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Hi, I have seen earlier posts on this but am wondering if anyone has had recent experience with a water based floor finish for hardwood. We are just finishing a renovation on a garden and parlor floor and have oak on one floor and pine on the parlor – but that need sanding and finishing. I don’t have much free time anymore to do the work or much research and just got quotes from the two wood guys across from Lowes. Both recommended traditional oil poly. We have a two month old and are a bit concerned, even though we can stay out of the apartment for at least a few days or even a week from when the finishing will be done (though we will be two floors up in our rental unit). So I think we can avoid the cure fumes but now there is a lot of literature on the more long lasting “off gassing” and it’s enough to give me …gas. The wood guys say that even the best water based finishes need to be redone in about two years which of course is not what the products’ manufacturers claim. Another supposed benefit of the water finish is that it doesn’t amber over time but I actually like that look and don’t see that as a plus. So – any thouhgts on whether long term off gassing is really a threat and/or recent experience with a water finish?

Thank you!