Water based poly science has come a long way from 10 years ago. It might take four coats versus three(oil based), but the toughness should be similar.

We did a water based finish on our floors. So far they are fine, but it is only been a few months. My GC‘s flooring guy feels that the finish is pretty durable and close to or as good as the oil based finish though, and we have known the GC a long time and trust him, so we went with it.

We had oil based finish in our last hole though and had no issues with bubblying. The two floors really look very similar as far as finish. The oil based maybe a little shinier, but it certainly wasn’t high gloss.

Quality depends, on which water base product line you are comparing oil to. Do you have names and product line that is being applied?

Our refinisher used Bona Traffic water based poly (3 coats) on our kitchen floor 3 years ago, and they still look impeccable. No fading, wear, etc. That being said, we do not wear shoes in the house, and run the vacuum robot every night after dinner.

Where did you get the idea that a water based poly would wear more quickly, please?

We only have water based finishes where I live and I have never heard problems I think the idea that oil based finishes are better is a very old idea.I for one am thrilled that oil based products and their smell have gone bye bye.

G&S Floor Service - she asked the flooring contractor. He uses a brand called Trek. He said the company recently changed the name of it, but that what it was called into recently. Do you know anything about that brand?

The high end water based finishes (Bona, Loba, StreetShoe, etc) have BETTER wear characteristics than oil. They are MUCH pricier than oil...but then again many things are pricier than an oil based wood finish (Minwax can be had for $30/gallon - if you can find it).

The LOW END water based polyurethanes (the stuff sitting RIGHT NEXT TO THE MINWAX on the shelf at Lowes or HD) are the one's that have the lower wear characteristics. Gone are the days that water based finishes were a lower quality. Now a days these high end finishes are ONLY found in water based formulas. Why? Because oil based finishes are illegal in Europe and 11 states in the USA (CARB compliant states do not allow Minwax to be sold by the gallon...it's illegal).

Joseph Corlett - Many floor companies say oil is stronger , but I am guessing they say that because it’s cheaper to use?

My sister had oil base in her old home and water base in her new home, and she also feels the oil was a little more durable. But I know so many factors come into play - type of product used, the company applying it etc