we just had our wooden countertop delivered. I am very glad we broke up the granite with wood, and we placed the wood on the island for the very same reason vickimp stated- it is warmer. Use a good sealer, and it should be no problem. We do have an induction in the island and bar sink- waterlox is what we are using to seal the wood.

Here are some of the other variables that I think figure into that decision: what do you think you most need--do you need more counter space for cutting? do you need counter space in a different and specific location? is the layout of your kitchen such that a movable cart would let you add the surface in a useful position--typically positioned as a center "island" to work around, or as a "L" to an end counter run, or alongside a stove that might have no counter space on one side, for example. How do you cut and cook? One reason I don't feel the need for "cuttable" counter surfaces is that then I would have to scrape the cut bits up and put in pot, or whatever, so this area would always need to be right next to the stovetop with no crevices. I am more likely to use the method of scraping things OFF of a cutting "board", which as noted in some above posts, now is available in a host of materials, not just a block of wood, and includes thin flexible sheets. So if I had a cart, I would most especially transfer things from there to stove or wherever on some kind of cutting sheet, and I wouldn't especially need a hardwood top, but you might if you absolutely prefer to cut directly on the cart surface (fruits/veggies, and not raw chicken). Otherwise, I would get a heat-proof top and combine with some kind of cutting board.In my some-day new kitchen, I want an undermount sink in the counter run most used for cutting, 'cause I want easier cleanup by sweeping bits directly into sink and not up and over a lip. Also, would it bother you if bits of herbs and vegetables fall off your cart onto the floor? Or put another way, do you currently have counter space that is BETTER for cutting, but you need more counter space to do the other things needed when cooking? Then you could think about whether the cart is specifically for cutting, or whether it is to free up better prime counter space that's already in a good location--the cart in this case could hold items pulled out from the frig, or bowl of something else you're mixing up, or whatever. The oversink thing seems really great to me from the standpoint of cleanup, but one thing I found is that I tend to have things roll off or bounce off and I would be pulling good stuff out of the sink, so I don't like that balancing act. Plus, I'm a composter, and I no longer put major vegetable matter like tops and peelings down the disposal--just crumbs and bits and sweepings. Again, that gets back to your kitchen layout and what you're most needing to accomplish with an added item. So I don't think of "prep work" and "hot pots" as the same function, but if you got stainless steel and added a cutting surface, you of course can accomplish both things, and the cart can add buffet service space, or drinks and ice at a party, and lots of things.

I think there are a lot of things you can do. Butcherblock is one of them. What will be perfect, depends on the style of the space, the style of the home, and your needs. You think you may need additional storage; that need can be addressed with a hutch, sideboard, or buffet as well as with cabinetry. I would move in and spend some time in the new house, time will tell you what will work for you.

I have a customer coming in this week who wants to do the same thing. I know a lot of people like butcher block & depending on your kitchen size, it would give a kitchen some warmth & add a different texture, looking really cool. I don't think I'd want the butcher block next to the stove, though. For one reason, it could scorch leaving burn marks. Most people want butcher block to cut on or near a prep area. i've done a kitchen w/ granite island top & a 3" solid butcher block/ like table at the end. I've seen those "mix-ups" & they look pretty good. Here is a link that might be useful: granite countertops