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

I consider Stone Initiatives to be respected industry leaders in their field. My experience working with them has been personal, efficient and informative. The quality and detail of their technical reports are excellent and the turnaround response timeframes are prompt.

On occasion we have asked for industry-specific advice regarding our marble products, particularly when working on large commercial projects, and Stone Initiatives is always willingly share their knowledge. The technical articles on the website are informative and useful resources, too.

Carolyn Spralja, Contractor/Developer, Cairns Marble

Working with Stone Initiatives has been an exceptional experience. Stone Initiatives is highly regarded for its credibility and expertise in stone testing, offering precise and reliable services. Kate Tonkin, Head of the Surface Finishes Department, is deeply committed to her work, always ensuring the highest quality results for her clients. She is incredibly efficient in responding to inquiries and addressing any concerns, all while maintaining a pleasant, professional attitude. I highly recommend Stone Initiatives for anyone in need of expert stone testing and consultation.

Kate Ragotero, Project Manager, Saba Bros Group

In a compliant world, Stone Initiatives is your partner to success. Working with them means we ensure the outcomes we produce are proven, and this gives us an edge over our competition.

I strongly recommend Stone Initiatives as they bring a high level of technical knowledge in their field, have detailed understanding of relevant standards and are able to assist with advice to ensure projects can meet the desired outcome and reduce the risks of non-compliance. The team has a broad range of backgrounds and they bring a high level of both technical and practical knowledge.

Ben Ramsay, Business Development Manager, Vulk

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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.