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 testing?
I joined the team at Stone Initiatives in 2011, when my children were young – I had two daughters in school and two little ones at home. I’d taken some time off to raise my family and was ready to return to the workforce. With the guidance of Jim (Jim Mann, founder, now retired) and Graham (Graham Baggs, now retired), my skills and experience in stone and materials testing grew quickly. My knowledge and expertise have evolved with the company ever since, and I’ve developed a real passion for working in the finishes evaluation field.
Could you tell us about your area of specialisation at Stone Initiatives?
I specialise in slip resistance and surface finish evaluation. Slip resistance testing is a significant area of testing at Stone Initiatives, where we assess not only stone but all types of flooring finishes. While we conduct testing both on site and in the lab, I particularly enjoy heading out to do on-site testing. I’ve had the opportunity to work on a number of sports court surfaces, such as netball courts, which has inspired me to delve into deeper research in this area.
My second area of expertise is surface finish evaluation, primarily for stone used as part of projects in applications like flooring, wall cladding, countertops, and other joinery surfaces. It’s incredibly rewarding to see a small stone sample transformed into the final product installed in high-end projects, including luxury apartments, hotels, office buildings, and shopping centres. It’s always exciting to witness how the finishes we test contribute to the overall aesthetic of these large-scale developments.
What’s a typical day at work like for you?
Every day is different; however, my morning usually begins with responding to emails and organising my schedule for the day ahead. Being flexible and well-organised is key to staying on top of everything and meeting our clients’ needs efficiently. The rest of my time is spent on a mix of stone testing, reporting, preparing quotes, conducting research, business matters, and managing our technical team. Some days are spent on site, while others are dedicated to working in the lab or office.
Do you have a favourite type of stone or material?
Marble and granite are my favourite stone types for their unique beauty and practicality. Marble is elegant and timeless, with its distinctive veining and luxurious look, making it perfect for high-end features like countertops, wall cladding and bathrooms. While it does require more care to maintain, its beauty and refined aesthetic more than make up for it.
Granite, on the other hand, is incredibly durable and versatile. It’s one of the hardest natural stones, making it perfect for high-traffic areas like kitchen countertops and flooring, as well as outdoor applications. I love how granite can be both striking and practical. It’s low-maintenance and adds a sense of permanence and resilience to any project. Both stone types bring a perfect mix of aesthetics and durability to any project.
What’s one interesting or surprising fact about stone testing or the industry?
An interesting fact about stone finishes is that the texture and appearance of a stone surface can significantly affect its performance in addition to its aesthetics. For example, a polished finish on granite or marble gives a shiny, reflective surface, but it can also make the stone more prone to showing scratches and stains, as it has a smoother, less porous surface. On the other hand, a honed finish, which has a matte texture, is less likely to show imperfections and is often preferred for high-traffic areas or countertops where durability and ease of maintenance are priorities.
Interestingly, the texture of a finish can also impact the stone’s performance outdoors, with finishes like exfoliated, bush-hammered or sandblasted being more slip-resistant, making them ideal for patios and walkways.
Choosing the right finish isn’t just about appearance – it’s also about matching the stone’s performance to its intended use.