I think butcher block on the island with quartz on perimeter will look and function better. If you use waterlox for it, you cannot cut on it. But it will give it a nice protective furniture finish. If you want to cut on it you need to use mineral oil, which is less permanent but repairable. If you cut on it, you will see marks on it, but you can sand it and re-oil over time. You can also use an oil based finish for the more natural look but not cut on it. That what I would do. If you search here you will see discussions of waterlox versus oil versus other products like osmo for wood island tops. Breezygirl highly recommends an osmo product that I am going to use on my wood island counter once it's installed.

I agree with Julie...definitely butcher block on the island. Lots less water worries (no sink) and, since you mentioned seating at the island, a wood surface will feel much warmer to the touch.

Thanks for the feedback. I think we decided to go with quartz on the sink counter and butcher block island. My husband really wants the bb to be used so we will care for it (mineral oil, I guess) so that we can still use it for cutting and food prep.

Good point about the warmth of butcher block...I hadn't thought about that