I went from thinking I could use a cheap Ikea butcherblock and finish it with Le Tonk to a custom-made top finished by the builder with Waterlox. Several things drove this decision including non-std sizing and my general lack of DIY skill. As you no doubt know, mineral oil is a good choice if one plans to actually chop on the block -- which I did not; I bucked the granite trend and used wood for all the counters in the kitchen. (Gee, is it time to switch to the Kitchens forum? )