I don’t want to do them a light color because the rest of the woodwork in the house (it’s an old house with a lot of molding and woodwork) is stained dark. I don’t think light floors would look right. I guess a medium color with a satin finish would be the next best choice.
Why do you suggest an oil based poly? I’m concerned with dry time and odor. If we use an oil based, can we stay in the house after applying it? How long does it need to dry before it can be recoated and until it’s dry enough to walk on?