Which clear finish for doors?

I'm getting some internal glazed doors made of Pacific Beech (Vitex cofassus) and I'm wondering what finish to put on them. I don't like the look of paint, which is really a thin sheet of plastic - and it seems a shame to cover up beautiful timber. I don't like the amount of work involved with modern "varnishes". so I thought of oiling the doors. But the door supplier says they have to be sealed with polyurethane or paint, to prevent moisture getting in, whch would cause warping.

So it looks like some polyurethane type finish, which I'm not looking forward to because it deteriorates quickly and has to be resanded and given many coats again quite often. My local hardware recommended Cabots, and said oil based is longer lasting (or was it harder wearing?) than water based.

One of the doors will be in a bright room with plenty of reflected natural light, but they will have little if any direct sunlight on.

I'd be gratefull to hear of your experience and recommendations. Is there any objective research into this? Has anyone oiled a Pacific Beech door, and after many years, not had any warping?


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