The testing specialists

Stone Initiatives provides expert guidance on the use of dimension stone in architecture, heritage restoration and product manufacture. Our important testing and evaluation services help to create safe and lawful built environments.

We are Australia’s only NATA-accredited laboratory specialising in dimension stone. With 20 years of experience, our team provides reliable stone testing and useful results in the fields of surface finishes, heritage, slip resistance, and facades and cladding. We help you minimise risk, meet project requirements and make informed choices for the success of your product.

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Testing and analysis services

Summary of our capabilities

Our capabilities cover a wide range of Australian (AS), American (ASTM) and International (ISO) standards, along with a suite of specialised SI-standard test methods developed by Stone Initiatives. We also have the knowledge and flexibility to develop in-house test methods for non-routine or unusual projects.

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Slip resistance testing: Adelaide’s NATA-accredited laboratory

Our NATA-accredited laboratory is run by skilled technicians who help solve problems and minimise the risk of trips and falls in your project. Our Adelaide-based slip testing team is certified to test to AS 4586:2013 (New Pedestrian Surfaces) and AS 4663:2013 (Existing Pedestrian Surfaces). We offer same-day slip testing* for Adelaide projects (we test Australia-wide).

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Finishes evaluation

The Finishes Evaluation Department encompasses slip resistance testing, stain resistance testing and sealer evaluation (among other relevant tests). When it comes to selecting a stone finish, there is far more than aesthetics to take into consideration. Our materials testing specialists can help you match the right products with your project, and create flawless surface finishes that are fit for purpose.

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Ceramic tile testing

Whether you’re a designer, manufacturer, supplier or builder, our ceramic tile testing services provide reliable data and relevant insights for the benefit of your product or project. We provide comprehensive testing of ceramic tiles, including tiles for use on pedestals (pods).

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Facades and cladding surfaces

We provide independent testing of facade and cladding surfaces that utilise natural stone. Appropriate testing conducted by experienced technicians validates engineering calculations and assists architects, engineers and other stakeholders in ensuring that their proposed facade or cladding surface is fit for purpose.

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New construction

When dimension stone is used for building construction without full knowledge of its properties, problems such as cracking, spalling, staining and decay can occur. The natural variation and uniqueness that makes the stone so appealing can also bring about variability in physical properties. We can help.

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Specialist consultants, NATA-accredited lab

How is stone evaluated?

At Stone Initiatives we spend time upfront learning about your project and the stone product to be evaluated. This important step gives us a solid understanding of what we are testing, at what thickness and size, for what and where it will be used, and what you’d like to achieve by using this particular type of material.

Representative sampling is very important – if we’re testing your product for a particular project, it’s best to test from a batch that is going to be used, at a relevant thickness and finish. Ship your samples to our NATA-accredited laboratory in Adelaide, or we can perform some tests on site in Adelaide, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, across Australia and internationally.

Product evaluation experts

With decades of knowledge and experience in product testing and evaluation services, we’ve developed a suite of in-house testing methods to help determine fitness for use. These include various tests for strength, water absorption, slip resistance, abrasion resistance, stain resistance, durability and petrographic examination.

We also choose relevant tests from the range of Australian and International Standards that are most appropriate for your job, taking into account your specific project specifications. Once the testing has been completed, we work with you to ensure you understand what the test results mean and how you can use the results for the benefit of your product or project. Learn how our stone testing and evaluation services can support your project – get in touch.

Resources: Our latest articles and guides

Snapshot: Kate Tonkin, Co-Director

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From netball courts to luxury hotels, Kate Tonkin has evaluated all types of flooring and surfaces right around Australia. Get to know Kate, Co-Director and Materials Testing Specialist (Finishes Evaluation Services) at Stone Initiatives. What inspired you to work in stone and materials…

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Testimonials

We’ve worked with Stone Initiatives on numerous heritage projects, and their expertise in salt testing and masonry analysis has been invaluable. Mark Milevski’s knowledge and professionalism are outstanding, ensuring that each project is handled with care and precision. Stone Initiatives’ thorough reporting and commitment to heritage conservation make them our go-to partner for preserving South Australia’s historic buildings.

Neil Williams, General Manager, Tech Dry SA

I have worked with Jim for many years (should I say, a few decades) and more recently with Mark, and have always found them to be knowledgeable with regard to all aspects of the materials and properties relating to the dimension stone industry. They are always considered and open with their response.

Gosford Quarries has used the services of Stone Initiatives since the company was first founded and they are always prompt with their estimate of procedures. I recommend them without reservation because of their expertise and service.

Gary Hargreaves, Specification Manager, Gosford Quarries

Working with Stone Initiatives has been a very positive experience – all queries are dealt with professionally and promptly, the quality of the work is 10/10 and the timeliness is spot-on.

The principal, Jim, is one of the most experienced – if not the most experienced – dimension stone experts I have dealt with. Having worked around the world, he is up there at the top. I have no hesitation in recommending Stone Initiatives for any project that is considering stone as a cladding material.

Peter Bouras, Principal, BG&E Facades

I’ve had the privilege of working with Tom Baggs from Stone Initiatives, and his professionalism and expertise in the stone industry are truly outstanding. Tom combines a deep understanding of his field with the ability to simplify complex technical details, ensuring that clients always feel well-informed and confident … He consistently goes above and beyond to support every client. I highly recommend Tom, along with Jim and the entire Stone Initiatives team, for their expertise, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to excellence.

Daniel Redhead, Managing Director, StoneClip

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Stone Initiatives acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which our laboratory is based, the Peramangk people, and we pay our respects to Elders past and present. We celebrate the stories, cultures and traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders of all communities.