb01rUkpKdkE%7C%7C?hl=en-US) — “5★ Over the last year, I’ve taken both the Purely Post & Beam and Design & Build courses, and together they’ve fundamentally changed how I t…” - A March 2026 reviewer said the one-week Purely Post & Beam course ended with the class raising a timber frame structure and leaving with a set of tools. _(confidence: high)_ - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT2pWSVNEVXlNRXhvZUVkWFJITmhaRVZvU2t4M00yYxAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x695f3b953377d5ba!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOjVISDUyMExoeEdXRHNhZEVoSkx3M2c%7C%7C?hl=en-US) — “5★ The Shelter Institute is Awesome. My Sons and I recently attended the 1-Week Purely Post & Beam In-Person Course with 23 other students f…” - In a 2016 Houzz review, a client said Shelter's on-staff P.E. analyzed and approved changes to a hired post and beam frame, and the client hired Shelter again for a second structure. _(confidence: medium)_ - [Houzz](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/shelter-institute-pfvwus-pf~847904190) — “5★ I hired Shelter to provide a post and beam frame with second story flooring and roof. The presence of a P.E. on their staff allowed modif…” - A 2024 Reddit commenter said Shelter can be hired for engineered plans accepted under the Maine building code. _(confidence: medium)_ - [reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/Maine/comments/1btkbnx/architects_for_timberframed_homes/kxoheas/) — “r/Maine — I have great things to say about shelter having taking the course and used their plans for building. They can be hired for enginee…” - Several past students on Reddit's timber-frame forum recommend Shelter's course. _(confidence: medium)_ - [reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/timberframe/comments/1cpxdco/heartwood_school_vs_shelter_institute_vs_fox_maple/l3osxmw/) — “r/timberframe — I did shelter. Full walk through of how to build a 24’x24, 1 1/2 story structure. Loved the class (went in with some experi…” - [reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/timberframe/comments/1cpxdco/heartwood_school_vs_shelter_institute_vs_fox_maple/l4r31hr/) — “r/timberframe — I took the Shelter Institute class as well and found it very valuable.” - [reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/timberframe/comments/1pnqiiv/online_courses_japanese_or_shelter_institute_post/nu9wrs0/) — “r/timberframe — Again, I took the Shelter course. Highly recommend it.” - [reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/timberframe/comments/1tr8u6h/where_to_start/oon2sdx/) — “r/timberframe — Having done the in person course in 2024, it is 100% worth it to set your skills baseline.” - A May 2026 Reddit commenter put Shelter's course at $4,500 with tools included. _(confidence: medium)_ - [reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/timberframe/comments/1tr8u6h/where_to_start/oonv02y/) — “r/timberframe — Then shelter is 4500 and comes with tools.” - A 2024 Reddit commenter said Shelter's prices were significantly higher than two other schools being compared; a 2025 commenter called it a bit pricey. _(confidence: medium)_ - [reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/timberframe/comments/1cpxdco/heartwood_school_vs_shelter_institute_vs_fox_maple/) — “r/timberframe — Heartwood school vs Shelter Institute vs Fox Maple” - [reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/timberframe/comments/1cpxdco/heartwood_school_vs_shelter_institute_vs_fox_maple/l3pbmt0/) — “r/timberframe — Shelter's prices are *significantly* higher than the other two.” - [reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/timberframe/comments/1lnjkqw/where_to_start/n0rdsfq/) — “r/timberframe — the Shelter Institute might be overkill because they are a bit pricey. Nothing against them.” - A 2024 reviewer said the two-week Design & Build course had lots of students for one teacher, so not every question got answered. _(confidence: medium)_ - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUREMWRMNlZREAE!2m1!1s0x0:0x695f3b953377d5ba!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgIDD1dL6VQ%7C%7C?hl=en-US) — “5★ The course, the people, the experience.. everything was amazing! I’m very happy to have taken this class. I’m a three year Carpenter and …” - A 2025 Reddit commenter said Shelter's classes sell out fairly quickly. _(confidence: low)_ - [reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/timberframe/comments/1lnjkqw/where_to_start/n0nixra/) — “r/timberframe — I have had my eyes on shelter for a while but they also sell out fairly quickly” - A 2023 reviewer recommended visiting Shelter's store and its book collection. _(confidence: medium)_ - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNGM2Z6U0dREAE!2m1!1s0x0:0x695f3b953377d5ba!