I guess I should say we also have sort of sophisticated taste. We have cherry floors (laid them ourselves) and a gorgeous view of mountains. We'd like to the kitchen to look warm and well-done. My special dishes run to the homemade pottery look and some Tuscany inspired colors. ??
Thanks again.

You could see if you can get granite remnants. Many granite yards sell them and you can save quite a bit of money going that route.

How about Ikea butcher block?

Your kitchen sounds wonderful and the idea of being
thrifty in this economy can apply to many who read
GW.

Have you considered Butcher block? You could build your
counter yourself with wood.

Tile is definitely cheaper and could be a way to go.
I know you said tile might not be what you want but
take a look at the pics below.
If you got large 8 by 8 granite tiles you might be able
to achieve the look without the price.

Have you visited Craig's list in your area?

Sometimes people sell their old Kitchen stuff
from old counters to tile to pieces of granite that
maybe you could use. Even restaurants sell their stainless
equipment.

What about laminate counters? They have ready
made pieces at places like Home Depot or Lowes that look
similar to granite and are very durable. Easy to clean
and still look lovely.

Have you visited IKEA?
For $75.00 you can get a stone or wood look laminate
that is Length: 73 1/4 " Depth: 25 5/8 " Thickness: 1 1/2 "

Here is an IKEA image

IKEA
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http://bedrockcreations.net/bedrockcreations_pages/bedrockcreations_photos/photos_kitchens3.htm

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Granite Tile looks amazing
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Butcher Block You can do yourself.

This one is Formica. Amazing because it looks like granite.
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As usual boxerpups has provided you with many fabulous pics to help you see what the options would look like. Like others already suggested I immediately thought, BB from IKEA, granite tile, or prefab granite. Craigslist is an awesome place to find some of these materials cheaper. BUt then I also thought about DIY copper countertops... especially since you said you want a Tuscan look. There's a thread from awhile back where someone (whose name of course escapes me) did it and posted pics I think she's still around and I'll tell you... IT LOOKED AWESOME!

Wow, lots of things to consider from suggestions and pics here. Copper intrigues me. BB--interesting. THanks for the Ikea idea. Granite tile looks better than I thought.

Anyone heard of marmoleum used on a countertop? Too odd or could it work? We had originally thought of slate, but I've sort of given up on that.

Thanks again. Keep the ideas coming! We have a quarry and some stonecutters near us. We'll see...

There is available in larger urban areas very inexpensive granite (usually from China) that already is pre-cut with a polished edge and top. All they have to do is the cut-outs for the sink and seam it where two sheets go together. An eight foot sheet of this granite is around $100. Ask around - it's usually called "prefab granite".

Also, soapstone can be purchased pre-fab and you can install yourself. It's even easier to seam together because it's a softer material.

Here is a link that might be useful: Soapstone

here's a pic of tiles.

I'm the one with the DIY copper countertops. :-)

I love them. They aren't completely trouble-free (you have to wax them regularly while they build up a patina), but they were certainly economical, and they are certainly warm and welcoming.

Pix and how-to in the link below.

Here is a link that might be useful: Making my Copper Countertops

i have seen granite tiles and i think they look very nice. you can purchase them as large as 24 by 24 inches to eliminate some of the grout lines.......if you have "the tile shop" near you, give them a try. the one in my area has many kitchen displays with granite tile counters.....