Marble, granite, limestone, slate, and other stone tiles commonly used on floors can also be used on walls.

Depending on the material and the texture, stone wall tiles may be formal or rustic, smooth or rough. With its swirls, veins, and speckles, natural stone renders a wall fascinating as well as beautiful.

Although they are sometimes expensive, polished marble and granite tiles can be priced reasonably; check several tile stores and home centers. These tiles must be laid precisely, because any imperfections will be very apparent.

If the wall is flat, however, installing them is within the reach of a careful do-it-yourselfer. Where a tile's edge will be exposed, you can pay a contractor to polish it, try polishing softer stone yourself, or cut the tile with a wet saw and apply clear lacquer to the edge.

Rougher stone tiles have less stringent installation requirements; in fact, unevenness is often considered appealing. Typically, exposed edges are not finished.