I've read of a tungston oil, don't think I got the name right because when I searched it, it came up as the metal tungston. It was used regularly on untreated spinning wheels, will keep searching for the right name, but I'm sure that is it. There is also something called Teak Oil. I posted the url below. Also, don't think it's very organic, but I read about people building pole buildings and preserving their wood with kerosene. Surely kerosene can't be good for organic, but it's a thought. I hope that helps. Here is a link that might be useful: Teak oil

I was very pleased with 100% real tung oil, cut with Citrus Solvent. I have a parrot and 4 cats and was worried about toxic fumes - well, for the humans too! You don't get a shiney, glossy finish, but a warm matte one and it spills really do clean up well. You have to layer several coats, but it is worth it. It makes for a very "vintage" feel too, instead of that acrylic plastic look. Here is a link that might be useful: Real Tung Oil and Citrus Solvent

Hi, Don't know if you've already decided on anything, but a couple of thoughts for you. Though you certainly could paint and a porch paint might be your best bet, there is something to consider. The cracks between the boards will not and should not be filled by the paint so water will be able to get in between the boards where they will not be sealed. This could conceivably, depending on the ventilation, create pockets of mold and/or rot that would give you big problems later. Nowadays, they are showing us more and more dangers from mold. I would imagine that would be a big concern as a new parent. Some of the earlier comments are very valid as I'm sure you know. No one mentioned the true curing time of latex paint - it really would be days before it should handle any real traffic and abuse. Hope this helps and congratulations! Ging

I have the SS but only have the left grid. It is the coated one . I don't want coated for the bottom grid so I'm waiting until it comes out. It should be by now but I've been too busy with other things. I also added a prep sink in the island which I use all the time. I don't want to get the Orca dirty - love the look when it's so shinny. I have a huge sewing room off the kitchen which has lots of counters and a double SS sink so I find myself taking pot and large items in there to wash them. I don't want to put that first scratch in it. Been three months. I do use the Orca grid for thawing stuff. When I do wash in it I use the rid to drain the clean ones. Just a warning!!!!!! I purchased the colander - wanted it so bad. After the granite was installed I pulled out the colander and it didn't fit It was too large for the space. I wanted a negative reveal on the sink making the colander too long. Mine is 1/4 inch too large to fit. I'm just sick about it. So have the colander to give to your granite people so they can cut it to fit.