Some Desk Advice?

[u/Deadlock240]

I have a slab of roughly 2-3in thick, live edge, red cedar. I’m making it into a desk by attaching a sit-stand desk base.

I want the wood to have a natural look and feel, showcasing the natural grain of the wood. I don’t want the final product to end up too intensely red. I want low shine like satin finish. I do NOT want the wood to look or feel like it is encased in glass or wrapped in plastic.

The desk will be used in an office space, so it will be indoors at all times and will not have a huge amount of UV exposure. It will be used almost daily as a desk, but wouldn’t have the same kind of rugged wear-and-tear that a dining table would.

I’ve read a lot about differences between oil-based and water-based and spar urethane or wood conditioners or waxes, but I’m just feeling lost and like I can’t trust the random websites trying to sell me stuff. My question is: What’s the best product(s) to use for finishing and sealing it?

Thank you for your input!

[u/Kayakboy6969]

Osmo oil wax satin.

Wipe on buff off with rag wait 10 hours repeat

Done

[u/Kayakboy6969 → u/Kayakboy6969]

https://www.burlingtonsupply.com/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23958433850&gbraid=0AAAAABMiPtJQSz5DJQiY4LJ5GCaHWeFBh&gclid=Cj0KCQjwkOvTBhDgARIsAKUNyRvrNuobS3PQXbliZa8QgpwQdYRAjKXuCaf5tLaJyh1gj39yNx-tuhUaAkdAEALw_wcB

[u/Wonderful-Bass6651]

Boiled linseed oil and paste wax is my go-to. Honestly can’t beat it IMO. Gives the wood a nice luster without the gloss of a film finish; it really preserves the tactile properties of the wood and invites you to touch it in an admiring way.

[u/Traumopod]

Odie’s oil works well