Carpentry and Woodworking - wooden countertop

I have wooden countertops and would like to know if it is a good idea to to seal and finish it with Polyurethane to protect the wooden surface and keep it from getting wet.

Typically, wood countertops are maintained by regular mineral oil treatments, particularly near the sink, and extra caution is taken with extremely hot cookware. You can purchase mineral oil at your local pharmacy.

Are the countertops butcher block?

Are they new?

Did the manufacturer recommend any treatment?

The countertops are new and they are butcher block. The manufacturer has treated it before. I have treated it with mineral oil. After instaling it a few days ago I noticed a little area was chipped. I am wondering if sealing it with Polyurethane might help with protecting the surface from scratches and chips, and water damage?

The countertops are new and they are butcher block. The manufacturer has treated it before. I have treated it with mineral oil. After instaling it a few days ago I noticed a little area was chipped. I am wondering if sealing it with Polyurethane might help with protecting the surface from scratches and chips. and water damage? Thanks.

As twelvepole indicated, mineral oil is about the best for wood. If it has been treated with mineral oil before, it is unlikely that you would get any other finish to adhere to it. I would stay with the mineral oil. It protects the wood and won't become rancid.

One of the great advantages of a wood countertop is that you can sand out scratches and chips. An occasional disinfection with bleach water solution, which will also remove stains, and regular sealing with mineral oil from the pharmacy should keep your top looking great. As chfite recommends, using cooking oils that become rancid is not recommended. Too, once wood has been oiled, it has to be maintained with oil. There would be adhesion issues if you tried to seal with a sealer on oiled finishes.

Thank you.