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 monicafowler96 There are pros and cons for either a solid hardwood timber flooring or a quality engineered flooring. Solid will give you a longer life span with more times it can be sanded and refinished but ususally more expensive to lay and finish in the desired finish. A roasted solid timber is a good option if you want a dark floor- also makes it harder and colour penetrates right through. Make sure the timber is acclimatised before laying to minimise movement (shrinkage and expansion) or cupping can occur. A quality engineered flooring with a thick wear layer is often chosen because it still gives you 2-3 sands. It comes prefinished so it's cost effective. Some are smoked so any scratches are minimal in appearance. Check out the Venture plank range from Havwoods for a product with a thick wear layer. https://www.havwoods.com.au/flooringsearch/engineered-timber-flooring/venture-plank Stay away from any of the thin or mdf backed products. Arena Venture plank pictured above Just a further thought- make sure you have alot of natural light if you want a very dark floor and they do require more cleaning as they show the dust. Best wishes

Contents Best LooksCarpet Hardwood Best for Looks: Hardwood Water and heat resistanceCarpet Hardwood Ideal for water and heat resistance: tie Maintenance and cleaningCarpet Hardwood Ideal for maintenance and cleaning: hardwood Durability and maintenanceCarpet Hardwood Ideal for durability and maintenance: hardwood Carpet Carpet gives more type in color, texture, and touch, but hardwood and rug come in unlimited of styles to fit almost any interior design. The rug not only feels soft but also visually, as the rug surfaces generally have a soft, smooth room design. Hardwood The appearance of the parquet is recognizable by everyone and its main charm is the natural colors of the wood and the fascinating pattern of the wood grain, which varies according to the type of wood. Hardwood floors create a bold statement that is as solid on the eyes as it is on the feet. Best for Looks: Hardwood This is mostly a matter of choice, most people see hardwood floors as more attractive than rugs. Water and heat resistance Carpet The synthetic fibers used in most modern rugs make them highly resistant to water damage. However, it is important to prevent water from entering the wood backing or base, as mold under the rug can become infected. For this reason, rugs are never recommended for use in wet areas like bathrooms or areas where spills are likely to occur, like bathrooms. B. Kitchens. Carpet can also be easily damaged by heat, e.g. Eg B. burning cigarettes or hot pots. And some carpet materials can give off toxic fumes in a severe home fire. Hardwood floors aren't recommended in areas where water or moisture is constant, though they often work well in a kitchen where splashes can dry instantly. Most hardwood flooring is also not recommended for below-grade installation against a concrete slab, as moisture from the ground often seeps through the slab. However, hardwood floors may be strong enough to be used in these circumstances. Hardwood can be marked by excessive heat, although minor burn marks can sometimes be sanded and machined. Ideal for water and heat resistance: tie Carpeted and hardwood floors are not recommended for wet or constantly wet conditions, such as bathrooms or basement tiles. While the carpet fibers are immune to water damage, the backing fabric can encourage mold and mildew to grow. Hardwood can be easily damaged by water. Both materials can burn or be burned by cigarettes. Maintenance and cleaning Carpet Normal cleaning isn't particularly difficult with rugs, as they simply need to be vacuumed frequently. However, some people find it impossible to completely clean the carpet because the stains are absorbed and set permanently and because dust and micro bacteria are easily trapped in the fibers. Carpet is considered a poor flooring material for allergy sufferers. Hardwood Of the two materials, parquet is by far the easiest to clean. A simple sweep or vacuum will remove loose dirt, and regular cleaning with a wood cleaner will remove deeper dirt and most stains. Ideal for maintenance and cleaning: hardwood Hardwood is considered to be the easiest flooring material to maintain because it is less prone to staining and does not retain dust and allergens as carpet does. Durability and maintenance Carpet Routine maintenance should include frequent vacuuming and trying to remove stains as soon as you notice them. An occasional deep cleaning by a professional cleaning service can extend the life of your carpet, but it rarely lasts more than a decade. Hardwood floors in the best state can last for many years, and some of the high-quality materials can last for ages. In addition, solid wood can be sanded and completely finished in case of heavy wear. If done correctly, most floors can be sanded three or even four times in their lifetime. With this large surface sanding job, the surface color needs to be refreshed every few years. This usually involves lightly rubbing the surface with an abrasive screen, followed by the application of good-quality polyurethane paint. Ideal for durability and maintenance: hardwood Hardwood floors have a huge advantage over carpets in terms of durability and maintenance.