Economy

• The cheapest way to go is with imitation stone. Usually made of ceramic, these tiles are molded, painted and finished to look like real stone, and the illusion is convincing in most cases as long as the grout lines are properly done and don't allow the tile edges to show. These tiles can look like polished marble, granite, sandstone or a variety of stones, and can run as low as $1.00 per square foot. Even the high-end ceramic "stones" are generally under $5.00 per square foot.
  
  

Affordable

• The next level up is still affordable, but a bit more flexible in terms of design because you are not necessarily stuck with the cheapest thing available. Tumbled marble, fossil stone, Egyptian stone and some lower-grade granite and coral tiles range in price from under $10.00 to about $20.00 per square foot. The stones in this price range are typically the ones that are popular but inexpensive to produce -- designers call it "model-home style" because this is the price range builders frequently stay within to give new homes popular design elements without letting cost get out of hand.
  
  

Moderate

• The moderate price range is where you get into the possibility of a real stone facing instead of tile. Thin slices of brick and typical "wall stones" like slate can cost from $20.00 to $50.00 per square foot, and higher-quality granites and marbles fall into this range as well. Limestone and Mexican river stones are within this price range or slightly above, but require professional installation due to their weight and the necessity of proper mortar work.
  
  

Expensive

• If money is no object, there are some fascinating stone designs available to you. Walls done in solid slabs of granite or marble can run over $200.00 per square foot, and polished semi-precious coral tile can cost over $300.00 per square foot. Semi-precious stones like agate, lapis lazuli and amethyst come in tiles of several sizes, either rough-hewn or polished, for around $500.00 per square foot. These same stones are available as full slabs that cost thousands of dollars per square foot. There are even options like petrified wood, which is wood that has fossilized and turned to stone, that is so expensive the price isn't advertised.
  
  

Installation

• Installation costs vary greatly according to where you live and who is doing the installation. Self-installation is inexpensive if you're confident in your stone-laying skills. A quality mastic costs around $10.00 per gallon, which covers about 21 square feet, and a 25-pound bag of grout mix costs the same, although it covers more or less area depending on the size of the grout lines. Some stones require a mortar adhesive, which is comparable in price. Tools including a spreader and float can be had for under $10. However, mistakes can be costly in time and the price of replacing damaged stone, so you may prefer to leave it to a professional. A handyman would be cheaper than a stone mason, and would be able to handle most installations. A stone mason is more skilled at handling and installing stone, especially where edges need to be fitted together.