Stone Life-Cycle Cost: Why Natural Stone Outperforms Faux Veneer in 2026 ROI
This financial briefing benchmarks the Life-Cycle Cost (LCC) of natural stacked stone against manufactured alternatives, demonstrating that natural minerals provide a superior 75-year service life at a competitive annual cost of $1.37/sq.ft. We analyze the thermodynamic benefits of high thermal mass in reducing HVAC loads and the structural advantages of ASTM-certified freeze-thaw resistance. By sourcing 100% natural quartzite and slate directly from the quarry, developers can eliminate the 20-year replacement trap associated with pigmented concrete composites, securing long-term asset value and architectural integrity.