What do Mounties and teak furniture have in common? A distinctive look that has stood the test of time, and a long history of reliability.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police is nearly 150 years old (they celebrate the milestone in 2023). Their distinctive red serge and Stetson hats are recognizable around the world.
Teak furniture has been around for considerably longer – it’s been used for centuries, and it’s not uncommon for individual pieces of teak furniture to be passed down through generations.
Like the Mounties, brothers John and Trevor Philbrick, owners of Muskoka Team in Port Carling, also place a premium on personal values like honesty, integrity, accountability, and respect.
It’s why they insist on only designing and carrying the very best in outdoor furniture and umbrellas.
They started their business over two decades ago with custom-designed and -produced teak furniture sustainably sourced from Indonesia. John and Trevor continue to evolve their product lines.
“Our teak furniture will provide superior comfort and style for many years to come,” says John. “We have many different table and chair styles along with unique benches and loungers and functional accessories to complete your outdoor living space.”
Teak furniture is incredibly low-maintenance. The wood is naturally repellent to water, wood-boring insects, and fungus. It won’t warp or crack, and it may never need to be replaced. It can be left outdoors year-round, and will develop a gorgeous silvery-grey patina. You can also oil the wood if you’d rather, and keep it looking fresh and new.
John and Trevor love to innovate, and are constantly adding new products, including a line of furniture that combines the durability and strength of teak and stainless steel with the comfort of their renowned batyline sling.
Sofas, loungers, club chairs and other items are built to last and ready for your enjoyment. All components are water resistant, preventing moisture from causing rot and allowing you the convenience of leaving everything outside through the spring, summer, and fall.
Stainless steel is a natural complement to teak – resistant to corrosion, durable, and with a high tensile strength, it too is made to last. The batyline fabric is a top-of-the-line French-made 100 percent synthetic material that is durable and resistant to rot and mildew. It’s every bit as comfortable as traditional cushions but it doesn’t need to be brought in every time it rains.
“Our products have the strength and beauty you want for your family and friends,” says Trevor. “They’ll last a lifetime.”
Outstanding umbrellas
Choosing the right umbrella means considering its strength, durability, style, and function.
It’s why John and Trevor found the very best umbrellas in the world for their Muskoka Teak clientele.
They carry three different lines of umbrellas, produced in Canada, Italy, and the United States by renowned manufacturers with three budget levels in mind.
FIM umbrellas are made in Canada with Italian parts that are imported for assembly, with canvases that are sewn on these shores as well. An easy to operate 360-degree rotation gives you ample coverage when you need it.
While high quality in form and function, FIM umbrellas aren’t built for wider spaces. That’s where Frankford and Tuuci models come into play.
Frankford cantilever umbrellas feature a 360-degree rotation and a tilt system providing multiple angles to allow for maximum shade at all times of the day. The mast and critical joints are aluminum, the hardware is stainless steel, and it’s built to withstand strong winds. It also comes with various mounting options.
However, there is only one option for those wanting the number-one umbrella: Tuuci. The strongest umbrellas on the market, they are regarded as the world’s best and will last a lifetime.
Exclusively produced with marine-grade materials in Miami, Tuuci umbrellas are built to handle extreme elemental swings. A market-best canopy and a frame built to last generations mean you won’t need to buy another umbrella.
“It’s the most luxurious umbrella you can find anywhere,” explains Trevor. “Nothing beats a Tuuci.”
Visit the store
At the Muskoka Teak showroom in Port Carling, the experts can help you find the best fit for your space.
It’s easy to find: just look for the iconic teak moose and other Canadian wildlife sculptures out front to know you’ve arrived.
Whether it’s a 12-person dining table, the right sized umbrella, or a coffee table for your Muskoka room, John and Trevor will provide the advice and assistance you need.
“We want you to enjoy our products and we’ll help you find the right fit for your cottage,” says John.
Adds Trevor: “We’ll make sure you have comfortable, durable and exceptionally built products for your family and friends to enjoy.”
TEXT CHRIS OCCHIUZZI | PHOTOS ANDREW FEARMAN