For a mineral oil finish on a wood countertop, we like Maple, Walnut, White Oak, Hickory and Birch. They all look nice and mineral oil brings out the natural color and grain. Ranging from the lighter colors of Maple and Birch to the richer colors of the others, they all work well. Mineral oil should be chosen if you will be preparing food directly on the countertop. Otherwise, conversion varnish may be a better finish.
Source: Country Mouldings Woodworker Survey, 2026.
