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 some old discoloured and damaged cork tiles glued to hardwood floors. I would like to remove the cork and polish the hardwood floors. What is the best way to do this without damaging the hardwood and costing a mint?

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.

Hello Louise yes I think this mix will look good. I would suggest limiting the proportion of Lighter timber though, and using a greater proportion of white (like in some of the images above and here below). I would also recommend that you don't stain (colour) your floors but just polish (clear lacquer) them. Before sanding and polishing you could also fill the small gaps and cracks between the boards with Calking and then sand this calking back (when dry) along with the timber to give a more flush uniform, modern finish to your floor. Hope this helps, Malcolm