Happy with our choice. I can't comment on how it compares with similar products though as have only lived with timber or laminate bench tops in past. It has withstood several clumsy knocks from pulling pots out of dishwasher (we didn't go with an under mounting sink so can't comment on that). I've noticed one tiny (pin head) sized chip to surface on island but this part of bench gets a lot of use (not sure what caused it). No staining from my messy little artists either.

If panels are still unsealed.......A good quality product would be dry treat (Description/application below) it can be sprayed on to the vertical surface with a good quality sprayer. Any excess should be wiped off with a damp cloth of the same product. product wont affect the existing appearance unless you leave areas of excess product. Its best to contact (Dry Treat) and be directed by your local sales representative of the correct application for this. Always best to speak to the manufacturers of any sealant product first. Guy Typical applications STAIN-PROOF Original™ is suitable for a wide variety of indoor and outdoor applications in residential and commercial buildings, including: building facades, floors, walls, countertops, showers, swimming pool surrounds, patios, garages, kitchens and entertaining areas.

Hi Some floorboards can have a finish applied as they come raw whilst others cannot without work. It depends on the brand and finish. I suggest you speak to the installers and get hold of the manufacturers rep to ask about the finish if it is not readily available at the point of sale. You should be able to just have the floor lightly buffed after it is installed (ie scratch/rough up the existing polish) to create a purchase for the new polish without actually sanding down to the timber. You do need to know what type of finish it is ie oil based or water based on the original boards as they can sometimes react with each other if you change. Then your sander can apply the new finish. Cheers

The penny rubber flooring yes and it's great, I think anything with a rough surface will collect dirt. You can get a commercial lino that looks like granite etc that also looks good and doesn't have a polished surface