ms1zebra, Thanks for your comment and interest! River-rock finished aluminum is a great surface. Its unfinished textured top allows for increased durability for work surfaces. It is resilient with heat, stains, oxidation, but will show signs of use if heavy objects are dropped on or slid across it or cutting is done on it with steel knives. As mainly a lighting manufacturer, we do not heavily promote our tile choices, so we haven't made much of an impact on the tile market. Perhaps when folks think of aluminum as a material, they think about unfinished flat aluminum sheet, which is not a good or even available choice for kitchen surfaces. However, our tumbled finish and thick castings give durability and a great balance between a classic weathered and modern look. Best of all, our aluminum is 100% post consumer recycled, non-mined, locally sourced, made in the USA. We are a Benefit Corporation (B-Corp), triple bottom line company with pioneering experience in sustainable manufacturing. We hope you'll spread the word if you like our product. For more information you can visit our website: http://www.eleekinc.com/tiles/ Thanks again for your interest.

Yes, it's great! Remember it's sealed the same way a gloss surface is sealed - or it should be! Make sure your installers give you a warranty for the sealer they apply - my installers offer 5 years. We recommend mild all purpose spray Green type cleaners - no bleach and no ammonia.

Putting together a kitchen color palette can be challenging! Here is a great article that might help: Kitchen Color Palette

I would look at the upscale vinyl flooring like karndean which comes is every conceivable finish and is very easy to keep clean and is very hardwearing and practical for a kitchen.