If you have used a water-based polyurethane, you should know that it dries much faster than oil-based polyurethane. This allows you to walk over the surface of the newly finished floor after, 24 hours, but you should be careful and should not wear shoes or socks. After 3 to 4 days, you can wear socks but you should not wear shoes. After a week, you can walk over the surface of your floor with your shoes on. You can also bring in your furniture on the floor as well. You should apply area rugs once the floor has completely dried, at least wait for two months, and then use floor mats and area rugs.