"Frank Ketchum" wrote in message link.net...
"Woodster" wrote in message
om...
I am a first time poster but, I have been reading the posts for the
last couple of weeks. Several of you are very knowledgable about
woodworking and enjoy making sawdust as well as myself.

I am finishing an island cabinet that I built out of red oak and I
ordered a butcher block top made out of red oak. I used polyurethane
on the cabinet but, I want something on the top that is a little more
durable, will urethane provide a little more durability to the abuse
that an island top will have to take? Also, should I expect movement
with the top and make slots for the screws attaching the top to the
cabinet to allow for any movement?

Red oak isn't a good choice for a butcher block since the pores are open.
Food juices and water will seep down into the wood and eventually lead to a
funky smell. Hard maple is the traditional choice. No film finishes will
hold up under direct assults from a knife for very long however. Oil
finishes are prefered (they must be food safe!). Mineral oil or walnut oil
are usually used.

If you are planning on it just being decorative and not used, then red oak
is fine finished with urethane.

You will have to allow for seasonal movement for sure!

Frank

Thanks for all the input on the top. I should of clarified that the
top will not be used for cutting on. I thought about using only a
food safe oil but, then I risk illness if the top isn't cleaned
throughly. So, the top will be used only for decoration. But, it
will get water spilled and food on it that is why I asked about
urethane. The wood shop that is making the top will sand it but, I
will have to finish sand it and stain to match the cabinet. Thanks
again for all of your help. Mitch