i agree, if you use water based poly, it drys very fast, most manufacturers say that only two coats should be applied in a day. for a commercial setting with heavy foot traffic i would not go with less than 5. if its tables and chairs i would go 7. in my experience the water based poly does not go on as thick. i used to use minwax high build for rentals, but it takes forever to cure. if you use water based it typically can be reapplied immediatly after the first coat is dry, without sanding or scuffing. anything longer than 8 hrs i would definatly scuff, a maroon pad works great on a floor scurbber, just dont heel the machine. or it will eat threw a layer or two.
good luck.
show us pics when your done with it if you can please.