As a building material, natural stone is unrivaled in warmth, unyielding strength, and lasting resilience. From the earliest marble and limestone slabs, to the most detailed mosaic tiling, stone has played a vital part in construction, architecture, and interior design throughout history. Today, many people believe that only the extremely wealthy can include stone in their decorating schemes, but using modern technology, one can easily cut the costs of stone purchase and installation without compromising quality or design. Whether used to create a new bathroom shower, a kitchen countertop, a tiled floor, or fireplace surround, stone adds impact and can last a lifetime. The authors break down the pros and cons of each type of stone to help you make the right decisions, discussing everything from slippery when wet conditions to avoiding scratches and stains. Whether it is a slab of slate or a single tile of travertine they guide you through browsing, purchasing, and contracting the installation of natural stone in your home. Special instructions for ambitious do-it-yourselfers are included as well.