OP here. I had older wooden counters before we re-did the kitchen. They were lovingly dinged and marred from many years of use. I'm not looking for a "perfect" look, just concerned about causing real damage to the new wood. I think old wood is somehow more resilient?

Also, my new configuration has the sink mounted right into the counter, where I used to have a sink with a built in drainboard on both sides. I know this is not ideal, but the wood was affordable and we had a small budget.

Oh and I always have big cutting boards out and lots of coasters/bevnaps.

Wood counters here. House of boys and I'm a serious cook.

I only treat with mineral oil. About once a month I take fine grit sandpaper to the imperfections and re oil. I would not poly. It won't solve your problem and it looks terrible. Wood counters are meant to be rustic.

But yes, you need to work with your family not to leave standing water. That's a bad habit and just being an inconsiderate housemate.

The beauty of wood countertops is that they aren't stone - they are malleable, usable surfaces. Definitely focus on waterproofing more (polyurethane is good), but try to embrace the watermarks, dents, and scratches. Wooden counters are meant to be imperfect.

I would not get wood counters for this reason - I'd be obsessed with keeping water off as well. Can you find a way to seal them to make them more waterproof?

Our kitchen has new ikea oak counter tops. I am kind of uptight about keeping them fairly dry. Drops are not problem, but anything approaching a puddle seems wrong. Others in my house don't seem to mind the puddles, so I've gotten a little maniacal about checking them and drying the wet areas.

Where water has been allowed to sit, there are places where the grain is raised.

The counters were treated with waterlox before installation. I am thinking about adding polyurethane.

How do you deal with water on your wood counters?