Make sure the stove is required distance + a few more centimetres from the splashback. In our experience gar burners with a large pot direct the heat toward the splashback. Burning the splashback. Stone can usually be repaired and our team have developed the Fusion Polish method to repair and restore stone when burned - however we can not on a vertical surface. Let's avoid the disaster. Give The Marble Man a call for stone - polish, repairs & sealing 1300 627 626

There are more expert peeps in kitchens here than I, but using a square tabletop coated with multiple coats of marine varnish might fit? Otherwise custom made.

I would consider how you plan to use the island bench, what tasks will be completed at the island bench, what you want to be able to see from the island bench (e.g. the TV in the family room) and what impact the pendant lights will have on the view of your kitchen from the family room. I personally found the height and style of pendant lights in display homes to be annoying. I'm not especially tall, but I had to deliberately avoid them and they often obstructed the view from the island bench. Some, but not all, also seemed to give off extra "heat" which isn't something I want in a kitchen which would already be warm when the oven is on. I did see some with the pendant lights raised higher, but then it looked a little odd to have a pendant light so high. In the end, I ended up not worrying about a pendant light.

My island is 3500mm x 950mm. With a 300mm overhang. I also do not have any stools at my island because our eight seater dining table is adjacent to island. I have my double sink with drainer, and plenty of bench space, because of bench length. So works for me. As oklouise has mentioned, measurements of your kitchen will dictate how big your island is. A 1200 deep island would require you to walk completely around it to clean, unless your 6 foot five. You have also said, in one of your initial posts, that you never eat at a dining table, so maybe you need a deeper bench. But, I would like to think that once you finally renovate your home, you will have family meals around an actual table.