Thanks for the suggestion. i went down that rabbithole and now have more questions.

for those who installed a cooking range against the wall, how much clearance did you keep? Who should I be asking these questions to? The countertop fabricators, kitchen designer or the appliance salesman? Given how expensive each of these individual items are, I’d really like to make an informed decision.

what natural stone materials would you recommend for countertop and a full backsplash? Also, is there a need to fireproof the wall?

"what natural stone materials would you recommend for countertop and a full backsplash?" Many on this forum have used Taj Mahal quartzite for counters and backsplash. Taj is one of the more durable quartzites (and is beautiful IMO.) There's another quartzite that has been mentioned here as being very durable, but I can't remember which one(s). However this thread by a geologist might be a good read for you: 50 Shades for Quartzite

Are you set on using the same material for backsplash and counters? Asking because there are many gorgeous tiles, and using tile for a backsplash might open your counter options a bit more (for example, you wouldn't need to worry about quartz scorching behind your cooktop.)

re: installing the range / proximity to the wall: At the risk of sounding cynical, I'd err on the side of following the appliance specifications rather than the word of others who want to sell you something. And maybe talking to customer service for the appliance manufacturer (not retailer.)

All chips can be fixed, however, the inconspicuousness of those repairs vary. Corian and other solid surfaces can be repaired nearly invisibly along with some natural stones. Engineered stone is more difficult and without question, sintered (Dekton) is the most difficult and least conspicuous to repair.

The only way to make sintered more repairable is to purchase a through-body product like Lapitec. The color/movement/particulates go all the way through the top, unlike Dekton which has a picture on the surface. Because of that super-thin picture, it must have mitered 90* edges guaranteed to chip. Not if, but when.

I would do quartz, corian/acrylic or granite before I would do Dekton.

Dekton in a Texas showroom.

I've seen this type of material used for dramatic effect to cover a wall in a powder room. It's not for counters.

Even without a chip I hate the way that install looks that Joe posted.