I love wood counter top's even though they are more work than laminate. There are a number of things you can do to help make life easier in the long run though: The blackening around the sink is a common issue but can be resolved by getting a deep under-mounted sink which means water won't sit and pool for long periods of time. http://homefixated.flashpointstudio.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/3043998820-L.jpg http://www.iichekanpur.org/charming-butcher-block-countertops-for-kitchen-furniture-inspiration/wood-butcher-block-countertops-with-white-sink-and-cabinet-for-kitchen-decor-ideas-2/ Use mineral oil every day for 2-3 days when the worktops are new until the wood stops absorbing it. The use a natural mix of organic beeswax and mineral oil - reapplying every couple of months. This will form a food save protective layer that will keep them looking good. You'll see if you put a drop of water on the top it'll simply bead rather than soaking in. If its starts soaking in you'll know its time to reapply the wax (this also gives it a lovely soft sheen and honey smell). http://www.woodworkersguide.com/2010/01/30/a-beautiful-beeswax-finish-for-cheap/ Also keeping a couple of glass or marble surface savers out (mine are either side of the stove) so you have a natural landing pad for hot pans etc all help to keep the surface looking great. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Completely-Clear-Float-Glass-Worktop/dp/B007UI3110/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1445726256&sr=8-3&keywords=glass+surface+saver http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2-x-Large-Heavy-White-Kitchen-Marble-Worktop-Saver-Dicing-Cutting-Chopping-Board-/261839901221

It is recommended by Silestone.com that hot pans not be put directly on to the surface, and, that you use a trivet. So I guess it is unfortunate that this has happened. I don't think that moderate heat includes a pan straight from the stove as that would presumably be classed as 'red hot'. I feel very sorry for you, but it is down to the consumer to know the product and use it accordingly, Silestone can be marked, and scratched too, so i guess be more careful. Such a shame. Here's their literature on care, which I think personally you should have been given at the time of installation. Silestone You can put hot pans on Granite..............my wife does it quite often if she runs out of room on the cutting boards. However, for the most part we do try and use the cutting boards in preference. Our granite has been in situ for around 15 years and still looks like new.

What do you think of using layers of plywood for a kitchen work surface? Like it or Loath it? Vote Yes or No

Thank you all, it's really useful to hear your opinions. The sink could move over one space but not really all the way as there'll be a large corner unit up in that corner housing the boiler. We were thinking induction but currently love cooking on gas so can easily swayed there. Alfred - We were planning on going for an oven and small oven/grill for the tower. I love the idea of a boiling water tap but with two small and fearless toddlers I'd be a bit nervous! We do like cooking and tend to spread a fair bit so I am concerned about counter space. The breakfast bar isn't actually that necessary so I wonder whether the whole design would work better without it, leaving a longer stretch of worktop along the sink side?