I am in the process of making a countertop for the island in our kitchen. It is made up of 3-4″ pieces of hickory about 3/4″ thick on top of 3/4″ plywood. It is an island that we eat at mostly, very little food prep and this would not be used like a butcher block. So, what finish should I use considering safety (food), durability, looks, etc?
Thanks,
Jim
ps I put a couple of coats of marine quality spar varnish (Pratt and Lambert I think) on the plywood back in the fall. It seemed to hold up very well. That would be my first choice since I’ve got about 1/2 gallon left.
Replies
Don't see anything wrong with using the varnish you mentioned. Anything is okay as far as being non-toxic once it's cured. In the old days, "spar" meant it never got hard so it would remain flexible for use on boats and such outdoors, but now I think it's a more generic term. If it seems to be hard enough that you don't stick to it on humid days, I would go ahead and use it. If you want real expert (woodworker-type)opinions, you might ask at the "Knots" forum.
Hey- just remember hickory is a very 'unstable' wood when it gets wet. Protect it well!