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 can honestly say that in the past 15 years of working with Jim and the team at Stone Initiatives, I have never had a bad experience. I have always found them good to work with, and their technical experience and advice have really helped with many projects we have completed in the past.

We have more trust in the results we receive from Stone Initiatives [compared to other labs], as Jim and the team tend to have a deeper understanding of what we are trying to achieve or want to get out of the testing or analysis. We have recommended Stone Initiatives’ services to both clients and builders.

Dan Blake, Conservation Architect, Conservation Studio

I have had the pleasure of working with Kate Tonkin and the team at Stone Initiatives on several occasions. Kate consistently went above and beyond to ensure the success of our project, providing expert advice and troubleshooting solutions during some challenging moments. Her professionalism, dedication, and attention to detail stood out, and she made the entire process seamless and stress free. 

Leeann Ksiezak, Centre Manager, The Parks Recreation & Sports Centre

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

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

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.