MSI (M S International) is one of North America's largest distributors of flooring, countertops, and wall tile. Their flooring division — MSI Surfaces — offers a comprehensive range of products including luxury vinyl plank (Everlife), porcelain and ceramic tile, natural stone, and large-format slab surfaces. This comprehensive review covers MSI's key flooring products and how they perform for Michigan homeowners.
MSI Flooring Product Lines
Everlife LVP Collection
MSI's luxury vinyl plank line featuring SPC and WPC options with wear layers from 12 to 22 mil. The Studio Collection is the premium tier with a 22 mil wear layer.
Porcelain and Ceramic Tile
A vast selection of wood-look, stone-look, and decorative tile in a range of sizes. Completely waterproof and extremely durable.
Natural Stone
Marble, travertine, slate, and granite in a range of formats. Premium natural stone for luxury Michigan homes.
Large-Format Slabs
Oversized porcelain and quartz slabs for floors, walls, and countertops. The Smithcliffs Collection is MSI's premium slab offering.
MSI vs. Hardwood for Michigan Homes
MSI's Everlife LVP is a strong choice for Michigan homeowners who need waterproof flooring in kitchens, bathrooms, and basements. However, for main living areas and bedrooms where warmth, natural beauty, and long-term value are priorities, premium hardwood flooring remains the superior choice. Many Michigan homeowners use a combination of MSI LVP in wet areas and hardwood in living spaces for a cohesive whole-home look.
MSI Everlife LVP: A Closer Look
MSI's Everlife collection is their premium LVP line, designed to compete with other high-end LVP brands like COREtec and Karndean. The Everlife collection features:
Studio Collection (22 mil wear layer)
MSI's most durable LVP product, with a 22-mil wear layer that provides exceptional scratch and scuff resistance. The Studio Collection is designed for high-traffic commercial and residential applications. For Michigan families with dogs, kids, and heavy foot traffic, the 22-mil wear layer provides peace of mind.
Prescott Collection (20 mil wear layer)
A premium residential collection with a 20-mil wear layer and a wide range of wood-look visuals. The Prescott Collection is popular for Michigan whole-home installations where a consistent, high-quality look is desired throughout.
Cyrus Collection (12 mil wear layer)
MSI's entry-level Everlife collection with a 12-mil wear layer. A good choice for lower-traffic areas and budget-conscious projects. The Cyrus Collection offers the same waterproof SPC core as the premium collections at a more accessible price point.
MSI Everlife vs. COREtec vs. Karndean
Michigan homeowners often compare MSI Everlife against COREtec and Karndean — the two most popular premium LVP brands. Here's how they compare:
Design realism: Karndean leads in design realism, with the most convincing wood and stone visuals in the industry. MSI Everlife and COREtec are close behind, with both offering excellent design quality at competitive prices.
Wear layer: MSI's Studio Collection (22 mil) leads the field. COREtec Plus Enhanced (20 mil) and Karndean Van Gogh (20 mil) are close behind. For most residential applications, 20 mil is more than sufficient.
Price: MSI Everlife is generally priced competitively with COREtec and slightly below Karndean. All three are premium products priced above mass-market LVP.
Availability: COREtec and Karndean are widely available through specialty flooring retailers like Quality Hardwoods of Michigan. MSI Everlife is also available through specialty retailers and some big-box stores.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I buy MSI Surfaces flooring in Michigan?
Quality Hardwoods of Michigan carries MSI Surfaces flooring products at our Rochester Hills showroom. Visit us at 1799 Northfield Dr, Rochester Hills, MI 48309 or call (248) 853-2232 for current availability and pricing.
Is MSI Everlife LVP waterproof?
Yes. MSI Everlife LVP features a 100% waterproof SPC core, making it suitable for kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and laundry rooms in Michigan homes.
What wear layer thickness should I choose for my Michigan home?
For most Michigan residential applications, a 20-mil wear layer provides excellent durability. If you have dogs, heavy foot traffic, or want maximum protection, the 22-mil Studio Collection is worth the additional cost. For lower-traffic areas like guest bedrooms, a 12-mil wear layer is sufficient.
Explore Premium Flooring in Michigan
Quality Hardwoods of Michigan carries premium hardwood and LVP flooring for Michigan homes. Visit us in Rochester Hills for expert guidance.