Well, I did a trial with a few tiles and then covered them with polyurethane. The trial didn't necessarily go entirely to plan but I was able to establish that PU will be too soft. Epoxy is likely to yellow even indoors, so that leaves me with the following solution: 1. make the tiles thicker (not a big deal) use tile selection and a thicker tile bed to enable a relatively flat surface to be made 3. seal it with a thin polyurethane to protect from mess Thanks for the contributions.

Hi Kate, do you have any floor plans or pictures which will help us visualise the areas?

Well here you are Marilyn, the final finish. It is a light look, the first photo appears darker than what they appear in real life, it's more like the third photo. I am happy with the look. I have a few issues with the quality of the work with a 'burnt' mark you may see in the first photo and 'boot' marks in other areas. That aside I am happy with the American Oak and Bona Traffic HD Satin. It's not too shiny but has a lovely subtle sheen to it. The Bona Traffic HD is supposed to stop the timber from yellowing or getting darker.

Shoes are removed before entering the house and mat at the door so those bases are covered but stones still get tracked in. I use the hardwood head but the stones get caught and dragged in the felt underneath. I’ve just resorted to the old fashioned broom. Slower but no risk of scratching.