Pic of the flooring we ordered.

[Inspector Vol]

It is Maple. This is a clear natural finish but we will be putting a stain on it. It will be a light stain but we haven't picked it out yet.

This will be my first attempt at sanding and finishing a wood floor ........hope it turns out well or she may divorce me.      

The only flooring we found pre-finished that we liked cost $5 or $6 per sq ft. This was 1.65 per sq ft. I had to give it a try. I think I will start in the bedrooms first though.  

[Inspector Vol]

Ok which one of these colors do you guys like the best? We are leaning toward the 4th picture but like them all except for #3.

http://www.vintageflooring.ca/content/maple_hardwood_floors

[Clockwork Orange]

Ok which one of these colors do you guys like the best? We are leaning toward the 4th picture but like them all except for #3.

http://www.vintageflooring.ca/content/maple_hardwood_floors

That depends on how much natural light you will have, IMO. Even pic #4, which is very dark, would be beautiful in bright room. I really don't think you can go wrong with any of them.

[10EC]

Ok which one of these colors do you guys like the best? We are leaning toward the 4th picture but like them all except for #3.

http://www.vintageflooring.ca/content/maple_hardwood_floors

#1 imo

[midtnvol]

My experience with hardwood (I really have had some) is that Maple doesn't accept stains all that well and the darker you try to stain it the more varied the boards will be. If that is the desired effect then fine but if you want a more homogeneous appearance then I would suggest a lighter color or just natural.

[Inspector Vol]

You are correct. Fortunately I have some expert help available in applying the color. (My brother in law owns a custom cabinet shop) We don't really care for a natural finish. We think it is pretty enough it just doesn't suit our personal taste. Our cabinets our maple as well. We are thinking about making them significantly dark, and we would like the floor somewhere from slightly colored to medium colored as depicted at the link. Thanks for the tip.

My experience with hardwood (I really have had some) is that Maple doesn't accept stains all that well and the darker you try to stain it the more varied the boards will be. If that is the desired effect then fine but if you want a more homogeneous appearance then I would suggest a lighter color or just natural.