A new take on finishes, oil wax finishes have become more common as they have become more durable.  They are a matte finish which is a beautiful finish on wood such as walnut where the grain is the entire reason to choose them.  Originally created as a floor finish (so very durable) oil-wax finishes have begun to be used for furniture, including tables and other such high use pieces.  This is actually very similar to what is applied to cutting boards to maintain them.

A very common and cheap finish for wood.  Polyurethane is applied in layers and can be built up to whatever level of protection is required. It is easy to sand down and refinish in the future as well.  Polyurethane as different finish styles (similar to paint), such as gloss, semigloss, and flat. It tends to add a slight yellow tint to the wood once applied. 

A extremely durable finish often used in restaurants.  This involves pouring a thin layer of epoxy on the top of a piece.  This means objects set on it only touch the layer of epoxy.  This method though tends to be a high gloss and makes the table top almost look like it has a pane of glass.  This is purely for durability, not for aesthetics.

An easy finish to apply, but requires regular maintenance to upkeep.  This includes Boiled Linseed Oil, Tung Oil, Teak Oil, and Danish Oil.  It has a nice matte finish and adds an amber tint to the wood just like Polyurethane.

A water-based Poly.  This form of polyurethane doesn’t have as much of a tint as Polyurethane.  A good option if you don’t want to add a yellow tint to your wood (ideal for white oak, which tends to lose its unique color as it turns a golden color.  This finish is applied just like Polyurethane is, and is just as easy, if a little more expensive.

Not usually used as a finish in and of itself, stains are used to change the natural color of the wood.  There are many colors and types of stains, but usually they require a coat of finish after the stain has dried.  Polyurethane is a common finish used on stained wood.