Scratch Resistance

High-traffic commercial surfaces need to perform under extreme conditions and are constantly exposed to potential scratches and scores from sharp knives or pointed tools. With one of the hardest surfaces available, porcelain stoneware maintains a scratch-resistant surface that will not fade, discolour or deteriorate over time.

Is it possible to scratch porcelain stoneware tabletops?

The short answer is yes. Porcelain, like other surfaces, can be scratched. However, porcelain surfaces are more scratch resistant than other tabletop surfaces. As a general rule the softer a surface is, the easier it will scratch. Diamonds for example are the hardest known mineral on the planet and are rated 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness. All other minerals are rated 9 or below. Anything with a hardness below that of a diamond cannot scratch a diamond, however this means that a diamond can scratch another diamond.

The same is true for porcelain tabletop. Because porcelain is so hard, with a typical Mohs rating of 8, care must taken when using utensils, pots, crockery and tableware that has an equivalent Mohs rating. For example ceramic knives, (which have a similar composition), porcelain or ceramic crockery can scratch the surface, because just like diamonds, porcelain can scratch porcelain.

It is highly recommended that cutting directly on the surface using ceramic utensils is avoided.
It is highly recommended that care is taken to avoid sliding crockery and cookware across the surface if these items are made of porcelain or ceramic.
It is highly recommended that in these situations, chopping boards, trivets and placemats should be used.
This is particularly true for polished surfaces.