I wouldn't have timber around a sink or other wet area but I do have a large spotted gum island bench that I just love. In a previous kitchen I had a very deep timber island bench with the stove top into it and, again, that wasn't a problem – because all the things you have to do to maintain the timber bench are just the same things you need to do to have a clean kitchen work area. Maintenance is wiping it over every day (and often several times a day depending on activities) but isn't that what you'd do regardless of the material? Once a week (or even a fortnight if it's been a quiet time) I polish it which means tidying away everything that has collected on it – but, again, regardless of material the tidying away part has to happen regularly and then you may as well give whatever surface it is a good rub. So I don't really understand the chorus of 'But timber takes too much care and maintenance'. The issue of a natural material showing its age and use (patina) is another furphy in my opinion – timber looks better and better as it ages whereas many other materials just look shabbier. The timber glows in daylight and under lights, is quiet, warm and welcoming making it a natural place for people to gather and chat, have a cuppa (or something stronger) and something to nibble on, read the newspaper, make a phone call, do a crossword, whatever ... And it becomes more beautiful as it ages.

won't get rusty meh?

I like industrial but the domination of concrete and timber needs to be balanced For one the bench is too blocky almost looking like an open tomb. Balance with a natural stone (granite ?) bench top. Then the timber choice is gorgeous but there is too much Consider adding warmth and softness with Porters liquid copper and patina green as a feature wall decorated with tallish leafy plants The timber ceiling is good. Lightly coloured clear glass pendants over the kitchen bench will create an inviting atmosphere and finally brightly coloured stools to accent the space colours of red green etc With compliments Pat 4 Interior Design Canberra

Hi Melissa, My bench tops will cost me $7000 too and is Ceasarstone Buttermilk but I think it's cheaper than your price based on the benches to be covered. My stone will also be only 20mm thick I have an island with seating with waterfall ends that's 3m x 1.3m Then I have another seating area that's 4m x .9m All other benches are standard 600mm and I have one which is 5m x .6m and finally 1.4 x .6m, so that's over 13mtrs of benches in length. Oh and I also have a little breakfast bar like you have which is about 3mtrs x .3m, so that's over 16mtrs in length. I'm based in the country and I'm getting my stone from Bartlett Bros in Colac Vic 3242