This has a bit of a zebrawood look to me, because the stain has a varied look. It could also be different wood strips. It makes a beautiful counter.

yes it is very nice. i've asked my builder about using a darkwood top for our island but he is concerned about the dark stain showing more scratches than say pine. i would think that a exterior finishes over the stained wood could resolve that concern. no?

There are lots of opinions on this I'm sure, but here's mine: you need to use a butcher block, a teak or some other hardwood on a counter. Harder wood, of course, may be harder to stain. But with any wood counter top, I would not cut directly on the wood. It's a lot of abuse on the wood and it's never really sanitary. So use whatever you love and then protect it. It will be beautiful. Good luck!

great advice. thanks!

hey, one other question that i would appreciate your thoughts is that i am doing a northern michigan cottage kitchen with white cabinets, dark(black) granite and dark wood top island and am trying to decide between polished nickel or chrome for the hardware. i've been told that the chrome is more "cottage" and looks good against the white but on the other hand the PN is a richer, smoother, maybe more "retro '40s look". your preference?

I can't say that I've ever compared the two! If you saw a polished nickel handle next to a chrome handle, could you really tell the difference very quickly? My preference is always whatever gives things a slightly softer look--easier on the eyes. But your preference is what counts here! It sounds like a beautiful kitchen!

I would never use a stain on a wood kitchen countertop - and definitely not one that's intended for use as a chopping surface. Oil it periodically and keep it clean - That's it. If you want dark, select a dark species such as walnut (which I think this is)

As far as hardware - that's a personal preference, and one that's easily changed down the road - You might even find that brass is making a comeback and equally "of the period".

Good point bepsf. There are, I believe, "edible grade" stains. But a better way to get the look you want is to select the right wood!

Hi,
The subway tile is white and the countertop is walnut in a walnut stain.