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hobknobb__

I have a design issue

4 months ago

I want to replace the wood top on my kitchen island. The sink is too big and in the wrong position to give me the max prep area that I need and the wood is kind of worn out. The issue is I think I need to stick to a wood top for replacement as my granite is very patterned and there is a lot of it. I am not looking to replace my kitchen counter top. Any comments/ideas are appreciated.

Comments (19)

  • 4 months ago
    last modified: 4 months ago

    Beautiful kitchen and your granite is gorgeous.✨

    Definitely I think you are on the right track with sticking with a wood top for the island. And I think a light colored wood could be nice, also.






  • 4 months ago
    last modified: 4 months ago

    We had a similar issue ( no sink, however ) just replaced the formerly butcher block top with a simple solid surface ( Corean, granite, quartz…. whatever ) in a solid color. Looks like you have many colors to choose from in your granite. Maintenance, especially with a sink, will be much easier & more forgiving than wood, in our experience.

  • PRO
    4 months ago
    last modified: 4 months ago

    You can easily match the granite and what size sink are you thinking ? I do not see how a smaller sink will work if it is the only sink in the kitchen , you might gain 4" of prep space .Sand down the wood top reoil and move on

  • 4 months ago

    This is not the only sink in the kitchen and it was supposed to be a prep sink, but it is a full size sink right in the middle of the island counter. It leaves very little work area. Changing it to a prep sink when we built the house and moving it to the left actually gives me 12” more prep area to the right. Also, we oil the wood at least once a month. My husband is tired of it. 😁

  • 4 months ago

    FYI, we had our butcher block island sanded, refinished, etc.,& it still didn’t look that good, especially in our modern kitchen, so replaced it. Best decision ever.

  • 4 months ago
    last modified: 4 months ago

    the floor is more grayish .. I'd consider a dark top. if you can measure the size you'll need [same as the current?] then go hunt around as soapstone and some other dark slabs may be found w areas w minimal or inconspicuous amt of veins. its a small piece that you need.


    Waynesboro Soapstone Installation · More Info



    Ladisic House on Stovall · More Info



    Kitchen · More Info


  • 4 months ago

    Nice Kitchen! I think that even if you could get that same beautiful granite to swap in for the wood top, it would end up being to much of a good thing. The granite is so interesting and dramatic, but if you added more of it right in the middle of the kitchen, I think it would actually detract from the movement around the perimeter, and the two textures in your backsplash. Since you asked for any comments and ideas, I'd add that it seems a Perfect design for a quiet white corian countertop on that island, preferably as close to the cabinet color as possible. Corian has loads of white colors, so you might find just the right one. It's expensive, especially if you have the integrated sink, but will really hold up over time in that workhorse location. I had my coffee station made in white corian, (rollout from a garage), and it looks as new today as the day it was installed. I'd at least check it out since you're looking at options. Wishing you good success with the change you're making.


  • 4 months ago

    The granite countertops are beautiful. If you add wood grain, there is a LOT going on pattern-wise in the kitchen. I would find a solid color granite (or granite that reads solid or even concrete) to do the island.


  • PRO
    4 months ago

    IMO the wood of your island looks great except, as you say, it is a bit worn. Was going to suggest that you have it sanded and refinished but that wouldn't solve your problem of the overly large sink. So, I vote for replacing it with a new wood countertop. Otherwise, perhaps you could replace with quartz that would relate to your existing countertops. Wouldn't suggest a heavily veined piece but something that is very lightly veined or solid.

  • 4 months ago

    You could consider a stainless steel counter. I would match your finishes. My sister has SS and they look good after 10-15 years of heavy use.

  • 4 months ago

    Suggest looking at Caesarstone and test lots of samples. I noticed the angled corner and if feasible, suggest not doing.


    Were you using the prep sink often? Will a smaller sink meet your needs?

    If yes, suggest adding in the less busy location.


  • 4 months ago

    Great suggestions. Thank you.

  • 4 months ago

    My first thought was soapstone as well. Contact a good stone fabricator - you might even get a remnant, since your island isn't that big.

  • 4 months ago

    Wood will always have issues near water. (For many years, wood floors were against code in kitchens in Massachusetts.)


    Soapstone (mid to high price) or steel grey granite (less expensive and with a subtle pattern) might work.

  • 4 months ago

    Since you have another sink in the kitchen, would you consider giving up the sink entirely to have more prep space?


    I know that didn't address the question you asked, but it was the first thing I thought of since you want more prep space...



  • 4 months ago

    I will second two previous posts. Solid surface (Corian, HI-MACS, Formica) is bulletproof and comes in a million colors, so you would have choices if you want to pull out some other color than white from your granite. And I also would take out the sink to allow for more prep and landing space on the island. Your main sink looks like it's right there - island sink seems redundant unless you frequently have a lot of helpers in the kitchen at the same time.

  • 4 months ago

    There are a number of counter material options. Butcher block/wood is very cost effective... and it is a classic pairing with granite.


    https://graniteasap.com/tips-for-mixing-kitchen-countertop-materials/







  • PRO
    4 months ago

    Some materials have minimums. For instance, you need 20SF minimum to make a purchase or you pay for all the material and they keep the waste. Or you find other areas of the house? Vanity? I would definitely ask places where you shop, "Show me your quartz, granite or solid surface that is a stock color and I only pay for ACTUAL Square footage".


    Tip #2: Look at local granite/quartz company's websites....see if they offer LIVE INVENTORY. Many times you can go there to see what is it stock for remnants and partials!