One of the newest trends in home fashions is also the oldest: custom stone work.

“People have been using stone since time immortal,” said Ron Busse, an estimator for BTS Custom Stone Inc. in Haltom City, Tex. “It’ll last longer than the house.”

Choosing which stone to use is the toughest part, Busse said. He has been in the stone business for more than 50 years and has worked for the Marble Institute of America, where he wrote the organization’s design manual.

Most people choose a stone for its color. But while that’s important, people should also consider how the stone will be used and how it will stand up, Busse said.

Stone can be put on pretty much anything, Busse said. Countertops are the top sellers right now, but his company also does floors, fireplaces, walls and even stairs.

There are more than 3,000 kinds of stones found throughout the world, and each will react differently to water, foot traffic and abrasives. Be sure to examine the technical information to avoid putting a really porous stone on a kitchen countertop or even on a floor, Busse said.

“Most granites are denser and absorb less moisture,” Busse said  but be sure to check.

Granites are more uniform in color, while marble is busier and has a more dramatic pattern. Limestones are mainly monotone beiges and some have tiny seashells in the stone. All are polished.

Slate, which is not polished, comes in solid colors such as black, gray, red and green.

Prices vary depending upon the stone. Granites average $60-$80 per square foot, while the other three stones cost about $5 less per square foot.

Cleanup is easy, Busse said: Just treat stone like you would a piece of fine wood furniture. If you spill something on it, clean it with a damp cloth. With care, stone will last a long time.