Should you trust MSI countertops?
You’re tired of reading vague reviews that don’t answer real questions. You need to know if these countertops can handle daily life. Can they resist stains? Do they chip easily? Will they still look good in ten years?
I installed these countertops in my kitchen three years ago. This review shares what actually happened. The features, types, the maintenance of it.
In this blog, you’ll find all the answers to your questions about these countertops.
Key Features of MSI Countertops
Before I get into my personal experience, let me break down what MSI actually offers.
1. Wide Range of Materials
MSI offers quartz, granite, marble, and quartzite options. I’ve seen their showroom multiple times, and the variety is honestly impressive. You can find everything from classic white marble looks to modern concrete-style finishes.
2. Color and Pattern Options
The color choices are extensive, which made my decision harder but better. MSI has over 200 different colors and patterns across its product lines.
I found neutral tones, bold statement colors, and everything in between.
Some patterns mimic natural stone perfectly, while others offer unique modern looks.
3. Thickness Variations Available
These countertops come in different thickness options, typically 2cm and 3cm. I went with 3cm because it feels more solid and doesn’t need plywood support.
The thicker option costs more but looks better at the edges. Thinner slabs work fine if you’re on a budget. The choice depends on your priorities and wallet.
4. Stain Resistance Technology
Most MSI quartz countertops resist stains really well in my experience. I’ve spilled wine, coffee, and tomato sauce without permanent damage.
The non-porous surface doesn’t absorb liquids like natural stone might.
Quick cleanup is usually all you need. However, leaving stains too long can still cause issues.
5. Heat Tolerance Levels
These countertops handle heat better than I expected, but they’re not invincible. I’ve placed warm pots on mine without problems.
Hot pans straight from the stove are a different story, though.
I cracked a small spot once by putting a scorching pan down directly. Always use trivets or hot pads to be safe.
6. Scratch Resistance Quality
The scratch resistance is decent but not perfect. Normal kitchen use, like cutting boards and sliding plates, hasn’t damaged my surface.
Sharp knives dragged across the countertop will leave marks, though. I made that mistake early on and now have a small scratch.
It’s durable for everyday use, but not indestructible like some ads suggest.
Types of MSI Countertops
MSI offers several countertop materials, and each one has its own personality.
MSI Quartz Countertops
Image Credit: MSI Surfaces
This is what I chose for my kitchen, and it’s been great overall.
MSI quartz combines natural quartz crystals with resins to create a durable surface. It comes in tons of colors and patterns that mimic marble or granite.
The non-porous surface makes cleaning easy, and I never worry about sealing it. It’s perfect for busy kitchens.
MSI Granite Countertops
Image Credit: MSI Surfaces
Granite is the classic natural stone option that MSI offers. Each slab is unique with its own patterns and color variations.
I considered granite but worried about the maintenance requirements. It needs regular sealing to prevent stains and damage.
The beauty is unmatched, though, and heat resistance is excellent for serious cooks.
MSI Marble Countertops
Image Credit: MSI Surfaces
Marble countertops from MSI look absolutely beautiful in person. The veining and soft colors create an upscale appearance.
However, marble is porous and stains easily from acidic foods.
I decided against it because I’m clumsy with red wine. It requires careful maintenance and isn’t ideal for heavy kitchen use or families.
MSI Quartzite Countertops
Image Credit: MSI Surfaces
Quartzite sits between granite and marble in terms of durability. MSI’s quartzite options offer beautiful natural patterns with better hardness than marble.
It resists heat well and looks similar to marble without being as fragile.
The price point is higher than quartz, which pushed it outside my budget. Still, it’s worth considering for upscale renovations.
MSI Porcelain Countertops
Image Credit: MSI Surfaces
Porcelain is MSI’s newer offering, and it’s gaining popularity fast.
These countertops resist scratches, stains, and heat better than most materials. The thin slabs make installation easier and reduce the weight on cabinets.
I haven’t used porcelain personally, but contractors I talked to speak highly of it.
Pros and Cons
After living with my MSI quartz countertops for three years, I’ve learned what works and what doesn’t.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It is low maintenance, just soap and water needed for daily cleaning | Can’t handle extremely hot pans without risk of damage |
| No sealing required, unlike natural stone options | Not completely scratch-proof with sharp objects |
| Stain-resistant surface works well for most spills | Higher upfront cost compared to laminate alternatives |
| Consistent color and pattern throughout the slab | Seams are visible on larger kitchen layouts |
| Non-porous material prevents bacterial growth | Limited heat resistance compared to natural granite |
| Wide variety of colors and styles available | Can’t be refinished if damage occurs |
| Durable enough for everyday family use | Heavy material requires professional installation |
| Resists chips better than natural marble | Some patterns look artificial up close |
Best MSI Countertop Materials and Colors
The right material and color combination can make or break your kitchen design.
The following are the top picks of MSI countertops based on style and performance.
1. Calacatta Laza Quartz
Image Credit: MSI Surfaces
It is one of MSI’s most popular white quartz options for good reason.
