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.

Resources: Our latest articles and guides

Snapshot: Kate Tonkin, Co-Director

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…

Testimonials

I have worked with Mark Milevski at Stone Initiatives for approximately ten years on numerous state heritage-listed projects. He has always been extremely professional, thorough, reliable and interested in his work. The reports I receive have a very high level of detail and are easy to interpret and apply to real-world situations. I have recommended Mark and the team at Stone initiatives to colleagues and architects across Australia and will continue to do so. 

James Biven, Senior Project Manager, Duratec Limited

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

Jim always takes a helpful, pragmatic and creative approach to problem-solving. The quality and presentation of the reports by Stone Initiatives have always been to a very high standard. I have recommended Jim’s services to many people over the years – to other stone suppliers, but more often to government council engineers and builder/designer clients.

Wayne Blakeney, Director, Sales, Absolute Stone

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

Stay connected

Enter your email address to be alerted when we publish new technical articles, guides and interviews.

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.