I have a great flooring guy refinishing my oak floors, and I'm torn between using 3 coats of oil based poly, or 4 coats of water based poly. He said he'll do either, but he suggests the extra coat of water based poly as the 4th coat will make the finish just as strong as 3 coats of oil based, and that's what he's done on most of his residential floors. I know he uses Bona, but not sure which one. He has the highest references and has done many 10,000+ square foot homes for people I know.

My scenario: just married, 10 month old golden retriever, kids will be on the way in a year or so, will stay in the house for at least 10 years.

What would you suggest? I hope to make the floors as durable as possible - having an 85lb dog with nails, kids in the future, I want to minimize dents, etc.

Thanks!

The best waterborne urethane floor finishes are more durable than any oil based urethane. Bona Traffic is Bona's most durable. Three coats of Traffic over stain or a sealer is plenty and will outperform any oil-modified polyurethane. That being said, no floor finish is dent or scratch proof, period. Floor finishes do not make wood harder than the wood already is. With a dog, you will get scratches. I suggest Bona Traffic in a satin sheen and regular recoats.