I personally love wood for countertops. The only way you'll save money on them is if you do a do-it-yourself version though, really.

Here is a link that might be useful: homeowner line of wood countertops - less expensive but looks expensive

I tried to post this, too but it blanked out - here's trying again!

I use them for a lot of my "wanna be handy man" projects for friends/family actually because they are easy to work with, forgiving and inexpensive but look Super expensive if you go with a species like Black Walnut.

I recommend doing a waterproof finish like the waterlox finish that the wood countertop company I've been using recommends. It's easy to apply... the instructions look a little intimidating, but it's actually a lot easier. Not sure why they made some of the coats called "CRITICAL COAT" because when I first saw that even I was worried. But it was actually fine/simple. a lot of dry time between coats, basically.

Their DIY stuff is at the link below. I actually called in before I placed my first order and talked to a woman... don't remember her name... but anyway she helped explain the whole deal to me(why waterproof finish is good, alternative finish options, installation help). I recommend that if you're nervous about wood.