I had the Ikea butcher block counter top (unstained) and treated with their oil treatment. The smell was pretty strong (no VOCs but VERY strong smell x 2 weeks). Check to make sure the Ikea counter top will accept a stain - it probably can...but you will want to make sure what is acceptable.

The oil treatment has to be done every few months (every 3-6 months...even more by the sink). Staining it then sealing it with a food-grade polyurethane/finish will reduce the need for so many applications per year.

A sealed counter top (polyurethane/urethane) does not have to look like it has 'plastic' on it. It will require refreshing every year or so. A lot less maintenance than the oil treated wood.

I liked the look of the wood - but the maintenance was far more than I bargained for.

Thanks for your prospective.