At Harbor Saunas, we intentionally pour over every detail of our builds, stressing over the experience we provide and the durability of our saunas. By relying heavily on materials that have withstood the test of time, we've carefully constructed saunas that recall and honor the maritime past of the Northeast, while implementing minimal Scandinavian design elements. The end result leaves a modern sauna experience that will age timelessly, no matter where you decide to place it.
Cedar Shakes
Cedar shakes are a time-honored exterior material we use across our builds, selected for their durability and proven performance in harsh coastal environments. Drawing from working maritime architecture, the technique of cross-layering these shakes was developed to withstand wind-driven rain, salt air, and long winters along exposed coastlines. By intentionally layering the cladding, the structure is able to shed water while allowing the assembly beneath to breathe—an approach carried through each installation, with every shake treated and hung entirely by hand.
Cedar
Cedar is a foundational material used throughout our builds, selected for its durability, stability, and natural resistance to moisture in demanding environments. Long utilized in coastal and Nordic construction, it performs reliably across both exterior and interior applications—from cladding and structural elements to benches and wall surfaces. Its ability to withstand exposure while aging with character makes it well-suited to sauna construction, where heat, humidity, and time are constant factors.
Brass
Valued for durability and the way it weathers in corrosive environments, brass is material with a rich history supporting maritime builds.
Within our saunas, it serves as a quiet statement found on the exterior. Over time, its surface softens from bright gold to deeper, richer tones, developing a patina that reflects the passage of time in the surrounding landscape.
Ash
Offered as a premium exterior cladding selection for our saunas, thermally modified ash from Arbor Wood provides exceptional reliability in environments prone to moisture.
With each passing season in the elements, ash will naturally silver, resembling the coastal structures that inspire our builds.
Steel
Selected for its proven performance in exposed environments, we utilize a textured 26-gauge standing seam steel across our sauna roofs. With a documented lifespan exceeding 100 years, this material is integrated to provide lasting protection against severe weather—ensuring the structure is covered by a system built to endure as long as the sauna itself.
Copper
Complementing our exterior brass fixtures, we offer the copper and brass outdoor shower from ORCA, a shower that sits quietly within the elements and will look better with age.
Douglas Fir
Douglas fir is used selectively across our builds for its strength, stability, and clean, consistent grain. Long relied on in structural applications, it offers a dependable foundation where precision and durability matter most.
Olivine Stone
Olivine stone is used within our heaters for its density, durability, and ability to perform under repeated high heat. Its substantial weight allows it to retain and evenly release heat over time, while its naturally rounded form promotes proper airflow between stones. This combination supports a consistent, balanced löyly - producing a softer, more controlled steam that defines a well-functioning sauna experience.
Tempered Glass
Tempered glass is integrated throughout our builds to introduce light, openness, and a direct connection to the surrounding landscape without compromising performance. Engineered for strength and safety, it is designed to withstand the thermal stress of sauna environments while maintaining clarity over time. Used across doors and expansive glazing, it balances durability with restraint - framing views while holding up to the demands of heat, moisture, and daily use.
Request Material Samples
Samples of our hand-selected standard exterior cladding options and roof color profiles are available at no charge.Request a sample kit directly from our production room floor by providing your address below.
Sustainability
Saunas Built For The Decades Ahead
We are dedicated to building saunas that will provide decades of use, meaning the materials we select go beyond their durability and rot resistance. Materials used on our sauna builds support better practices for the health of our planet, including forest preservation and energy efficiency.
