I have been told by one person that oiled as opposed to poly is the way to go on flooring for durability. But then my designer said absolutely not! that poly was the most durable finish. The oil finish fan says that if you get a scratch on your floor all you have to do is oil the area whereas with poly floors you have to re-sand the whole thing. But the poly fan says you need to worry about dropping something and staining the oil floor....help! I really like the look of the oiled floor. I have been told they are used in restaurants because the finish is so durable. I am looking to use the oil on white oak by the way.