There are a million ways to finish Oak. Some are better than others, and some take longer than others. Here is the one I have sellted on.
Minwax "Golden Oak" stain gives a nice color to the wood. Follow the directions on the can. Follow that the next day with 2 coats of the Minwax "helmsman" Spar Varnish, applied one day apart, and you will have a durable finish that will take the abuse and look better with age.