Thread: How to finish a kitchen benchtop (Marri) To oil or not to oil ??

Hi Fellow Woodworkers,

I am new to the world of woodworking and would really appreciate some help with my current project. I am in the final stages of a kitchen renovation and I need to finish off the top and sides to an island bench so a cabinetmaker can start on the cupboards/drawers. The benchtop and sides are to be made from 2 long marri slabs which will be joined and have mitred cuts on the edges to form a waterfall effect on each side. I have spoken with a number of people with regard to how the marri should be finished off and I get different answers from everyone I speak to. The reno is to prepare for the birth of our first child so it is important to my wife and I that we use a product which is non toxic as it will primarily be used for food preparation. We would also like a finish which is water and if possible heat resistant. We were leaning towards an oil finish such as Organoil Hard Burnishing oil but some forum posters have suggested Organoil will give a dull finish, will stain easily and need quite a lot of maintenance. I have heard some good things about Sikkens and Feast Watson floor finishes but I'm concerned about the toxicity.

Can anyone suggest a product/method which is non toxic but still provide a durable and impressive finish (low sheen / satin preferably) ?

Thanks.