MSI Quartz Review 2026: Quality, Price, Options
Quick Definition
A thorough msi quartz review helps fabricators make informed decisions.
MSI Quartz (also marketed as Q Premium Natural Quartz) is a value-oriented engineered quartz brand distributed by MS International, offering over 100 colors at installed prices of $40 to $85 per square foot. MSI is one of the largest surface distributors in North America with 38+ distribution centers, making it the most widely available quartz brand for fabrication shops.
TL;DR
- Price range: $40-$85/sq ft installed, making it 20-30% cheaper than Caesarstone or Silestone
- Color selection: 100+ colors, one of the largest libraries in the market
- Warranty: 10-year limited residential warranty (shorter than most competitors)
- Distribution: 38+ US distribution centers; excellent availability
- Best for: Budget-conscious homeowners who still want quality quartz
- Watch out for: Shorter warranty, inconsistent quality reports on some colors
- Fabrication notes: Generally good; some color variation between lots
About MSI
MS International, Inc. (MSI) is headquartered in Orange, California. Unlike Caesarstone or Cambria, MSI doesn't manufacture its own quartz --- they source from multiple factories across Asia and other regions, then distribute under their brand. This sourcing model keeps costs down but can introduce more variability between production runs.
MSI is a major player in the broader building materials space, distributing not just quartz but also natural stone, tile, porcelain, luxury vinyl, and hardwood. Their 38+ distribution centers across the US mean that most fabricators can get MSI products within a few days.
Material Quality
Composition and Construction
MSI Q Premium Natural Quartz contains approximately 93% natural quartz combined with polymer resins and pigments. The slabs are manufactured using standard vibro-compression under vacuum, which is the same technology used by premium brands.
MSI Quartz Physical Properties:
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Quartz content | ~93% |
| Hardness (Mohs scale) | 7 |
| Water absorption | <0.05% |
| Available thicknesses | 2 cm, 3 cm |
| Standard slab size | 55" x 120", 63" x 126" |
| Weight (3 cm) | ~20 lbs/sq ft |
Quality Consistency
Here's where honesty matters: MSI's quality is generally good but can be less consistent than Caesarstone or Silestone. Because MSI sources from multiple factories, you might see slight differences in color, veining, or finish between lots. For fabricators, this means:
- Always order enough material from the same lot for a complete project
- Inspect slabs carefully before cutting, especially for veined patterns
- Keep extra material for potential warranty claims
- Document lot numbers for each job
That said, MSI has improved consistency significantly over the past few years. The majority of fabricators report satisfactory results with the product.
Pricing Details
MSI's biggest advantage is price. It consistently undercuts premium brands by a significant margin.
MSI Quartz Price Ranges by Tier (2026):
| Tier | Material Cost/sq ft | Installed Cost/sq ft |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 (Basic) | $25-$35 | $40-$55 |
| Tier 2 (Standard) | $35-$45 | $55-$65 |
| Tier 3 (Premium) | $45-$55 | $65-$75 |
| Tier 4 (Designer) | $55-$65 | $75-$85 |
Typical Kitchen Costs (40-60 sq ft):
- Budget MSI kitchen: $1,600-$3,300
- Mid-range MSI kitchen: $2,600-$3,900
- Premium MSI kitchen: $3,900-$5,100
Compare those numbers to Caesarstone ($3,300-$7,500) or Cambria ($3,900-$8,100) and you'll see why MSI moves so much product. For a 50 sq ft kitchen, MSI can save your customer $1,000-$3,000 compared to premium brands.
Color Library
MSI's 100+ color library is one of its strongest selling points.
Calacatta Collection
White marble looks with dramatic veining. Colors like Calacatta Classique, Calacatta Laza, and Calacatta Arno are strong sellers. These compete directly with Caesarstone's Supernatural collection at lower prices.
Carrara Collection
Softer, subtler marble looks with gray and white tones. Carrara Mist and Carrara Grigio are popular for bathrooms and kitchens wanting understated elegance.
Concrete Collection
Industrial-inspired looks in grays and warm tones. Colors like Concerto and Fossil Gray fit modern design schemes.
