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

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

As a client of Stone Initiatives, I want to emphasise the invaluable support they’ve offered our business over the years. Their expertise in testing, analysis and overall guidance has been crucial for our projects and product development. The team consistently goes above and beyond, making it a pleasure to collaborate with a company that shares our commitment to excellence. We look forward to continuing our partnership for many more years to come.

Gary Isherwood, CEO, Stone Ambassador

I can’t recommend Mark Milevski at Stone Initiatives enough! He’s a genuinely reliable bloke with extensive knowledge in his field. His thoroughness and attention to detail make every interaction smooth and stress-free. 

Sam Whitcher, Project Manager, Corporate Design Floors

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

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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.