Really....good water borne finishes are actually harder than oil in my experience. I would go with water over oil any day for a number of reasons. Fumes and the time required before foot traffic in a residential environment not the least of them and being right up there with performance.I have a great flooring guy refinishing my oak floors, and I'm torn between using 3 coats of oil based poly, or 4 coats of water based poly. He said he'll do either, but he suggests the extra coat of water based poly as the 4th coat will make the finish just as strong as 3 coats of oil based, and that's what he's done on most of his residential floors. He has the highest references and has done many 10,000+ square foot homes for people I know.
My scenario: just married, 10 month old golden retriever, kids will be on the way in a year or so, will stay in the house for at least 10 years.
What would you suggest? I hope to make the floors as durable as possible - having an 85lb dog with nails, kids in the future, I want to minimize dents, etc.
Thanks!