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgICF3fzSGQ%7C%7C?hl=en-US) — “5★ I have taken the design and build course as well as the post and beam course. the classes are very comprehensive in their approach and t…” - Specializes in Carpentry _(confidence: high)_ - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT21vdFpuaHJRVkV6V25KaFVVSndiMDFyVWtwS2RrRRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x695f3b953377d5ba!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOmotZnhrQVEzWnJhUUJwb01rUkpKdkE%7C%7C?hl=en-US) — “5★ Over the last year, I’ve taken both the Purely Post & Beam and Design & Build courses, and together they’ve fundamentally changed how I t…” - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sCi9DQUlRQUNvZENodHljRjlvT2pWSVNEVXlNRXhvZUVkWFJITmhaRVZvU2t4M00yYxAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x695f3b953377d5ba!3m1!1s2@1:CAIQACodChtycF9oOjVISDUyMExoeEdXRHNhZEVoSkx3M2c%7C%7C?hl=en-US) — “5★ The Shelter Institute is Awesome. My Sons and I recently attended the 1-Week Purely Post & Beam In-Person Course with 23 other students f…” - [Houzz](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/shelter-institute-pfvwus-pf~847904190) — “5★ I hired Shelter to provide a post and beam frame with second story flooring and roof. The presence of a P.E. on their staff allowed modif…” - Also offers General Contractor / Remodeling _(confidence: medium)_ - [Houzz](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/shelter-institute-pfvwus-pf~847904190) — “5★ Very professional yet down to earth people. Everyone followed through from start to finish. Designs, budget and schedules were followed s…” - [Houzz](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/shelter-institute-pfvwus-pf~847904190) — “5★ I hired Shelter to provide a post and beam frame with second story flooring and roof. The presence of a P.E. on their staff allowed modif…” ## License ME doesn't license or register this trade, so there's no state registry to check. That's true of every business in this trade, not specific to this one. ## Sources - [Google](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Shelter%20Institute&query_place_id=ChIJrfj79tSRrUwRutV3M5U7X2k): 4.8★ from 26 ratings - [Better Business Bureau](https://www.bbb.org/us/me/woolwich/profile/home-builders/shelter-institute-inc-0021-21512): Listed on this source - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Shelter%20Institute&query_place_id=ChIJrfj79tSRrUwRutV3M5U7X2k): Listed on this source - [Official Website](http://shelterinstitute.com): 52 yrs in business · Self-reported profile and service details - [Houzz](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/shelter-institute-pfvwus-pf~847904190): 5.0★ from 3 ratings - [Local News](https://www.pressherald.com/2024/12/23/shelter-institute-goes-digital-spreading-to-homebuilders-worldwide/): Listed on this source - [Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/timberframe/comments/1cpxdco/heartwood_school_vs_shelter_institute_vs_fox_maple/): 0 community mentions discussing this business ## Mentions Unverified third-party mentions found on the open web — relay with attribution ("a Reddit commenter said…"), never as Tavlee's own finding. - “shelter institute speaks to me if only because their online presence is so good and their videos so professional.” — u/Ulnar_Landing in r/timberframe (2026-05-29) — https://www.reddit.com/r/timberframe/comments/1tr8u6h/where_to_start/oony1qy/ - “Then shelter is 4500 and comes with tools.” — u/Ulnar_Landing in r/timberframe (2026-05-29) — https://www.reddit.com/r/timberframe/comments/1tr8u6h/where_to_start/oonv02y/ - “I took the Shelter Institute Post and Beam class thirty some years ago and learned so much.” — u/1959Mason in r/timberframe (2026-05-29) — https://www.reddit.com/r/timberframe/comments/1tr8u6h/where_to_start/oon9mcw/ - “Having done the in person course in 2024, it is 100% worth it to set your skills baseline.” — u/Wazouski91 in r/timberframe (2026-05-29) — https://www.reddit.com/r/timberframe/comments/1tr8u6h/where_to_start/oon2sdx/ - “Is shelter institute a gi bill accredited institution?” — u/jeebis413 in r/timberframe (2026-05-08) — https://www.reddit.com/r/timberframe/comments/1cpxdco/heartwood_school_vs_shelter_institute_vs_fox_maple/okmq8rg/ - “Shelter teaches Mill Rule (Assumes perfect