Hello Marybeth1,

In my own opinion I think having a wood top on a step down from the rest of the island would look awkward. I think it would be better just to have it all the same surface. It's all going to depend on your wood (and wood finish) and granite selection too though.

Here is a link that might be useful: Encore Fine Cabinetry

I vote for all one surface out of quartz or other hard surface material. You can still utilize a portion for seating at a lower height for accessibility issues, but I think it will look nicer esthetically to have the same surface. There are lots of stone that will give you a warm look. Depending on your cabinet color and island base you can still have wood legs under the eating area similar to the picture you posted.

I think either could look fantastic. I've seen islands with a dropped portion for prepping that's made of butcherblock...or made of marble for baking when the rest of the island countertop is something else. I think yours would be similar to that.

Marybeth, I just want to warn you before you get too carried away with an island concept that a 9' wide kitchen might not be big enough if you have cabinets on both sides in that direction. I have a 10' wide kitchen with cabs on both sides, a 39" wide island in the middle, and relatively narrow aisles. You would probably have to lose cabs on one wall to get the island in.

I agree with the other posters: putting one surface on the whole island/table will tie it together, but a wood topped table would look like an afterthought. Also, if you have hdwd floor and wood cabs, a wood table would introduce a third wood into your kitchen -- very hard to coordinate and perhaps too much wood. Good luck.

I disagree and think you could use the wood with granite/quartz and it could look great depending on your choice of stone color. Here is a pic I linked for someone else today that shows an island with a lowered section in a different top material. The lowered part is for prep, not a table; but it give you the idea.

Also check the FKB under multi-level island categories to see other ideas.

Here is a link that might be useful: Two level island... different tops

The only thing with the butcher block is that those are mainly utilized as food prep areas, not as a place you would want to sit down to eat all the time.

I know mnolan... I didn't mean a butcher block prep island like John Boos... I was attempting to show how a wood topped table lower then the surrounding cabs would look. If you look in the FKB... you will see tons of mulit-level islands were there are two materials. It might look odd with two materials butted at the same level but I don't see a reason why it wouldn't also work a table height attachment. Check out grant13's kitchen in the FKB... you'll see a wood topped bar height table with adjoining stone. Looks beautiful

Good finds, remodelfla. Also, there are kitchen tables made with butcher block surfaces...Doesn't mean someone would cut onions on it, then seat their guests there for dinner. The look is what works, though, and can look nice in a kitchen...and like you said, marybeth, the wood can warm things up.

Thank you for all the responses and sorry for the typo on original blog. Everything everyone said is exactly what I was thinking. If I went with wood that would be intoducing another wood, I also think all one matierial would look more cohesive. Remodfela thanks for the pic I was thinking butcher block also but agree with mnolan that I do not think I would want to eat on it. Blukitob, thanks for the warning on the layout. I posted a pic of my original kitchen, it is in the middle of the house and opens into family room. We are eliminating the pennisula and relocating dishwasher next to sink. I am sorry for the unclear picture but I had to blow it up so you could see it. We taped it out and with eliminating the table which was on the wall next to stairs I thought we would have room. The broken line you see is a sky-lite. Thanks again for the responses as soon as I finish making some of my selections I will try to post more info and hopefully pics.
{{!gwi}}