For the entire kitchen or just the island?

following. I'm seriously considering wood too but plank not butcher block.

I think it looks kind of cheap, and if not babied, wears really quickly.

Imo it does not look good in an entire kitchen. It will not wear well when it gets wet around the sink.

I have a butcher block top piece installed on the end of my island across from my stove area. It is wonderful. I had a cabinet maker build it. It is thick and made of multiple pieces of hard maple wood. (Many woods are not appropriate to use as butcher block top because they are not durable enough so be aware of that and do your research). I oiled my butcher block top with appropriate type of oil from the day that it was installed, very regularly (daily for a while until the oil soaked in really well. My light colored hard maple became darker which made it even more beautiful). If you take care of your butcher block, it will stand up very well. Oiling it will help it to become moisture resistant and also bacteria resistant and easy to clean. Mine does have some wear, but that is part of the character of it. If you buy good butcher block, it is expensive but don't skimp. Don't install butcher block unless you are willing to take good care of it.

Personally, I would not want to use it for my entire kitchen, especially next to a sink. Installing a thick piece somewhere in your kitchen, if placed right, will look nice along side a harder surface countertop.