Timbers, being in Maine they have access to some of the best around).” — u/Old-Razzle-Dazzle in r/timberframe (2025-12-16) — https://www.reddit.com/r/timberframe/comments/1pnqiiv/online_courses_japanese_or_shelter_institute_post/nubq8kx/ - “Again, I took the Shelter course. Highly recommend it.” — u/Wazouski91 in r/timberframe (2025-12-16) — https://www.reddit.com/r/timberframe/comments/1pnqiiv/online_courses_japanese_or_shelter_institute_post/nu9wrs0/ - “other is Shelter Institute Post & Beam” — u/Opening-Fortune1159 in r/timberframe (2025-12-16) — https://www.reddit.com/r/timberframe/comments/1pnqiiv/online_courses_japanese_or_shelter_institute_post/ - “the Shelter Institute might be overkill because they are a bit pricey. Nothing against them.” — u/Unusual_Middle5069 in r/timberframe (2025-07-01) — https://www.reddit.com/r/timberframe/comments/1lnjkqw/where_to_start/n0rdsfq/ - “I have had my eyes on shelter for a while but they also sell out fairly quickly” — u/Thin_Match_602 in r/timberframe (2025-06-30) — https://www.reddit.com/r/timberframe/comments/1lnjkqw/where_to_start/n0nixra/ - “Are you looking at the Shelter online class? It's well filmed and informative” — u/Insomniac-Rabbits in r/timberframe (2025-06-30) — https://www.reddit.com/r/timberframe/comments/1lnjkqw/where_to_start/n0ngdyt/ - “learning from someone like Shelter Institute is great idea.” — u/VermontFrames in r/timberframe (2025-06-30) — https://www.reddit.com/r/timberframe/comments/1lnjkqw/where_to_start/n0l37hi/ - “The shelter institute is about as good as it gets.” — u/President_Camacho in r/timberframe (2025-06-30) — https://www.reddit.com/r/timberframe/comments/1lnjkqw/where_to_start/n0hv7l8/ - “I started with a pair of sawhorses from shelter institute. I learned a lot from the project and the horses have been invaluable.” — u/Mission-Spell-5796 in r/timberframe (2025-06-29) — https://www.reddit.com/r/timberframe/comments/1lnjkqw/where_to_start/n0h3005/ - “Shelters great for introductory classes, and they do a lot of them. I’m not a fan of their frame designs but the courses offer a lot of hands on experience.” — u/madfarmer1 in r/timberframe (2025-06-29) — https://www.reddit.com/r/timberframe/comments/1lnjkqw/where_to_start/n0fpmsr/ - “Does anyone have experience with the Shelter Institute Design + Build classes?” — u/Thin_Match_602 in r/timberframe (2025-06-29) — https://www.reddit.com/r/timberframe/comments/1lnjkqw/where_to_start/ - “Shelter Institute video showing the start of a 24'x36' doug fir and SIP home.” — u/Opcn in r/purelivingonyoutube (2025-01-17) — https://www.reddit.com/r/purelivingonyoutube/comments/1i3dfq9/shelter_institute_video_showing_the_start_of_a/ - “I took the Shelter Institute class as well and found it very valuable.” — u/Specific-Welder3031 in r/timberframe (2024-05-19) — https://www.reddit.com/r/timberframe/comments/1cpxdco/heartwood_school_vs_shelter_institute_vs_fox_maple/l4r31hr/ - “I've spoken to the guys from Shelter extensively, great guys (and girls), very knowledgeable.” — u/BuiltForCenturies in r/timberframe (2024-05-15) — https://www.reddit.com/r/timberframe/comments/1cpxdco/heartwood_school_vs_shelter_institute_vs_fox_maple/l44q9qd/ - “Shelter's prices are *significantly* higher than the other two.” — u/Clark_Dent in r/timberframe (2024-05-12) — https://www.reddit.com/r/timberframe/comments/1cpxdco/heartwood_school_vs_shelter_institute_vs_fox_maple/l3pbmt0/ - “What are the mixed reviews on shelter? I’ll give you my honest opinion” — u/WilliamDearborn88 in r/timberframe (2024-05-12) — https://www.reddit.com/r/timberframe/comments/1cpxdco/heartwood_school_vs_shelter_institute_vs_fox_maple/l3ot04z/ - “I did shelter. Full walk through of how to build a 24’x24, 1 1/2 story structure. Loved the class (went in with some experience already) totally worth it for the serious person.” — u/WilliamDearborn88 in r/timberframe (2024-05-12) — https://www.reddit.com/r/timberframe/comments/1cpxdco/heartwood_school_vs_shelter_institute_vs_fox_maple/l3osxmw/ - “Heartwood school vs Shelter Institute vs Fox Maple” — u/RicketyCricket001 in r/timberframe (2024-05-12) — https://www.reddit.com/r/timberframe/comments/1cpxdco/heartwood_school_vs_shelter_institute_vs_fox_maple/ - “what custom plans from the Shelter Inst for a single story 1400 sq ft house would cost?” — u/MaineMan1234 in r/Maine (2024-04-02) — https://www.reddit.com/r/Maine/comments/1btkbnx/architects_for_timberframed_homes/kxovchv/ - “My only negative reference to Shelter was 2nd hand from a family friend who specializes in timber frame construction” — u/MaineMan1234 in