I had a dream last night that my local Big Lots closed without warning. Store fully stocked, but it was just inexplicably shut down. I was mad because I then had to goto WalMart for TP.
No way; this thread jack is good. How about "butcher block" counter-tops. I'm a bit dubious on their durability, but they don't cost all that much and are easy to repair.
The best "edge grain" butcher block counter top material, which is generally the less expensive, is more expensive than mid priced granite, and takes a good deal of maintenance ... forever.
Don't get much call for full butcher block counter tops these days, but do spec quite a few partial "end grain" counter tops for those who really want a cutting board surface:
https://picasaweb.google.com/111355...itchen201102?noredirect=1#5679345635462551890
https://picasaweb.google.com/111355...itchen201102?noredirect=1#5679345696973532274
Basically, the "butcher block look" is making a slight come back, but hasn't gained much traction from what I can see. There were a lot of cheap, faux laminate butcher block counter tops back in the 70's and I think many folks are still suffering from seeing too many of those.
YMMV..