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.

Hi I have carpet in a room and want to rip it up to put parquetry oak flooring but underneath is concrete slab.. Am i able to just put glue down or must i put a lyer of ply then underlay and nail. what alternative ideas other then swapping to a engineered flooring or wood tile look floor. Kind regards Rob

Hi I’ve done floor sanding and coating timber floors for over 25 years so can explain the differences between finishes Solvent based is possibly still the most common finish used on floors in Melbourne. It’s very durable has high chemical resistance and is the most cost effective finish. Negatives are has strong solvent smell and prone to yellowing over time Available in Matt satin and gloss. Waterbased finishes range greatly in durability depending on what type you get.(not what brand) Single pack WB finishes are the cheapest least durable are also prone to yellowing over time although they are classified as non yellowing, I feel this is misleading. They also have a low chemical resistance to household spills. 2pk Wb finishes are far more durable and some are as much as 3.5x more durable than the same branded single pack. Some of the top quality WB are also unaffected by by u.v. This is particularly important with lighter toned or white washed floors. Other advantages of WB is low odour and are available in ultra flat Matt finishes. Hope this helps.