We are in the process of having our floors sanded down and refinished. Our home is a 1952 cape. The upstairs is heart pine and we are planning to just clear coat it with no stain. The entire downstairs is white oak. The kitchen area was recently opened to the living room and new white oak was laid down to replace the awful linoleum. From what I have seen I like a medium brown toned floor. I am not crazy about the auburn and yellow tones. We do have one 5yr old daughter who does want a puppy but that is only a wish list and will not be happening in the near future. Our floor finisher is suggesting 3 coats of bona oil based poly in a semi gloss. We installed white cabinets and have ordered a white quartz countertop. Our island is also white but will have a wood countertop to give the room some warmth. I am going for a traditional look with some country charm. Can someone please help with a good floor finish suggestion for downstairs. Also the stairs to the second floor are also heart pine. They are currently in need of refinishing look to be an auburn tone. The risers are not painted. Our floor finisher said he would not sand down the risers only buff and poly which would not look good if we decide to to a medium brown stain. Do you suggest we try to sand and stain the risers ourselves or simply paint them. I just hate to paint that beautiful wood. Please help. Did I mention it's 90 here in MA and were supposed to be having our daughters birthday party here in just over 2wks!