Enduring Beauty in Extreme Conditions: Richlite in Cedar & Stone Saunas
- Ciana
- Jun 13
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 24
At Richlite, we’re proud to be part of projects that push the boundaries of design and durability. Cedar & Stone’s saunas are a perfect example – structures that must perform in some of the harshest environments, from humid interiors to freezing exteriors. Our material doesn’t just survive these extremes – it thrives in them.
When Cedar & Stone chooses Richlite, it’s because it meets their high standards for performance, sustainability, and aesthetics. And we’re honored to be part of their story.
Why Richlite Works for Saunas
Saunas are a true test of material integrity. Interior temperatures can exceed 200°F, while exteriors may face subzero snowstorms. Richlite’s dimensional stability and resistance to warping, cracking, or expanding make it ideal for these conditions.
Made from post-consumer recycled paper and thermosetting resin, Richlite is:
Heat-Resistant: Maintains structural integrity in high temperatures.
Low-Maintenance: Doesn’t require sealing or refinishing.
Dimensionally Stable: Withstands extreme temperature shifts without warping or cracking.
Cedar & Stone uses Richlite for everything from benches and shelving to stove surrounds and even custom sauna temperature sensors, wherever performance and precision matter most.
“Richlite gives us the freedom to design boldly without sacrificing durability. It’s one of the few materials that can handle the extremes of sauna life while still looking refined.” – Cedar & Stone Design Director
A Shared Commitment to Sustainability
Cedar & Stone’s values align closely with our own. They design with longevity and environmental responsibility in mind – principles that are embedded in every sheet of Richlite.
Regionally Made: Manufactured in the Pacific Northwest, Richlite supports local economies and reduces transportation emissions.
Sustainably Sourced: Made from up-cycled paper fiber, we turn waste into a high-performance material.
Design-Driven: Our matte finish and rich tones complement natural wood and Nordic-inspired aesthetics, enhancing both form and function.
“Name another cladding or surface that you can put in the dishwasher every night for fifteen years and it will still look exactly the same. What I love about Richlite is how it is equal parts simple, modern, and lasting. It makes a great exterior cladding for saunas because it is so durable.” - Joel Vikre, Co-Founder and Chief of Design & Innovation
Featured Projects
Seattle Sauna Co. Floating Sauna – Lake Union, WA
Moored on Lake Union, the Seattle Sauna Co. is a floating sauna faces constant exposure to marine air and moisture. Cedar & Stone used Richlite to craft built-in lockers in the entry space, offering a sleek, durable alternative to traditional metal. The result is a seamless, intentional design that stands up to heavy use and humidity.
Duluth Model 8 Outdoor Sauna – Duluth, MN
In northern Minnesota, where winters are brutal and summers humid, Cedar & Stone designed a custom sauna to match a Richlite-clad home. By wrapping the sauna in Richlite, they created a cohesive architectural look that’s as resilient as it is refined.
“We use Richlite as it stands up well to humidity shifts, heat, and condensation, which are constant in these environments. It outperforms traditional materials, especially wood products that require stable humidity levels to avoid warping or failure over time."
- Cedar & Stone Build Team
River Birch Mobile Sauna – Boone, NC
Built to travel through the Blue Ridge Mountains, this mobile sauna needed materials that could handle constant motion and climate shifts. Richlite was used for the entire exterior and interior shelving, delivering a bold, monochromatic look that’s as tough as the terrain it travels.
Looking Ahead
We’re excited to continue supporting Cedar & Stone as they design saunas that don’t just endure the elements, they celebrate them. Richlite is more than a material – it’s a reflection of values: sustainability, regional sourcing, and timeless design.
Let’s Build Something That Lasts
Have a project that demands beauty, strength, and sustainability? Richlite is ready for the challenge.