There are three general types of finish to use on your residential wood floor. There are also urethanes for highly durable impact resistant commercial floors.
The three most common are:
Penetrating Oils: The most common of these is Tung Oil. It is easy to apply, typically 4 to 5 coats. It accents the color of the wood. It is not durable, but is easy to do touch up.
Oil-Based Trethanes: They are easy to apply but require overnight curing between coats, typically three. They are durable, but not easy to touch up. They accent the color of the wood.
Water-Based Urethanes: Relatively easy to apply. They do not require as long of cure time. Two to three coats can be applied in one day, They do not accent the color of the wood.
We have sample available of flooring finished with all of these.