Reply #2: I love the way the oak looks, plus it is inexpensive.

[wildeyed]

They have beech as well. It is lighter in color, and I don't like it as much as the oak, but I would consider it, too. http://www.ikea.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?topcategoryId=15576&catalogId=10103&storeId=12&productId=60908&langId=-1&parentCats=15576*16270*16273

The look I am considering is a light grey glazed cabinet, fairly modern, the wood counter top and a stainless backsplash. I think it is a killer combo, and very affordable. But it won't be great if it doesn't wear ok.

I was thinking that a stainless sink with an integrated apron off to one side might help with the moisture problem. I must be honest, I am not much of a housekeeper, especially when I get cooking, so the water tends to go where it may. I don't take time to wipe up moisture spots.

Another option, the carpenter I interview mentioned he could wrap stainless around wood to create a countertop in the space alloted for about $800, or we could go for patented H2S stainless laminate. Both would be less expensive than having the steel fabricator in to work.

A third option, Ikea has a killer red laminate. For what it costs, I could change it in 5 years when I get sick of red.
http://www.ikea.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?topcategoryId=15576&catalogId=10103&storeId=12&productId=25728&langId=-1&parentCats=15576*16270*16274


On edit: Maybe I could ask the carpenter to wrap the section of counter top adjacent to the sink with stainless. Problem is, that would create a seam between the wood and stainless section. Hmmm.... I dunno, I will think about it.