Aside from their obvious practicality (you never have to use a cutting board again), wood countertops are timeless and beautiful. "More than half the kitchens we do have a butcher block countertop," says designer Tim Scott of XTC Design Incorporated in Toronto. Look for high density woods like wenge, utile and Brazilian cherry.

Design Tip:
Spekva of Denmark (www.spekva.dk) offers more than 20 types of beautiful, solid wood countertops made to specification.
Maintenance:
Treat wood countertops with mineral oil every month. Sand out stains and re-oil for a new surface.
Cost:
$30-$150/sq. ft., installed