butcherblock doesnt seem to be a good mix with fabrics. between snagging and oil residue its not sounding like a match made in heaven. similar with papers.

Thanks for the input.

Looking for suggestions on how to finish the butcher block in a manner alternative to food preparation in a kitchen setting.

Lots and lots of sanding. Then a water based poly. Then sanding. Then water based poly. Then sanding. Then a final coat of water based poly.

Or a $100 piece of laminate top from a big box that is smooth and ready to go.

I agree I love butcher block but not for this application .

Not a fan of laminate. Or using doors. Which is why the butcher block was purchased on sale. It is on top of two dressers and is the exact look I wanted. I will figure out something and post finished pics. People use these things all the time for desks and sewing tables. My only goal was to avoid destroying the material. At least it is wood so could be sanded down later.

Oh, fantastic. That works out perfectly because I reserved a small space between the two dressers for hiding away the sewing mat! Just started the polyurethane, too. Thanks!

Here is my butcher block topped cutting table. My husband built the butcher block to fit a pine baby changing table. He sanded within an inch of its life. It's finished with Minwax golden oak and 2 coats of poly. It works great and doesn't catch fabric. I had a cutting mat on top of it.