If you like the natural wood look then tung oil is brilliant. Not to expensive and is completely non-toxic, in fact they recommend using it to paint fruit bowls, children's toys etc That being said if your Builder done it correctly I don't see why varnish would not be up to the job....first cost on bare wood 50/50 then 2 coats on top of that or go for an oil-based varnish

Seams/joints might be more prominent in a natural product over a composite - not a problem if you have none - but another consideration if you do !

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Hi Robert, four years on and I’ve still got the wooden worktop! Life got in the way with my husband’s ill health so everything has been put on the back burner for now. However, I did give the worktops a good sand and applied Osmo Top Oil and they do look better. Picture below of one bit of worktop. Sink still needs changing but I’ll get there! I will just say my friend has Corian worktop and upstand and she is very disappointed. It is softer than quartz and has been dented. It also holds onto watermarks and needs wiping down constantly. Marks can be ground out but it needs a professional to do this. I’m not saying don’t have it, but it’s not a cheap option and it’s not that tough. Go to Daisy England’s comments above as she has some great suggestions. She works or worked for a kitchen company and knows her stuff. Good luck! Please ignore the garden picture as the Houzz App keeps adding the odd irrelevant picture and no option to delete anymore!