CONCRETE ARTISTRY
NativeStone® fully upholds Native Trails’ Eco-Social Positive™ commitment to only make and sell products that have a positive influence on our world, both socially and environmentally. By adding jute—a natural, renewable vegetable fiber—to the proprietary concrete blend, Native Trails has reinvented concrete. NativeStone concrete sinks are 40 percent lighter, much stronger, and far more sustainable than traditional concrete sinks. They make use of natural resources, generate less waste, and require less energy than ordinary concrete production. Less heft also makes them easier to install and less expensive to ship than traditional concrete.
To develop NativeStone, Naomi Neilson and Native Trails President Tim Blair visited artisans in Vietnam. They spent weeks hiking to remote villages, exploring cities both ancient and modern, researching factories and workshops, and coming to appreciate the country’s strong handicraft tradition and deep-rooted artisan culture.
“We were looking for a material that could translate to both a kitchen and a bath sink,” says Blair. “It needed to be artisan-made, with our philosophy and story behind it. It also had to be sustainable to fit with our core beliefs and be viable for business. Not an easy thing in reality. Once we saw one of the NativeStone prototypes and felt the smooth, cool texture, we fell in love with it. If we love the product, it’s a pretty good bet that designers and homeowners will as well.”
The result is a product line inspired by nature, modern life, and by concrete’s naturally industrial appeal.
THE PROCESS
The process of forming a NativeStone sink is a multi-day, intensive undertaking. The artisans build their forms to Native Trails specifications and design, then hand fill the forms with an exclusive blend of raw materials and leave it to dry for 24 hours. Once taken out of the mold, the newly formed sink cures for 5 more days before the hand polishing phase and sealing process begins.
Each sink is sealed using NativeStone Shield, which penetrates the concrete on a molecular level to create a protective yet integrated barrier against stains and scratching. The sealer is hand applied in a multi-step process, creating an impenetrable barrier that is scratch resistant and impervious to water, oils, acids and food. The final two coats enhance the natural beauty of the concrete blend, while adding even more strength and durability.
The final result is a one-of-a-kind funtional work of art for your kitchen, bathroom or powder room.
OUR FINISHES
Native Trails offers six distinctive NativeStone finishes: Ash, Charcoal, Earth, Ocean, Pearl, and Slate. With our various product designs and finishes, NativeStone sinks, bathtubs and vanity tops encompass design aesthetics ranging from traditional to contemporary.
Ash
A light, naturally mottled grey.
Charcoal
A rich, matte black
Earth
A warm, natural brown-gray
Ocean
A serene blue-green
Pearl
A versatile, luminescent white
Slate
A soft, medium grey
Finish Samples
Click HERE to purchase samples of any NativeStone finish
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Will hot pans damage my NativeStone kitchen sink?
While our nano sealer will withstand high heat, we recommend allowing hot pots and pans to cool before placing in the sink.
How do I maintain my NativeStone sink?
It is easy to keep NativeStone looking great. Simply use mild, non-abrasive soaps and cleaners with a neutral pH, such as Simple Green. Avoid abrasive cleaners or harsh scrubbers that could speed up the degradation of your NativeStone sealer.
Rinse promptly after contact with acidic substances or harsh chemicals, such as lemons, wine, tomatoes, mustard, vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, ammonia, acetone, etc. Although our sealer will generally hold up to occasional contact with most of these products, prompt rinsing will help to increase the lifespan of your sealer.
Adhesives: Never use tape of any kind on NativeStone; it may damage the sealer.
Please use standard care and precautions with your NativeStone concrete product; concrete boasts exceptional durability but is still susceptible to damage. Sharp utensils like forks and knives may puncture the sealer. Heavy, hard objects can cause chipping. Note: This is why it is critical that the coordinating bottom grid is used with kitchen sinks; it will dramatically increase the lifespan of the kitchen sink’s sealer.
When and how should I reseal my NativeStone sink?
Like all sealed concrete, the sealer on your NativeStone product will need to be refreshed. If dark spots or discoloration appear on your wet NativeStone surface, the sealer has been penetrated. It should be resealed immediately with NativeStone Shield.
The estimated lifespan of the NativeStone sealer varies based on conditions and use; kitchen sinks generally need resealing every 1-3 years. lavatory sinks, bar sinks and bathtubs typically need resealing every 3-5 years.
How can I repair my sink if it gets damaged?
In the unlikely event of damage, most issues can be easily repaired when addressed in a timely manner. Please contact us if you need assistance with selecting the appropriate repair materials.
All of our NativeStone Repair Kits are available for purchase at the following links:
Can I install a NativeStone sink outdoors?
Yes! NativeStone sinks are remarkably strong, and exceptionally stain resistant, crack resistant, and scratch resistant. And our exclusive low-VOC nano sealer is UV safe.
Can I install a NativeStone sink in the laundry room?
Yes! NativeStone sinks are remarkably strong, and exceptionally stain resistant, crack resistant, and scratch resistant. And our exclusive low-VOC nano sealer ensures the sinks are not affected by bleach.
Do I need to buy a Native Trails drain with my sink?
We recommend using a Native Trails drain as we can’t ensure that another manufacturer’s drain will work with our sink. Although a Native Trails drain is not required, our exceptionally high quality drains are designed to work with NativeStone sinks, and they do have some differentiating features. For example, they work well with thicker-walled sinks and thread all the way up to ensure a tight seal. Our drains are also designed for sinks without overflows, like ours.
Are NativeStone sinks UPC compliant?
Yes. All Native Trails sinks and bathtubs are UPC/cUPC compliant, facilitating their use in all types of projects. Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) governs the installation and inspection of plumbing systems as a means of promoting the public’s health, safety and welfare. Commercial projects normally require UPC compliance and it is also required in many regions for new residential construction. Our products and facilities are regularly inspected to ensure compliance.
What is the warranty on NativeStone sinks?
5 YEAR LIMITED PRODUCT WARRANTY – Activate your warranty by registering at nativetrailshome.com/register.
Native Trails warrants that our NativeStone products shall be free from structural defects for five years from date of purchase, as long as original purchaser owns them and purchased through an authorized Native Trails dealer. Variation in dimensions, textures and finishes are inherent to our handcrafted products and are not considered defects. Hairline cracks, finish related issues, and sealer wear & tear are also not considered defects. Warranty will be invalidated if concrete surface is not maintained as indicated in the NativeStone Care & Cleaning guide, including periodic resealing with NativeStone Shield as recommended.
For warranty claims, please email warranty@nativetrailshome.com. Proof of purchase from authorized dealer is required. Warranties are non-transferable, are valid for residential use only, and do not apply to products purchased for display purposes or sold “as is.” In no event shall Native Trails be liable for any damage to or caused by the products during or after installation. Native Trails is not responsible for labor, installation charges or any other expenses associated with the defective product. Our sole responsibility is defective product replacement, exchange or repair. The Native Trails product warranty gives the purchaser specific legal rights; other rights will vary from state to state.
