MSI Countertops & Slabs


Specifying MSI Surfaces: A Technical and Aesthetic Guide to Q™ Quartz, Stile® Porcelain, and Natural Stone Slabs

Introduction to MSI Countertops & Slabs

Founded in 1975, M S International, Inc. (MSI) has evolved from a home-based business into a global leader in the surface industry, generating over $2.5 billion in annual revenue and supporting over 3,700 employees worldwide. Driven by the mission of "Making Dream Surfaces Attainable," MSI bridges the gap between luxury design and accessibility. For architects, interior designers, and facility managers, MSI represents a reliable supply chain partner capable of delivering premium materials for projects ranging from boutique residential renovations to large-scale commercial hospitality rollouts.

MSI’s core values center on innovation and global sourcing. By importing over 50,000 containers annually from six continents, the company ensures a diverse inventory that meets the rigorous demands of modern construction. Their commitment to sustainability is woven into their operations, making them a preferred partner for LEED-certified projects.

Product Range: Engineered Innovation and Natural Beauty

MSI’s portfolio is divided into three primary categories relevant to the architectural and design community:

  • Q™ Premium Natural Quartz: As one of the industry's fastest-growing quartz brands, Q™ combines approximately 93% natural quartz with high-quality resins and pigments. This engineered surface delivers the aesthetic of marble or limestone with superior mechanical performance. It is non-porous, requiring no sealing, and offers consistent patterning essential for multi-unit commercial installations.
  • Stile® Porcelain Slabs: Representing the forefront of surface technology, Stile® slabs are large-format, ultra-thin (6mm and 12mm) porcelain panels. They mimic the look of natural stone but are lightweight and impervious to germs, making them ideal for vertical applications like wall cladding, shower surrounds, and seamless "waterfall" islands.
  • Premium Natural Stone: For projects requiring unique character, MSI maintains a massive inventory of quarried slabs, including Granite, Marble, Quartzite, Soapstone, and Travertine. Their global reach allows them to source exotic stones like Brazilian Quartzite and Italian Marble directly from the quarry to the distribution center.
Design and Aesthetic Impact

MSI products are engineered to solve specific design challenges while elevating the visual narrative of a space. The Q™ Premium Natural Quartz collection features trend-forward designs such as the Calacatta Laza and Calacatta Miraggio, which utilize advanced manufacturing to replicate the through-body veining of Italian marble. This allows designers to achieve the high-end look of natural stone in high-traffic commercial kitchens where acid resistance is paramount.

Stile® Porcelain Slabs offer a distinct aesthetic advantage in their size (typically 118" x 59"). This large format minimizes grout lines, creating a monolithic, modern appearance often sought in European-inspired designs. Furthermore, because Stile® is UV stable, it allows for a seamless transition from indoor kitchens to outdoor entertainment areas, a growing trend in hospitality design.

To assist professionals in visualization, MSI offers advanced Augmented Reality (AR) tools and a Multi-Surface Visualizer, enabling designers to verify color coordination between countertops, backsplashes, and flooring in real-time.

Technical Specifications and Sustainability

For facility managers and architects, performance metrics and environmental certifications are critical. MSI products meet stringent industry standards:

Durability and Maintenance
  • Q™ Quartz: Scores 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it highly resistant to scratching and chipping. It is heat-resistant and stain-resistant, significantly reducing maintenance costs over the lifecycle of a commercial facility.
  • Stile® Porcelain: Impervious to water and bacteria, making it an excellent choice for healthcare and food service environments. It is also resistant to extreme temperatures, suitable for fireplace surrounds and outdoor kitchens.
Sustainability and Certifications

MSI is a member of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and actively contributes to sustainable building practices.

  • GREENGUARD Gold Certified: Both Q™ Premium Natural Quartz and Stile® Porcelain hold GREENGUARD Gold certification for low chemical emissions, contributing to healthier indoor air quality (IAQ).
  • LEED Points: Specifying MSI products can contribute points toward Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification in categories such as Low-Emitting Materials and Regional Materials.
  • NSF and Kosher Certified: Q™ Quartz is NSF certified for food safety, making it a compliant choice for commercial kitchens and restaurant preparation areas. It is also Kosher certified.
Case Studies: Real-World Applications

MSI surfaces have been successfully integrated into diverse architectural landscapes. In the Village Home Stores project, designers utilized Calacatta Viraldi Q™ Quartz to achieve a warm, bright kitchen makeover. The material's consistency allowed for a complex fabrication of a seamless island that anchored the room's two-tone cabinetry design.

In the hospitality sector, MSI’s Arterra® porcelain pavers and matching Stile® slabs are frequently utilized to create cohesive indoor-outdoor transitions in luxury hotels. The ZeroSlip™ technology found in their paver lines complements the slip-resistant nature of their matte-finish porcelain slabs, ensuring guest safety in wet areas like pool decks and spa reception zones.

Conclusion

MSI Countertops & Slabs offer a strategic advantage to architecture and design professionals by combining global logistical power with product innovation. Whether through the indestructible nature of Q™ Quartz, the architectural versatility of Stile® Porcelain, or the timeless prestige of natural stone, MSI provides solutions that do not compromise on performance or environmental responsibility. With certifications like GREENGUARD Gold and NSF, these surfaces are engineered to meet the rigors of modern facility management while satisfying the aesthetic demands of high-design.

Next Step: To explore the full technical catalog, view real-time slab inventory, or order samples for your next project, visit the MSI website or contact a local representative today.


63205-2091