They are granite 12" tiles from Home Depot with aluminum edges also from HD. I used particle board, then concrete board, I used the premixed thin set mortar I seem to have better results with that than the powder you mix.I had the tiles touching so there is very little grout. I think I paid $1.99 each for the tiles - I used Schluter systems anodised edging it is recessed for the tile and is 1 3/4 so it covered all the layers of board and concrete you put this edge on when you are tiling it has holes for the glue to come through - you can buy outside corners which finish it nicely was a bit more expensive than wood but doesnt look country and looks way better than seeing the edges of the granite tiles. The edge of the island facing the barstools is actually an old Art Deco Bar we cut it down in height as I wanted the island all one height not with a bar height edge. I covered the original foot stool in plain black 12" tiles and used a small schluter edge to finish it. I got the barstools
from americanchairs.com $165 each they are new but to refinish antique ones is very expensive. I have a diner hotplate 3ft long (where the frypans are) it is awsome for cooking breakfast for a crowd.
The frig/freezer looks built in but is fake it is a separate frig and freezer with a kit to make it look built in from Sears; If you want any more info let me know

I helped a friend install a wood edge who had used tile like this but he used thin set and it was impossible to keep straight in line with the tile; up and down. It looks like you uses something that allowed the pieces to lay flat. What did you use? I am considering going this route.

Wow very nice just love the vintage look