Q-3 Do we need to Finish the wood countertop?

A. A large variety of finishes can be successfully employed in order to grant your wood top protection, enhance its beauty or create special effects. Varnish, lacquer, shellac, wax, oil, natural resins and wood stains can each constitute the best finishing choice under certain circumstances. Largely, if the food were to be prepared directly on the wood top (which is, you will cut and chop food directly on the wood top, without using a cutting board), then the mineral oil would be the most recommended finishing type.

If the top is mainly a dining area, or if you'll use cutting boards when cooking, then a polyurethane-based varnish would be greatly preferred, as it offers a better overall protection. Regardless the finishing type, the solid wood tops should be finished after the shaping/trimming is done and prior to installation.