Thanks girls! Okay, will definitely still look into the polishing option. I was thinking it might be nice to back out of this idea, since we'll have to move out but that's just very lazy of me. Will still get some quotes etc, and will look at top coat options.

I do know a couple of people who have installed their own floating floor, but by god that makes me nervous . I'm not sure if I'd be brave enough to go with that option, especially knowing how expensive the flooring is!! But we'll see, it might be the only feasible way to do a floating floor.

CF, so you're happy with the look of your boards? Did you get them stained as well? I have seen pine boards done, with different results. Some I've loved, and some I haven't. I guess I just want to be sure that it will look great, and that it's the best option for our house .