The sides of the boxes and lids are thin bands of locally sourced hardwood steamed in a cedar box before they are bent around forms and riveted in their final shape using copper cobbler's tacks--just as they were 200 years ago. The lids and bottoms come from a variety of sources, but most are boards veneered with exotic materials that complement the bands. The outside of the boxes is finished in satin lacquer and the interiors are treated with a combination of beeswax and citrus oil. I'm confident any actual Shaker's would be scandalized by my choice of wild grained and burled lumber over more pragmatic materials.