Solid and Speckled
Classic quartz patterns ranging from pure whites to deep blacks. These are the most affordable and most consistent MSI options.
New for 2025-2026
MSI has been expanding their premium designer tier with more realistic veining and bookmatching capabilities. These compete more directly with high-end brands.
Performance Review
Stain Resistance: 7.5/10
MSI Quartz resists most common kitchen stains well. Wine, coffee, and juice clean up with soap and water. The surface doesn't require sealing. However, some fabricators have reported that certain lighter colors show staining from turmeric or curry more readily than premium brands.
Heat Resistance: 5/10
Same as all quartz --- not great with heat. MSI explicitly states that hot pots and pans should never be placed directly on the surface. Thermal shock can cause cracking or discoloration. Always recommend trivets.
Scratch Resistance: 7.5/10
Good scratch resistance with a Mohs hardness of 7. Daily kitchen activities won't mark the surface. However, some users report that the polished finish shows micro-scratches more readily in dark colors compared to Caesarstone or Silestone equivalents.
Durability: 7/10
Solid overall durability for residential use. The main knock is that MSI's thinner resin layer (compared to some premium brands) may make it slightly more prone to edge chipping during fabrication and installation. Careful handling during transport and installation is important.
Warranty Comparison
MSI's 10-year warranty is the shortest among major quartz brands, and it's worth being transparent about this with customers.
Warranty Length Comparison:
| Brand | Warranty Length |
|---|---|
| Cambria | Lifetime |
| Caesarstone | 25 years |
| Silestone | 25 years |
| Viatera | 15 years |
| MSI Quartz | 10 years |
MSI's warranty covers:
- Manufacturing defects
- Cracking from normal use
- Staining from normal household food items
Not covered:
- Heat damage, impact damage, improper installation
- Outdoor use, UV damage
- Chemical damage, abuse, or negligence
The shorter warranty is a trade-off for the lower price. For most customers, 10 years is adequate since quartz defects typically show up within the first few years.
MSI vs. Competitors
| Feature | MSI Quartz | Caesarstone | Silestone | Cambria | Allen+Roth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price (installed/sq ft) | $40-$85 | $55-$125 | $55-$120 | $65-$135 | $35-$70 |
| Colors available | 100+ | 60+ | 80+ | 150+ | 20+ |
| Warranty | 10 years | 25 years | 25 years | Lifetime | 10 years |
| Distribution centers | 38+ | 20+ | 25+ | 30+ | Lowe's |
| Manufacturing | Sourced | Israel/US | Spain | USA | Sourced |
MSI vs. Caesarstone
MSI saves your customer $15-$40/sq ft on comparable colors. Caesarstone offers a longer warranty, more consistent quality, and better brand prestige. For value-focused customers, MSI is the clear winner. For customers who want the best warranty and brand name, Caesarstone wins.
MSI vs. Allen+Roth
Allen+Roth (Lowe's exclusive) is MSI's closest competitor on price. MSI offers far more colors (100+ vs. 20+) and is available through any fabricator. Allen+Roth is limited to Lowe's-contracted installers, which means less flexibility for customers.
What Fabricators Need to Know
Practical shop-floor details for working with MSI:
- Ordering: Through MSI distribution centers or authorized dealers. Same-day availability common for stock colors
- Lead times: 1-3 business days for in-stock colors; 2-3 weeks for special orders
- Slab inspection: More important than with premium brands. Check for color variation, finish consistency, and defects before cutting
- Cutting: Standard wet diamond tooling. No special requirements
- Lot matching: Always verify lot numbers match across slabs for multi-slab projects
- Remnant management: MSI remnants sell well due to brand recognition and variety. Typical remnant value $15-$30/sq ft
Running an MSI-heavy shop? Keeping track of inventory across 100+ colors and multiple lot numbers gets complicated fast. SlabWise's slab inventory tracking helps you know exactly what's in your yard --- color, lot number, dimensions, and remnant potential --- so you don't double-order or lose track of valuable material.
Who Should Choose MSI Quartz?
