OUR STORY
Locally Owned & Operated Since 1988
From two people in Port Carling with a vision… to five stores, five yards, one timber mill, two lumber mills, a CNC Router, an architectural design subsidiary, a custom finishing shop, a world class windows & doors centre, and an unmatched pride of ownership in Muskoka.
This is our story.
1988
Port Carling: the Beginning
Muskoka Lumber was co-founded in the heart of cottage country. The goal? To go beyond a “one-size-fits-all” approach to customer service, and fill orders the same day whenever possible (with “no charge” delivery).
This required several trucks and a large inventory. From 1988 to 1992 co-founders Paul Donaldson and Bob Potts concentrated on growth, and constructed additional storage buildings on the property to ensure all materials were covered.
1995
Bracebridge: the Second Store
In March of 1993 Muskoka Lumber established their second full-service retail outlet, with a drive-thru pickup area, in Bracebridge.
2025: in the Spring, construction of a new store was completed – and after 32 years on Wellington St., Muskoka Lumber in Bracebridge relocated to 29 Salmon Ave.
1993
Bala: Serving South & West
In May of 1995 Muskoka Lumber expanded their service area to South and West Muskoka – allowing customers faster access to basic building supplies, and a greater selection of building materials & custom-milled lumber products.
2003
Architectural Design Centre:
Officially Launched
After years of helping customers draft plans for their cottages, co-founders predicted that government certified plans would be needed – and the Muskoka Lumber Architectural Design Centre was launched in 2003.
2026: with 1,400+ projects in its portfolio, it became clear that the Muskoka Lumber Architectural Design Centre was no longer a “service.”
It was an entity.
Named for the first structures designed for the shores of Lakes Joseph & Rosseau, jo/ross design inc. was established.
1995
Muskoka Lumber Finishing Shop:
the Final Touches
With a vast selection of custom-milled lumber and timber products now available, the addition of a custom finishing shop was a natural step in Muskoka Lumber’s evolution.
Now, customers can save time and money by sending interior/exterior products to the “paint shop” for pre-finishing. Compared to painting on site after installation, advanced machinery & paint lines produce a better-quality texture & finish ahead of time; and the process can be tailored to a customer’s specific creative vision.
2013
MacTier: Serving North & West
With a location in MacTier, Muskoka Lumber bolstered their ability to better serve customers who are a little further North, and West (closer to Seguin and Parry Sound/Georgian Bay Townships).
2014
Huntsville: Fifth Store, Third Mill
In addition to being the most Northeastern location to date, Huntsville is home to another Mill; and a Mill on this side of Muskoka achieves a whole new level of custom manufacturing (and customer service).
Now, Muskoka Lumber has a Timber Mill, two Lumber Mills, and a CNC Router for Specially Manufactured Products.
2018
Window & Door Centre: a Clear Choice
“Frame-by-Frame,” Muskoka Lumber continues to build an expansive suite of quality products and services.
They had always carried windows and doors, but their 30th year in business marked the launch of their dedicated “Window & Door Centre.”
Here, clientele are supplied with state-of-the-art, customizable window & door solutions, pro installation, and ongoing local service.
2025: surpassing what you expect to find at a lumber yard, this growing division received its own brand. Visit: Windows & Doors by Muskoka Lumber
Looking forward.
We will continue to “push past the tree line” of what a typical lumber store will provide. Read “Our Pledge” to know our vision.