Each finish has their benefits as well as disadvantages. We sell and use 3 types of finish: Polyurethane, Waterbased and Tung Oils.
Polyurethane finished were commonly used years ago and were one of the most common finishes provided on the market. It is amber in color and even though it is a very durable finish, the VOC content is high and becomes very smelly. It also takes longer to dry, which means you’ll have to be off your hardwood for at least 24-48 hours.
Water based finishes are becoming very popular, as they dry quicker and have a low VOC content, meaning the smell is easily managed. Water based finishes are also our go-to for pastel colors, it is clear in color and it does not affect the color of the stain.
Tung Oil finishes are also becoming very popular as it has a European look. There is essentially no sheen and is completely natural. This finish is easily maintained as any scratches can be touched up with oil. It does require regular maintenance however, as the oil will need to be re-coated. The time between coats depends on the amount of traffic you have.