STALK MARKET

End-grain slices of bamboo are set in resin to form "Kimono Bamboo" wall tile; available in a 4-inch square and 21/2- by 8-inch subway-style tile, $24 each. Shown in Marron, also in Ebony, Blanco; www.anchorbaytile.com; 1-888-260-7371.

PRECIOUS STONES

Jewelry-grade polished turquoise and coral are among the materials in Ann Sacks' new "Asteria" line of wall and accent tiles. Shown: 3/4-inch and 2-inch squares; also available in field tiles and offset mosaics. Pricing starts at about $203 per square foot; Fantasia Showrooms at International Market Square in Minneapolis, open to the public; 612-338-5811.

CROP ROTATION

"Organics" biodegradable wall coverings by Wolf-Gordon combine Kenaf grass with a nonchemical polyester derived from commodities such as soy, corn and potatoes; it's backed with cellulose made from recycled newspapers and magazines (gently stripped, the company says, of formaldehyde and print inks). Seven designs including Kerala Persimmon, top, and Battista Kona. Must be applied with a biodegradable adhesive; $13.85 per yard. To order, call Valerie Pederson at 612-251-5330 or 1-800-347-0550; www.wolf-gordon.com.

METAL WINNER

Bark is harvested, sliced and laminated onto metallic foils to impart texture to "Java Cork." Eight selections, including Natural With Gold, pictured. Suggested retail $64 per yard. Professional installation recommended. Phillip-Jeffries Ltd. at Holly Hunt at International Market Square. To the trade, but available to the public through the IMS Design Connection, 612-338-6250.

MOD STACK

Sleek and modern, polished Interlocking Glass Bar Tile in Aruba comes 10 pieces to a box to form a stack 101/2 inches high by 113/4 inches wide. Three additional colors; $149.99 plus shipping. From member-based www.costco.com; 1-800-955-2292.

RETRO FEEL

"Urban Fabric," shown in Pistachio, is one of three new patterns in the Building Blox collection of porcelain stone tiles, produced in collaboration with Robert A. M. Stern Design. Twelve- and 18-inch squares; suggested retail $6.05 to $9.55 per square foot. Trim pieces, other colors available. Locate Minnesota dealers at www.crossvilleinc.com or at 1-800-221-9093.

Star Tribune, Star Tribune
Interlocking Glass Bar Tile from www.costco.com

IRON CURTAIN

Cascade Coil Drapery's flexible wire mesh fabric works in window treatments, shower curtains and other applications. The flameproof mesh, mostly recycled scrap metal, comes in steel, aluminum, copper or stainless with nickel, anodized, tin and other finishes. Cleans with a brush or vacuum. Cost varies by weave and finish, ranging $7 to $47 per square foot. See www.cascadecoil.com, 1-800-999-2645.

EARTHBOUND

Liscia is one of five nature-inspired tones in HanStone's new "Ruscello" line of natural quartz, resin and pigment slabs for countertops and other uses. Nonporous, does not require sealing; $50 to $100 per square foot, installed. Comes with a 10-year limited warranty. Available midsummer. Contact Midwest Specialty Products, 1340 Park Rd., Chanhassen; 952-470-0417, for fabricators.