That wouldn’t pass code here. You may find that has to be changed when you remodel.
Our fixed center island has a maple butcher block top that is really pretty. We do use as some above have mentioned a small non-wood cutting board that is then placed in the dishwasher for sanitary cleaning. The cabinets match the rest of the kitchen. I think it would have broken up the colors too much if the cabinets were different in this 14x16 ft kitchen with stainless steel appliances, rustic distressed medium colored wood cabinets with dark brown trim, australian cyprus wood floor, and brownish-black granite countertops.I agree that it would have been pretty but I do not want my center of focus to be that butcher block. The hanging light above the butcher block is very ornate.
I will be sure to look into that. I think it’s not a problem because of proximity to natural ventilation and because the combined kitchen/dining area/great room is a large open area of about 1,000 square feet.
I have a wood countertop, walnut next to the stove. Most stoves are made with enough distance from the countertop to meet the codes. I love my walnut countertop. I didn’t get one with permanent finish. I have had it a little over three years. I had to apply finish often in the first two years but now it needs it only occasionally. To me it was worth the trouble. It looks natural with rich patina.