Tile countertops create a food contact area that is difficult to sanitize. I have done them in the past but very small seams with un sanded grout with epoxy or silicone in place of grout. Edges are something to plan out carefully.

Right. I looked at a lot of houses over the past two years. More than a few high end ones had tile countertops which surprised me. They looked good IF they were done properly with virtually no grout lines.

The bad ones were done in the 70s or 80s and had rough tile and 1/4" or better grout lines. The ones with the faux Spanish look were the worst offenders.

I did not see look-of-wood tile on counters, however. It was mostly granite like, marble like, or concrete like tiles.

I would love to see this. I love the idea. If you want a wood counter, have you looked at butcher block?
I've done tile for a countertop. Not this tile though. It's fine. Like everyone else said, minimal to no grout lines is the key.

Porcelain tile is very durable but you need a tight seal for that grout less look. How will you edge it? Will the rustic look go with the rest of the kitchen especially the real wood work? So it would go with distressed painted cabinets( In a barn red or smoky teal?) better than nice stained cherry or oak. It would be a nice floor in more formal styles as well as the cottage look. What would the backsplash be? Same tile or sheet metal like pressed tin?
It all depends on the other elements working together.

I was planing on pairing this with Calcutta Oro marble and white painted cabinets. Although I was thinking of only doing a small section of this on one end of the island. Preferably with no grout lines.We live in a classic 1900 colonial and are adding on a new kitchen. I want to make sure I don't make a designing costly mistake!
Thank you for all your comments. Great help I appreciate any feedback.