Although it looks like they did zinc counters too, which I wouldn't do next to the stove -- zinc isn't heat-proof, and I know someday I'd forget and slide a hot pot right onto it and melt the counter.
We’re thinking of a zinc…
We're thinking of a zinc backsplash now. Isn't this pretty? Warmer than stainless...
Really? I thought zinc had a higher melting point than that.
I just looked it up. The melting point of zinc is 787 F. The only thing that gets that hot in a kitchen is the inside of an oven on its clean cycle.
None of the sites think it’s heat-safe for counters — see this one, for example: http://www.houselogic.com/home-advice/kitchens/zinc-countertops-pros-cons/
And this: “Distortions can also happen on zinc countertops. Zinc is not heat resistant, but it has low melting temperature, meaning it will not melt with heat, but prolonged contact with pans over 300�F will result to distortion. As a precaution, do not place hot materials on top of a zinc countertop.”
http://www.houselogic.com/home-advice/kitchens/zinc-countertops-pros-cons/