[Lisa]

I was mentioning my issue about Hallarum vs. the wood worktop and my dad says "what about marble?"

Marble. Yes. Stone, but not granite. Hmmmm. I love patina!

I have a 2 level island, so I could do marble on the perimeter cabs and the upper level of the island, but then put a wood worktop on the lower section of the island (all you'd see then when entering the kitchen would be either marble or stainless steel).

Until I know the price, I'm thinking I like it.

[GardenOfDarwin]

Oooohhh! I love the idea of marble with the Hallarum. Would have to be the "right" marble, and to get it at the "right" price, you'll have to do some haunting of stoneyards to find a good deal. I was stunned to find that my little 34" x 45" top for the black island cabinet I refinished would be ~$1K. UGH! That's when I moved on (quickly) to the idea of refinishing the top. I couldn't be happier, although if I'd have had the money....

How much square footage do you have on the perimeter cabs? Could you do a marble tile with a tiny, tiny grout line? I don't know enough about the stones to even recommend where to start, although I love the Rainforest (or is it Forest?) ones...

Susan