Thanks for the responses. Rhome, I agree with you and I have trouble imagining what it would look like when done. It might look good, but it might also like it doesn't fit. The way it's laid out, the big upper corner cabinet with the 2 smaller cabinets attached becomes one of the focal points of the kitchen. One challenge that they face is that the 2 smaller cabinets are different sizes, which is not always apparent, depending on where you stand in the kitchen. Because the kitchen is big, your eye tricks you into thinking that the cabinets are the same size. Creekylis, I like the idea of having different counter heights, probably because I am tall and it hurts my back to lean over and work at the shorter surfaces. Not sure that they will go for that idea since all the base cabinets are in already and my friend was complaining about the cost of everything while I was there. The small piece of granite doesn't show the extent of the movement that the slabs have. I should have taken a picture while we were at the granite yard. It's beautiful and has a lot of movement. The slabs on hold are "book-matched", if that means anything to anyone. Does anyone have pictures of long stretches of granite with movement that has seams that would be willing to share a picture of the way the seams look? BTW, vjrnts, thanks for the pix of your butcher block. I've had a hard time finding pictures that focus on the granite-wood transition areas. Any other ideas (aside from wood) that they could consider to break up the runs of granite? The granite yard is scheduled to template next week. I've forwarded this link to my friend hoping he will forward it to his SO, but not sure that she will get it (they only have dial-up and are not big computer users). I'll print it all out and overnight it to her if I have to. Thanks again for your thoughts. Dan

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.

Is this kind of the look you are going for? Craft Art wood countertop end grain and marble island They are national, but the experience felt personal for me at least. I know because I am no located near them and was concerned about not seeing it before purchasing - when I called and expressed that they told me even if I was down the street there isn't a way to see it beforehand because it is all custom made to your specifications and that means it doesn't exist until you order it. Made sense, but I hadn't thought of it. Based on my experience, the most important thing is to feel comfortable - and to have a warranty/service people. End grain wood counter tops can have a lot of natural movement through the first year season cycle so if there is some major problem you want to know you have someone who will work with you if the worst happens. I didn't have a problem with my order, but I have in the past (I do a lot of wood work now, but can't do the actual glue part very well. it's a skill i've never worked on) There are also places online you can get a not-custom size of end grain, but they made me nervous because they seemed like middlemen and didn't have knowledge. I'm personally not a custom Boos fan, but it's just my taste. I know a lot about wood finishes and if you just get a mineral oil finish it's fine from there, but their "Durata" finish might as well be laquer because that's what it looks like to me. Personal preference of course on that one, though. They do make a good cutting board with mineral oil, I'll say. Either way, hope the image helps!

poorowner, I'd love to tell you it will be fine since I have an undermount sink, but I really don't know. I saw another member on this forum have an undermount with butcher block so I decided to go for it. My sink is so deep that not too much water ever makes it up that high though. Also, the Waterlox makes the water bead and not penetrate the wood. We did put on five top coats however. We also put bb in our kids bathroom counter. I knew they would destroy it going in, but wanted a cheap update instead of a complete remodel. It has been there about a year. The only trouble spot is where they would put a cup that had water on the bottom of it in the same spot for several days. When I noticed it, there was a tiny bit of black and the wood had formed a hump and was soft. After drying out you really don't notice anything.