MSI Countertops & Slabs

MSI Surface Specification Guide: Integrating Premium Quartz, Porcelain, and Natural Stone into Residential and Commercial Design

For interior designers, space planners, and home decorators, the selection of surface materials is a pivotal decision that defines both the aesthetic trajectory and the functional longevity of a project. M S International, Inc. (MSI) serves as a strategic partner to the design community, offering a global supply chain that makes premium, trend-forward surfaces accessible. Founded in 1975, MSI has expanded from a modest home-based operation to a powerhouse with over $2.5 billion in annual revenue, importing over 50,000 containers of stone and surfacing products yearly. For the ASID professional, MSI represents a convergence of logistical reliability and design innovation, ensuring that "Making Dream Surfaces Attainable" is more than a slogan—it is a deliverable reality.

Product Portfolio: A Toolkit for Modern Design

MSI’s curated selection caters to diverse design vernaculars, from the ultra-modern to the traditionally rustic. Understanding the distinct properties of these materials is essential for accurate specification.

• Q™ Premium Natural Quartz: This engineered surface is a staple for high-traffic zones. Composed of over 90% natural quartz grounded with resin, it offers the visual complexity of natural stone without the porosity. The collection features trademarked innovations such as Lumaluxe™ technology, which enhances the depth and realism of the stone, allowing light to interact with the surface in a way that mimics deep earth geologies.
• Stile® Porcelain Slabs: These large-format (typically 118" x 59") thin porcelain panels (6mm or 12mm) are revolutionizing vertical and horizontal applications. Weighing significantly less than natural stone, Stile® slabs allow for seamless floor-to-ceiling wall cladding, integrated sink designs, and waterfall islands with minimal grout lines, appealing to minimalists and hygiene-conscious clients alike.
• Natural Stone Exotics: For projects demanding the inimitable fingerprint of nature, MSI sources premium slabs of Granite, Marble, Quartzite, and Soapstone. Their inventory includes high-variance stones like Taj Mahal Quartzite and Blue Roma, which serve as art pieces in their own right.

Design Impact and Visual Continuity

The versatility of MSI’s catalog allows designers to execute complex visual narratives, particularly the concept of indoor-outdoor continuity. With UV-stable options like Stile® Porcelain and select Granites, space planners can extend the kitchen countertop material to an outdoor patio, blurring the lines between living spaces. Furthermore, the availability of "bookmatched" slabs in both the Quartzite and Q™ Quartz lines enables the creation of dramatic feature walls and statement islands where veins mirror each other perfectly—a technique that instantly elevates the perceived value of a property. To aid in this visualization, MSI provides Augmented Reality (AR) tools and a Multi-Surface Visualizer, allowing designers to present clients with realistic renderings of how specific slab movements will interact with cabinetry and flooring.

Technical Specifications for Specification

When specifying surfaces, technical performance is as critical as aesthetics. MSI provides transparent data to ensure the right material is chosen for the application.

• Durability and Hardness: Q™ Premium Natural Quartz rates a 7 on the Mohs Hardness Scale, resisting scratches and effectively eliminating the need for sealing. Natural Quartzite also offers exceptional hardness, often exceeding that of granite, making it suitable for active culinary environments.
• Heat and Stain Resistance: While Granite and Quartzite offer superior heat resistance, Q™ Quartz is engineered to be non-porous, providing an NSF-certified sanitary surface that repels bacteria and liquids—ideal for kosher kitchens and healthcare interiors.
• Maintenance Protocols: Natural stones (Marble, Granite) generally require periodic sealing to maintain their resistance to etching and staining. in contrast, Stile® Porcelain and Q™ Quartz are virtually maintenance-free, requiring only ph-neutral cleaning agents.

Sustainability and Ethical Standards

For the environmentally conscious designer, MSI demonstrates a robust commitment to green building practices. As a member of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), MSI ensures that many of its products, including the Q™ Premium Natural Quartz and Stile® Porcelain lines, are GREENGUARD Gold Certified. This certification verifies low chemical emissions, contributing to better indoor air quality—a crucial factor for residential health and LEED certification points. Furthermore, the longevity of these durable surfaces reduces the lifecycle carbon footprint by mitigating the need for frequent replacements.

Case Studies in Design Excellence

Real-world applications highlight the transformative power of these materials. In a recent kitchen overhaul by Village Home Stores, the design team utilized Calacatta Viraldi Q™ Quartz to anchor a two-tone cabinetry scheme. The consistent yet dramatic veining of the quartz allowed for a complex fabrication that natural marble might have made cost-prohibitive or structurally risky. Similarly, hospitality designers frequently employ Stile® Porcelain slabs for bathroom vanities and shower walls in luxury hotels, leveraging the material's impervious nature to prevent mold while maintaining a high-end, monolithic aesthetic.

Conclusion

MSI Countertops & Slabs offer the interior design professional a reliable, high-quality, and sustainable palette of materials. Whether the project calls for the engineered precision of Q™ Quartz with Lumaluxe™ technology, the sleek modernity of Stile® Porcelain, or the raw elegance of natural Quartzite, MSI provides the solutions necessary to execute ambitious designs. By balancing aesthetic versatility with rigorous technical standards, MSI empowers decorators and space planners to create environments that are as enduring as they are beautiful.

Next Step

To deepen your knowledge of the current inventory or to utilize the Augmented Reality specification tools, visit the MSI website or schedule a consultation with a representative at your nearest MSI showroom.