MSI is a great choice if you:
- Want quality quartz at the best price
- Need access to a huge color library (100+ options)
- Value quick availability through local distribution
- Don't need a 25-year warranty
- Are building rental properties or investment homes
Consider alternatives if you:
- Want the longest warranty possible (choose Cambria)
- Need the most consistent slab-to-slab quality (choose Caesarstone)
- Want bacteriostatic protection (choose Silestone)
- Are doing a luxury kitchen where brand name matters
Our Rating
| Category | Score (out of 10) |
|---|---|
| Material quality | 7.5 |
| Color selection | 9.0 |
| Value for money | 9.0 |
| Warranty | 5.5 |
| Availability | 9.5 |
| Fabrication ease | 7.5 |
| Overall | 8.0 |
FAQ
How much does MSI Quartz cost?
MSI Quartz costs $40 to $85 per square foot installed, depending on the color tier. Tier 1 basics start at $40/sq ft, while designer tier colors reach $85/sq ft. A typical 50 sq ft kitchen costs $2,000-$4,250 --- roughly $1,000-$3,000 less than premium brands.
Is MSI Quartz good quality?
Yes, MSI Quartz is good quality for its price point. It meets the same ANSI/NSF standards as premium brands and performs well in everyday kitchen use. The main quality difference vs. premium brands is slightly less consistency between production lots and a shorter warranty.
Where is MSI Quartz made?
MSI sources quartz from multiple factories, primarily in China, India, and other Asian manufacturing centers. Unlike Caesarstone or Cambria, MSI doesn't own its manufacturing facilities. MSI's headquarters and distribution operations are based in Orange, California.
Does MSI Quartz stain?
MSI Quartz is stain-resistant under normal conditions --- wine, coffee, and juice wipe away with soap and water. However, some lighter colors can show staining from highly pigmented substances like turmeric if not cleaned promptly. No sealing is required, which keeps maintenance simple.
How does MSI compare to Cambria?
MSI costs 30-40% less than Cambria but has a shorter warranty (10 years vs. lifetime) and isn't manufactured in the US. Cambria offers more colors (150+ vs. 100+) and typically better slab consistency. MSI is the better value; Cambria is the premium choice.
Can MSI Quartz be used in bathrooms?
Yes, MSI Quartz works well for bathroom vanities, tub surrounds, and shower niches. The non-porous surface resists moisture and doesn't require sealing. Many fabricators report that MSI's lighter colors are particularly popular for bathroom applications.
Does MSI Quartz chip easily?
MSI Quartz is not chip-prone under normal use, but edges and corners are vulnerable to impact damage. Some fabricators note that MSI's edges can be slightly more prone to micro-chipping during fabrication than premium brands. Using proper tooling speed and feed rates prevents this.
Is MSI Quartz NSF certified?
Yes, MSI Q Premium Natural Quartz is NSF 51 certified for food contact surfaces. This means it meets safety standards for food preparation areas. This certification puts it on par with all major quartz brands.
What is MSI's return policy?
MSI's return policy varies by dealer. Custom-fabricated countertops are generally non-returnable since they're cut to your specific dimensions. Slab returns (before fabrication) must be coordinated through your dealer within 30 days and may incur restocking fees of 15-25%.
How long do MSI Quartz countertops last?
With proper care, MSI Quartz countertops should last 15-25+ years. The 10-year warranty covers manufacturing defects during that period. Many installations outlast the warranty significantly. The biggest threats to longevity are heat damage and impact --- not material degradation.
Estimate Your MSI Quartz Costs
Thinking about MSI Quartz for your kitchen or bathroom? Use our free countertop cost calculator to get a price estimate based on your dimensions and preferred tier. Results include material, fabrication, and installation.
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Sources
- MS International, Inc. "Q Premium Natural Quartz Product Specifications." 2025.
- Natural Stone Institute. "Engineered Stone Quality Standards." 2024.
- IBIS World. "Stone Countertop Manufacturing in the US." 2025.
- NSF International. "NSF/ANSI 51 Certification Database." 2025.
- Marble Institute of America. "Quartz Surface Care Guidelines." 2024.
- HomeAdvisor. "Countertop Cost Guide." 2025.