I purchased this island in October 2010 and within two months the top cracked down the middle. The company replaced the entire island for free, and removed the defective one. I have had the second island for three weeks now, and this top is also cracking down the middle, in almost the same place. I have treated the wood, as you do with butcher block, but it didn't matter.  I'm guessing it is a defect in the material used.