You want to use the linseed oil on every surface. You're trying to protect the wood and keep it from cupping. Don't worry, it'll weather juuuust fine. Water requirements are going to be a function of construction, as much as material in my experience. Using a single slab of wood or resin will keep the soil damper than multiple slats which will allow more air in. The resin probably keeps a bit more moisture in, but in my experience, you're going to be watering daily or every other day no matter what. Bushes and small trees take up a lot of water.

I read my local online newspaper but never saw a word of this. I'm really testing this 2012 theory now to see if it's full of bs or if maybe there is an end coming to the world. This polar shift I've read about is predicted to do serious damage to the planet earth. All the pre-requisites are falling into place. Hurricanes, earthquakes, flooding. The US is 'supposed' to receive the majority of the damage, but supposedly it's going to be on a grand worldly scale. This type of hype has been going on forever. We shall have to wait and see. Until then, my slogan is: Don't be Scared, Fooled, and something else. I don't plan to buy a slot on top of a mountain in Africa however. Sorry to go offtrack. I mean it. Later on - Dax

I have lab countertops made of resin. Bought the panels new, but honestly, I would not be concerned about the safety of buying used. It is totally completely impervious--that's the whole point of lab counters. Whatever material you use on the counters cannot permeate, or that would compromise whatever chemical work is going on in the lab. Lab counters are subject to much higher standards for cleanability and anti-microbial-whatever than kitchen countertops ever are. I have found that this material scratches, so you should look at it first to see if you like the aesthetics. But it is a solid surface, so whatever is exposed through scratching would also be impervious. You can used hydrocloric acid on this stuff! I really enjoy mine. It's a great surface for working with dough, and it cleans like a dream. This morning (snow day) my daughter made a bunch of silly putty using different food colors, and it's nice to have no worries about staining or chemicals or how quickly we clean up.

I guess that could work, depending on how uneven it is. Not sure it would make a good mouse pad though. Instead perhaps consider taking a picture or scanning it in, and uploading it to one of those sites where you can have various items made from a photo. I know I've seen mouse pads on those sites.