MikeG writes:


[...]

Then again I think any natural wood and common finishes on working
counter tops is asking for trouble in short order. If I were so inclined
towards that combination it would probably entail the use of one of
those two part epoxy finishes.

Just one data point he In my mothers kitchen there is a simple fir
board below the window sill, extending the kitchen sink. This board is
used as an eating place by the cat (well, about 5 different cats over
the time...), as talon-sharpening device by some of the cats, so it
gets a lot of abuse. It was waxed with beeswax *once* when installed
(10years ago), and shows some wear, but it is still perfectly
serviceable and has a very nice look and is absolutely smooth to the
touch. So don't overestimate both load and importance of the finish
on real wood.
--
Dr. Juergen Hannappel http://lisa2.physik.uni-bonn.de/~hannappe
Phone: +49 228 73 2447 FAX ... 7869
Physikalisches Institut der Uni Bonn Nussallee 12, D-53115 Bonn, Germany
CERN: Phone: +412276 76461 Fax: ..77930 Bat. 892-R-A13 CH-1211 Geneve 23