Solid beech worktops with an oiled finish were specified by the kitchen boss! We oiled them with teak oil, several coats, initially with a brush. Later, when the wood will absorb less oil a cloth is a better way of applying the oil to maintain the wooden work top.
To protect the worktop from hot pots and pans, we put some “hot rods” made of stainless steel from www.screwfix.co.uk which sit in slots routered into the wooden worktop.
