Finishing Butcher Block for Garage Cabinets

[jeh]

I have some cabinets I made for my garage and rather than making my own countertops I came across some butcher block at Lowe's.
It's $209 per 25"x96" making it way less expensive and time-consuming that making my own. I was eyeing a workbench top at Home Depot, but it comes in smaller sizes that do not quite fit what I have in terms of width on one set of cabinets and depth on another.

I was thinking of using a water-based poly, but wanted to ask for recommendations. I will not be using it as a workbench in term of banging it on it, but car parts will make their way on to it and maybe some small glue ups.

 

[bertv]

IMO oil is a better option. Can be repaired easily and is not as smooth and slippery, which is a positive for a workbench.

 

[RustE]

Somewhere I read that water-based polyurethane was a better choice if solvents are being used on the workbench.

Paste wax is another serviceable option.

 

[BobA]

I have used butcher block in 2 kitchens and the left over for my outfeed table, I used oil based poly in both.  It has been about 10yrs for both kitchens and they are both doing well.  If I was going to do it today I would use Osmo Polyx.  It is very durable and easy to use.