@CleverUserName
@lemmy.worldI used valspar signature latex, but i forget the name of the color. It may have been a mistake, since the internet says you should use an enamel on cabinets for toughness, but no issues yet.
I think the microwave will be a decent compromise, but time will tell. The counters were definitely a choice due to price. The whole build is coming from paychecks and i couldn't justify the cost of stone. I def didn't want the home depot special counters tho, formica or whatever. I picked up 30 feet of butcher block for just under $800.
Thanks! Mostly because it was cost effective. I had the boards already. I didn't love the stain color, and still don't, but my wife likes it, so it can stay.