Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a stratified elevated protective sink surface. In an illustrative example, the sink may include a stratified protective surface extending along at least one face of a sink. The stratified protective surface may include a visually exposed protected stratum; and, a pattern protruding from the protected surface to form an elevated stratum extending across the stratified protective surface, and configured to support cookware elevated from the protected surface. At least thirty percent of the surface area of the underlying surface may include a stratified protective surface. Some embodiments may include a continuous pattern configured to interrupt scratching. The elevated stratum may include an interrupted pattern configured to prevent direct contact from objects, e.g., pots, utensils, pans, etc., protecting the underlying surface.