r/Maine (2024-04-02) — https://www.reddit.com/r/Maine/comments/1btkbnx/architects_for_timberframed_homes/kxoulws/ - “I have great things to say about shelter having taking the course and used their plans for building. They can be hired for engineered plans that are accepted in the Maine building code.” — u/WilliamDearborn88 in r/Maine (2024-04-02) — https://www.reddit.com/r/Maine/comments/1btkbnx/architects_for_timberframed_homes/kxoheas/ - “I’ve had good experiences with Shelter Institute. I took their one week long timber frame class then went ahead and built one of their frame designs for a client. All went well. Their tool store is fa…” — u/1959Mason in r/Maine (2024-04-02) — https://www.reddit.com/r/Maine/comments/1btkbnx/architects_for_timberframed_homes/kxnn9e7/ - “https://linktr.ee/shelterinstitute” — u/InterstellarDeathPur in r/Maine (2024-04-02) — https://www.reddit.com/r/Maine/comments/1btkbnx/architects_for_timberframed_homes/kxmlt6l/ - “The shelter institute in Woolwich is a good starting point” — u/FragilousSpectunkery in r/Maine (2024-04-02) — https://www.reddit.com/r/Maine/comments/1btkbnx/architects_for_timberframed_homes/kxmklf0/ - “I contacted the Shelter institute but have heard mixed things about them.” — u/MaineMan1234 in r/Maine (2024-04-02) — https://www.reddit.com/r/Maine/comments/1btkbnx/architects_for_timberframed_homes/ ## Recent reviews - **5/5 · Google Reviews · Nelson S · 2026-08-25**: Catherine and Leanne are very welcoming and professional. The information they provided on the classes on offer helped me gain momentum as regards a decision-making process. Thank you all for informing me as to the products and classes on offer here. Much appreciated. - **5/5 · Google Reviews · Tim Johnson · 2026-08-18**: This is a great place to find chisels, saws, blades, and lots of other sharp tools. It's a must stop for the woodworker in your family. - **5/5 · Google Reviews · Daniel Deitrick · 2026-07-22**: Over the last year, I’ve taken both the Purely Post & Beam and Design & Build courses, and together they’ve fundamentally changed how I think about building. The team at Shelter has an incredible ability to break down what might seem overwhelmingly complex into a set of understandable principles. B… - **5/5 · Google Reviews · Nick · 2026-07-21**: I had a great experience and I recommend the course to anyone who has ever thought about timber frame construction. This has been one my list of must do's. I am so glad I had the time and oportumity to learn from these good folks. A very personal hands one friendly environment. In the end, they welc… - **5/5 · Google Reviews · Jesse jimerson · 2026-05-18**: I ordered tools off of their website a month in advance of when I would need them to be included in a package. I am shipping across country. Within just a few hours, I had shipping confirmation and a delivery date for the next day. I live in Maine and I’m very close so I did not expect a long wait b… - **5/5 · Google Reviews · Mirai R · 2026-05-14**: lots of beautifull toold to play with I love them specially japanese made ones - **5/5 · Google Reviews · Wyatt McCulley · 2026-05-13**: Awesome people, great to work with, a true family affair. If you're looking for a quick, cheap experience look elsewhere. This team is thorough and rich in history and knowledge. This is where you go to ask questions, learn, become competent and self sufficient. They will build you a house or be mor… - **5/5 · Google Reviews · Lincoln Ross · 2026-05-05**: This place is amazing and very friendly staff. So many interesting tools that you can't find anywhere else. - **5/5 · Google Reviews · Barry C · 2026-03-22**: The Shelter Institute is Awesome. My Sons and I recently attended the 1-Week Purely Post & Beam In-Person Course with 23 other students from across the country. It was a combination of design, engineering and mainly hands-on wood working and construction. The Staff did an outstanding job teaching th… - **5/5 · Google Reviews · Mike · 2025-12-12**: Amazing team. Incredible courses. The perfect blend of family run and enterprising organization. Everyone has a great sense of humor, long tenure, and all the expertise you'd want. I look for any excuse to visit or to take another in person course. I'm always inspired and enthusiastic after experien… --- Data freshness: last scanned 2026-10-17T05:34:12.665Z. Cite as: Shelter Institute — Tavlee (https://tavlee.com/contractor/shelter-institute-woolwich) Source: https://tavlee.com/contractor/shelter-institute-woolwich ## Sitemap [Full site index](https://tavlee.com/sitemap.md)