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.

Get in touch
Read testimonials

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.

Read More “Summary of our capabilities”

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).

Read More “Slip resistance testing: Adelaide’s NATA-accredited laboratory”

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.

Read More “Finishes evaluation”

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).

Read More “Ceramic tile testing”

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.

Read More “Facades and cladding surfaces”

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.

Read More “New construction”

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

on by

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…

Read More Snapshot: Kate Tonkin, Co-Director

Testimonials

My experience working with Stone Initiatives has been excellent. The work is of a high standard and is always provided in a timely manner. I often recommend Stone Initiatives to others as the service provided is always professional and their advice is backed up by extensive experience.

Ian Lamble, Managing Director, Melocco Stone

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

Stone Initiatives is the best when it comes to testing and review of materials. Jim and his team are very professional and accurate. As a supplier and installer we work very closely with Stone Initiatives to give our clients the best support and feedback when it comes to stone selection for their project. They provide top-quality work that is always delivered on time. I highly recommend them as they are a very professional service and always keen to provide feedback and assistance.

Matteo Gotti, Project Director, Versatile

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

View more

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.