We believe it is better to buy from your neighbour. This cycles your spending back into the community. Fostering a network of local makers, our store generates sales for more than 150 makers across Canada. We donate 2% of all sales to non-profits in our community through our #CraftChange initiative. Our products are made by authentic artisans across Canada who have devoted their lives to their craft. Each product is made with the intention to last generations, rather than be replaced every few years. We believe the true value of an item should account for its origin, life-cycle, and of course, its story. We value the Canadian traditions of woodworking and industrious crafting that built our nation. We encourage the representation of all cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives in our collection. Using only sustainable materials, we work hard to promote sustainable practices among our makers and our customers.

Our Story

The story behind Maker House Co. dates back to when globalization didn't exist and when furniture was made locally to last. It was a time when we as Canadians bought from neighbour-owned stores, rather than large, foreign-owned stores, and when our ancestors were the blood and sweat behind our economy. This all changed in the mid-1900's when people started to fall in love with cheaply imported items. Folks began to be drawn in by their exotic variety, inexpensive prices, and box-store accessibility. Through our buying habits, we collectively caused our local shops to shut down and forced ourselves to adapt into more globalized careers. However, we're now waking up to the hidden costs of our purchases. We're beginning to notice that planned obsolescence, carbon-footprints, and non-living wages are embedded in the items we buy from far-away lands. We're realizing there is a better, simpler way to get a more meaningful and sustainable version of things. We are now buying local. From supporting craft breweries to purchasing local art, we are redeveloping our communities and creating space for artists to thrive, businesses to grow, and careers to be made. Founded in 2015, our mission is to bring the maker movement to main street retail. Our shop changes the way we engage with both the products we buy and the people who make them. As a social enterprise, we also donate 2% of all sales to local community projects. Maker House Co. is the brainchild of Gareth Davies, representing the convergence of his love for handmade furniture, authentic stories, and community growth. Gareth learned everything he knew about helping others from his mother. Carolyn Davies, who can be seen below to the right, was actively involved in volunteering and nonprofit work her whole life. It was her desire to help others that inspired Gareth to follow his dreams and create the #CraftChange initiative. The seeds of Maker House Co. go back to Gareth's grandfather, Lorne Casey, who can be seen below making a treehouse with his grandchildren, including his youngest, Gareth, in the middle. Lorne was a craftsman, furniture refinisher, and an international furniture buyer for a Toronto department store. It is the furniture pieces passed down to Gareth by his grandfather that he and his wife Sarah cherish the most. Stop by Maker House Co. today to pick up your family's next heirloom. With everything being built to last, you can rest assured knowing your not only buying for yourself, but for your children and their children as well.

Shipping

We are currently only able to ship our products within Canada and the U.S. -- stay tuned for international shipping! We offer free regular shipping in Ontario and Québec for orders over $150, on every product that is eligible to be shipped. There are many small flat items that we can ship for $5 or less throughout North America, in a flat-pack with no tracking (just stamps) -- think artwork, greeting cards, chocolate bars, DIY kits, and more. We also ship bigger items as parcels within Ontario and Quebec for a flat rate of $14.95 per order. We ship via Canada Post, Purolator, ICS in Canada, and USPS and UPS in the United States. Shipping rates are available to you by using the Shipping Estimates Calculator in the cart and when you checkout. The shipping speed will vary based on the option chosen at checkout. You always save money by ordering more products per shipment.

Returns

For Online Shipping Purchases, any regular-priced merchandise in its original condition can be returned within 30-days of the order date, for exchange or store credit only (no refunds). We require that you provide your proof of purchase when returning an item. Return shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer, however, Maker House Co. will cover the shipping on the new order to the same address as the original order.