Among the most crucial factors to think about is the durability of the polyurethane product because it will determine how long it will last. Water-based polyurethane should last several years and will look its best during this time. High-traffic areas will certainly wear down quicker than other areas that hardly ever see activity. As an example, the corridor or kitchen will see a lot more traffic than a spare bedroom or occasional study. It may be better to use a better quality formula in these areas. The polyurethane of any type that is put on floors and exposed to lots of sunshine from windows will wear down a lot faster than darker areas. The sun breaks down the material, requiring refinishing more often.