From the point of view of how we manage our time, which is unrelentingly finite, I don't find oil a practical seal for the traffic and spills of the kitchen area, unless you enjoy constantly tending something, cleaning and re-oiling regularly. Timber floor finishes have changed a lot in recent years. Polyurethane gives timber a distinctly tan/orange colour. Water based seals are a bit more expensive but far more durable in low sheen than polyurethane, and doesn't add that orange tint. If you wet a piece of your timber you will see a similar effect to water-based seal - it intensifies the marks, grains, tones and colour differences somewhat - just like wetting a dry rock or shell intensifies the marks and colours briefly. You can experiment on a piece of your flooring first before making a decision. Good luck with the results - I too think your flooring has great potential.

I have two dogs and they both live and play inside. At one stage we had three. Our floors look no more worn than the day I oiled then 6 years ago. We will be selling in around a year and at that time I may rotary with a white pad (never need to sand again)but really there is no need. After 30 years of fixing timber issues, it breaks my heart to see such a beautiful substance treated with a toxic plastic bag. This is our puppy the other day with a sore foot.

Please clarify as to what is the actual problem with your hardwood floors, being in the front of dishwasher?

I’ve recently purchased my first home and am having the floors stained darker and resurfaced. Today I popped in to have a look, and the stain looks strange and uneven. There is a very pronounced rainbow sheen in places and some spots look much darker than others. I’m just wondering if this is normal for the first coat of stain or something? Will it get better if they put another coat on? I don’t want to be a pest and bring it up with the contractor if it isn’t a problem. Would really like some advice from any pros or people with experience.