What do you expect from the counter? High or low maintenance? Long or short warranties? Beauty and aesthetic choice needs to be compared to your expectations.

When compared to all other counter material options, wood in a kitchen typically carries higher maintenance and shorter warranties. Gorgeous and beautiful, but with a higher commitment to maintain over its life. I suggest if you speak with your supplier, ask for explicit warranty and maintenance information up front.

I'm curious about the walnut. Is there something you have seen that inspired you?

As these counter tops wear and age they will create a warm character that no other counter top material could. The stains and dents you are worried about will actually add to the counter tops and not detract from it.

I've been lucky i guess with any product i brought thus far. The warranty cards that come with products i simply trash them. If a product was made right to begin with why warrant it. But i agree, Do's and Don'ts from manufactuer is a great help. It keeps me from voiding the warranty

We are about to put black walnut countertops into our kitchen. They will need oiling regularly and don't let water sit on them for long periods of time but otherwise should be as durable as other worktops unless you are the type of cook who likes to put boiling pans straight onto a worksurface.

The truth about natural wood, when used near wet areas, is that there absolutely is a risk of expansion and contraction. Surface character over years of use is one expectation to consider, and can be refinished if desired. Splitting or joint seperation, and the counter is compromised.

Ikea sell a walnut range for bathrooms, they've had it for years. Must do ok in wet areas if treated correctly.

Thanks Karen Paul. I have maple floors with walnut inlays. The walnut has turned a beautiful red brown. I want to pick up on that. Can t afford the granite, so looking for a creative but classy alternative.

Well, that certainly makes sense (the walnut inlay). I've not specified actual wood for a countertop, but that's not to say it isn't being done and safely. Looks as though Houzzers are weighing in on what will happen and don't seem to be against it. So, I suppose the question for you is do you need to have a pristine look or would you enjoy the aging and worn patina of the walnut over time. Might be great fun and if it can save you money, I'm all in! :)

Walnut is pretty soft, but if you don't mind having dents in it, then there shouldn't be a problem.

I am not sure Solid Walnut would be less expensive but it will be more creative and interesting. You kitchen will show some thought process instead picking the same old time worn choices.

Hmm. No problem with a little worn character but the style of the house is modern. Not sure if walnut countertop will fit in. Also concerned about water and protection. Photo attached.

Here's a heretical thought: go with Wilsonart walnut laminate. I'm going with one of their wood tones, but haven't decided as I'm waiting for samples.

MS, YES. I like to add a little surprise and personal touch. I have seen so many beautiful kichen redos that say nothing about the person living there.

In my growing up years we had NO problems having formica countertops. No problem whatsoever with them. But that's not my personal perference as of now. If whatever it takes install natural wood as the countertop. The trick ... perserving it so it shall see no moisture

This previous houzz thread may be useful:
https://www.houzz.com/discussions/nice-wood-counter-top-type-of-wood-please-pros-cons-of-wood-vs-stone-dsvw-vd~134228

A little insight about why we look at warranty and related maintenance supplied by the manufacturer. It really isn't about selling peace of mind or potentially replacing products free of charge (which is never truly free).

The amount of detail a manufacturer puts into their combined warranty and maintenance disclosure tells you a great deal about what THEY know about their own product. The extent they go to protect themselves and their liability should lead to good questions about the product itself.

Compare more than one wood counter manufacturer, and their costs. Then look at their warranty and maintenance info. Due to the higher risks associated with wood counters, over the length of their life, I would be concerned about one considered "economical" compared to other counter material options in your area. I would find the opposite to be true for my market and projects.

As for material selections, whether Formica or Onyx, it's not a judgement of their quality but how they are utilyzed as part of the whole design. With great craftsmanship and sound design, economics of the material itself need not be relevant. Taste and coordination works at any level. Just be knowledgable of the material you select and that it matches with your expectation.

Foresight: From your last paragraph, i totally agree with the phase "great craftsmanship". Given that, i need not worry about warranty. from contractors. I personally don't trust that warranty anyway. What i trust/rely the most is the do's and dont's they provide. If i don't follow their advice religiously, how can i fault them

I just ordered two different black walnut bathroom vanities from Etsy. One will be a 60" single sink semi industrial wall mounted model with suspended drawers under the walnut countertop. I'm adding a cement sink and a wall faucet for that one.

It will have substance, yet will not suck the air out of the room. It has a simple bottom shelf and is framed in piping.

The second is for the hall bath. The top of the cabinet is from one company & will have black epoxy filling where knots and cracks had been. The cabinet is also black walnut & will be nearly clear coated. Only enough stain to bring out the character of the wood. This is also a wall mounted version & has 5 operational drawers & one false for the semi recessed vessel sink with wall mounted faucet.

Both of these cabinets are being made here in the USA by individual home grown local companies using regional sources. As long as you install a great exhaust fan & put it on a timer you can expect to have no problems. Simply wiping them off after use is enough. I've had black walnut most of my life and love both the feel, character & warmth of wood that just can't be found in tile & stone.