It is hard to go past solid timber bench tops for beauty, durability & warmth, following are a few examples.
Here a ceramic hotplate is cut into a recycled & oiled mixed hardwood top.
Tasmainian Oak was used for this free form top in a hairdressing salon. Complemented by the mirror frames & supporting drawer units. the job was finished in satin polyurethane to stand up to the rigours of the commercial environment.
On this occasion Brush Box was the timber used. Several 200mm boards have been joined to create the neccesary width. It is finished with polurethane.
New Guinea Rosewood is the timber used here. It is finished with a tung oil based urethane
This is a Blue Gum slab over a drawer unit the piece ripped off the back to straighten it to fit the wall was used as a splashback. It is finished with organ oil. the complete unit can be seen in Bespoke joinery
This top is made from 80mm 'Beefwood' strips that the client felled on his western N.S.W. property. It is finisfed with 'Country Oil'. Another shot of the cabinets is on the kitchen page.
I believe this to be a piece of Australian Cedar origins unknown but truly a rare & beautiful piece of timber. The complete piece can be seen in vanities
This is not a bench top! It is the end of a wardrobe showing how 5 species of timber can be blended harmoniously.