The gray veining looks incredibly close to real Calacatta marble. I’ve seen this in several homes, and it always looks expensive.
It pairs beautifully with both modern and traditional kitchen styles. The white background brightens up any space without feeling cold.
2. Carrara Marmi Quartz
Image Credit: MSI Surfaces
Carrara Marmi offers a softer, more subtle veining pattern than Calacatta. I almost chose this one because it feels calmer and less busy.
The light gray veins on white create a classic Italian marble look. It works perfectly in kitchens where you don’t want drama.
This color hides minor scratches better than pure white options, too.
3. Taj Mahal Quartzite
Image Credit: MSI Surfaces
Taj Mahal is a natural quartzite that looks absolutely breathtaking in person. The soft gold and gray tones create warmth without being yellow.
I saw this at a friend’s house and immediately fell in love. It’s pricier than quartz but offers unique natural beauty.
Every slab is different, which adds character to your kitchen design.
4. Black Pearl Granite
Image Credit: MSI Surfaces
Black Pearl granite brings drama and depth to modern kitchens.
The dark background has silver and blue flecks that catch light beautifully. I considered this for a bathroom vanity because it’s striking.
It shows water spots and fingerprints easily, though, requiring more frequent wiping. Perfect for people who don’t mind extra maintenance for looks.
5. Statuario Quartz
Image Credit: MSI Surfaces
Statuario Venato mimics high-end Statuario marble at a fraction of the cost. The dramatic gray veining on white creates a luxurious, upscale look.
I almost chose this for my kitchen, but I worried it was too busy.
It makes an attraction in kitchens with simple cabinet designs. The quartz version gives you marble beauty without the maintenance headaches involved.
6. Sparkling White Quartz
Image Credit: MSI Surfaces
Sparkling White includes tiny mirror flecks throughout the white surface. It adds subtle shimmer without being too flashy or over the top.
I’ve seen it in coastal-style kitchens where it looks phenomenal. The reflective particles make small kitchens feel bigger and brighter.
It’s a fun alternative to plain white if you want something special.
Cost Guide
Let me break down the actual costs you’ll face when buying these countertops.
These prices include both materials and installation, based on what I paid and what I’ve learned from talking to other people.
| Material Type | Price Per Square Foot (Material Only) |
Installed Price Per Square Foot | Average Kitchen Cost (50 sq ft) |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSI Quartz | $50 – $90 | $75 – $150 | $3,750 – $7,500 |
| MSI Granite | $40 – $80 | $60 – $120 | $3,000 – $6,000 |
| MSI Marble | $60 – $120 | $90 – $180 | $4,500 – $9,000 |
| MSI Quartzite | $70 – $150 | $100 – $200 | $5,000 – $10,000 |
| MSI Porcelain | $55 – $100 | $80 – $160 | $4,000 – $8,000 |
| MSI Solid Surface | $35 – $70 | $50 – $100 | $2,500 – $5,000 |
Maintenance and Care Tips
Taking care of these countertops isn’t complicated, but doing it right makes a huge difference.
I’ve learned these maintenance tips through three years of daily use and a few mistakes along the way.
- Clean spills immediately: I wipe up coffee, wine, and food spills as soon as they happen to prevent any potential staining or etching.
- Use mild soap and water daily: Regular dish soap mixed with warm water is all I need for everyday cleaning without harsh chemicals.
- Always use cutting boards: I learned this the hard way after accidentally scratching my countertop with a knife while chopping vegetables.
- Skip acidic cleaners on natural stone: Vinegar and lemon-based cleaners can etch marble and granite, so I stick with pH-neutral products instead.
- Polish occasionally for shine: I use a quartz-specific polish every few months to keep my countertops looking new and glossy.
- Keep the surface dry overnight: I wipe everything down before bed to prevent water spots and keep bacteria from growing on surfaces.
- Don’t use countertops as cutting surfaces: Even though quartz is hard, cutting directly on it damages both the surface and your knives.
- Check seams regularly: I inspect the seam lines every few months to make sure they’re still sealed and no debris is collecting
My Overview of MSI Countertops
After three years with my MSI quartz countertops, I can honestly say they’ve been worth the investment.
The quality is solid, and they’ve held up well through daily cooking, spills, and family life. I love that I don’t need to seal them or worry about constant maintenance.
The color selection made it easy to find something that matched my kitchen perfectly. My only complaints are the visible seams and that one time I cracked a spot with a hot pan.
The price felt steep initially, but considering how they still look great today, I’d buy them again.
For mid-range countertops, MSI delivers good value and performance.
Wrapping It Up
MSI countertops aren’t perfect, but they’re pretty darn close for most.
The decision comes down to your budget and lifestyle.
Can you handle some maintenance? Go for marble or quartzite. Want something foolproof? Stick with quartz like I did.
Drop a comment below and tell me which MSI countertop you’re considering. I’m happy to answer questions based on my experience.
