Best finish for NON-Foodsafe butcher block countertops?

9 years ago

last modified: 9 years ago

Hi all,

I will be making the butcher-block countertops from 1 1/2" thick light maple stock and I'm looking for a satin (non-gloss) top coat finish. I've been suggested everything from tung oil to water-based satin polyurethane to a furniture wax such as Briwax. So I'm a bit confused.

I have enough maple stock to make several extra butcher block slabs that will actually be used for food cutting and prep, so we want the counters to be very hard, non-staining and non-glossy finish.

What say ye about the best finish to use?

Thanks,

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (2)

automatikj
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Like you, we made our own butcher block countertop for the island from maple stock and debated finishes. We decided that abuse-proof was preferable to foodsafe.We went with an interior polyurethane (Minwax) but if I had to do it again I would go for:- Definitely water-based polycrylic instead of polyurethane. I'd much rather have the cool-toned, lighter shape of maple of the water-based finish than the golden tone that the oil-based polyurethane gives. Your mileage may depend on the color scheme of your kitchen...- Maybe Interior/Exterior version (Helmsman) for superior durability and water resistance (based on comments by others who use a BB countertop around their sink area).
PRO
Rockin' Fine Finish
9 years ago
if you dont need food safe go with conversion varnish in a matte finish it's as tuff as nails
Related Professionals
Washington Architects & Building Designers · Wauconda Architects & Building Designers · Ridgefield Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Frisco Furniture & Accessories · Kearny Furniture & Accessories · Newnan Furniture & Accessories · Norwalk Furniture & Accessories · Eureka Furniture & Accessories · Potomac Furniture & Accessories · Kingsburg Furniture & Accessories · East Riverdale General Contractors · Irving General Contractors · Perrysburg General Contractors · Rancho Santa Margarita General Contractors · Wheaton General Contractors