Discussions

I have a really great kitchen island, it has a piano hinge extension.  
 
I would like to convert the top of the island to be more user-friendly...it is presently a stained wood with a hard finish...very nice..but hardly usable for preparing food. I like a cutting board type of top.  
 
I don't want to remove the top...should I apply ceramic or marble tile or slab? Should I refinish the top down to a bare wood and then what?  
 
Any suggestions folks?