I have one wooden counter, of Ikea butcher block. It's more of a "putting down" spot, than a work spot, but after 6 coats of Salad Bowl Finish, I've never oiled it again. Going on two years now. My sister has all wooden counters in her kitchen (even at the sink) - they look fabulous. They used linseed oil, and did 8 coats. She told me she's never needed to re-oil them in 2 years, and I know they get pretty hard treatment. Incidentally, having spent some time looking at photos of properties in the UK recently (another story), I see that wood counters are really popular there, and they look great.

Funny that you guys started to discuss this just when I am about to start this same project myself. Here are my findings. First off, if you plan of putting a counter on top of the new 3.8 cu ft FL, good luck, and have your pocket book ready. You see, the deepest "standard" counters are those for kitchens, at 25 1/8". Assuming that one leaves around 5" of clearance behind those newer FL machines for vents, air circulation, heat, etc, then you are looking at about 30"-35" of depth, depending on how flush you want the counter to come to the front of the machine. Having said that, there are 3 prices for laminate counters in the stores (like Home Depot). The counters you see in the store in stock are the cheapest, and will cost around $10 li ft. If you need to pick a finish that matches say the sink counter top in your bathroom where the machines are also located, then that is considered a custom order, even if it is a standard depth. This will easily double the price to $20 li ft. Now if you want to order a non-standard depth so that it goes from the back of the wall to the front of your new FL, then you are looking at $35-$50 li ft, depending on type of finish like rounded vs sqaure front edge, back ledge or no ledge, etc... Keep this in mind when shopping for a counter top. I would like my counter to cover the machines completely, so I might have to bite the bullet and order the more expensive counter top.... Again, I am talking about a laminate counter top, no fancy materials here.... I am from Canada, and here is what the local Home Depot quoted me in Canadian dollars for the 3 options.. 1) In-Store counter (limited finishes) 25 1/8" (standard depth) X 6 feet = $68 CAD Custom order counter (you choose the finish) 25 1/8" (standard depth) X 6 feet = $132 - $150 CAD 30 Csutom order counter (you choose the finish) 30-35" (non standard depth) X 6 feet = $222 CAD I believe the last option of non-standard depth only allows for a square front edge finish. If you want a rounder edge in front, like that found on your kitchen counter, the price jumps to $500 CAD, since the guy said that they have to charge for a full 4X8 sheet, and then cut the custom size from there, in order to get the rounded front edge... One other option you can do, which my brother did very nicely is lay down 2 sheets of plywood (for extra thickness), and tile the top and sides, looks really nice, but is a lot more work...

My first choice for a counter top is either quartz or granite. Since I couldn't find anything I liked I puchased stock laminate counter top from Menards, but I'm not sure of the name. My intention is to live with this counter top until I find something I love. (most granite yards are hours away.) I was going to use this copper sink as an drop-in and change it to an under mount when the new counters were installed. I just spoke to a rep from Copper Sinks Online and I've decided not to install the copper sink at all, until the new countertops are installed. Now, it's back to the lumber yard! Thanks for responding, my kitchen is only a few days from completion and you've helped me though a nightmare!

Need advice please. have island 10ft long island x 4ft 2" (50inches)wide. overhang will be 12 inches down the entire 10ft length. have 24"d base cabinets plus another 12"d set of base cabinets back to back. (36 inches of base cabinets that granite will sit on). question is how many support posts will be needed down the 10ft length of overhang ?(14inch overhang) Will one support post on each end be sufficient or do I need 3? can't add metal supports into top of cabinets, not enough space between the cabinet doors and top of cabinets. no room for corbels. support posts are the only option. would like one on each end vs adding one in middle. help!