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We're trying to recreate the exact finish in the reference photo for our new kitchen worktop. We haven't purchased the worktop yet but we know the ref is stained and sealed butcher block, but we're unsure what products will actually achieve this look.

We'll have stainless steel around the sink, but we know there'll still be maintenance. We don't mind that, but if the finish gets damaged, do you normally just sand and reapply the topcoat, or do you have to re-stain as well?

My partner is concerned if we have to try and rematch a stain every time we do spot matinence it wont work and we will have to do a full sand, stain and varnish and so thinks we should just buy wood that's already the colour in the ref, but I think finding this exact shade would be difficult and far more expensive than staining it. I've got some dark walnut butcher block samples to test on, and while I think I can achieve the gloss, I'm struggling to work out how to get the subtle reddish tones in the reference. My feeling is light butcher block with a mahogany stain will do the trick and be cheaper but not sure if spot matinence will be possible. 

So:

\- Stain + seal, or just seal?

\- What products would you use (hardwax oil, varnish, etc.)?

\- Any long-term experiences or photos of similar worktops?

What would you do?

Settle this debate!