Wood finishes

[NBPK402]

I have my carpenter building the top, and sides for my aluminum rack out of 1 1/2" wood, and he will be finishing them off with either a Polyurethane, or Danish oil.

My question is what would be best for a stain finish? My carpenter likes Polyurethane. I have a quart of Watco Danish oil. Both finishes would be to a cherry finish. The shelves have a mahogony he needed MDF.

I know that polyurethane is a harder finish, and that it protects from scratches, and water better, but is that protection really needed for a AV Cabinet? If I like the finish I will also be using it for the k402 cabinets too.

I talked with another high end carpenter, and he prefers the Danish oil.

Can anyone give me some insight on what might be best for me Using it for shelves, AV Cabinet, and Speaker cabinets?

 

[Sonnie Parker]

If you plan on moving equipment in and out, I would think the harder finish would fair better.

I believe oil will simply absorb into the wood and not leave you with any surface protection, although you can get ultra clear polyurethane to go over the oil for a protective coat.